Sadaf Salout ’07 and ’10 is an entrepreneurial dynamo and she was recently interviewed for the Mihaylo College blog. It’s a great interview that covers her thoughts and advice on entrepreneurship and she goes into detail about her experiences in the restaurant business. Here’s a taste from the interview:

Daniel Coates (Mihaylo College): You opened Sadaf Restaurant at age 26, with juicy chicken as your “claim to fame.” What advice would you give to Mihaylo students and alumni on how they can develop a unique yet actionable restaurant business concept? 

Sadaf Salout: First, do your research and see what’s out there and whether it is working. What can you do differently from the competition? I always remember what John Bradley Jackson, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, said: “You have to be first, best or different.” Also, create focus groups and allow family or friends to critique your concept. Don’t get discouraged when your plan is not working out the way you hoped.

A business plan is invaluable, for it helps to break down your idea or concept and tackle every aspect, such as marketing, finance, operations and organizational strategy. It is important to ask for help, and not try to do everything yourself. If finance is not your strong suit or marketing is not your strong suit, bring in other people who have those strengths.

Make sure to read the whole interview, it’s definitely worth your while.

#CSUF

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