The New York Times recently published an article discussing the advice top entrepreneurs received when first starting their companies. Here’s what they were told:

Fred Carl Jr. - Viking Range

• Treat your business as though it were a large public company. Start by hiring the best lawyers and accountants. They’ll be your best investment for the future.

Howard Schultz  - Starbucks

• Invest in human capital before your company’s growth curve.
• Leaders must leave their egos at the door to recognize the skills still needed to build a great organization.

Earl G. Graves - Earl G. Graves Ltd (Black Enterprise Magazine)

• Trust people so that you can delegate responsibility and leverage yourself and your ideas.

S. Truett Cathy - Chick-fil-A

• Don’t get overexcited about what you are doing. This could lead to large amounts of debt.

Jeff Taylor – Monster.com

• When starting a business, just do it. Jumping right in will help get you closer to achieving your goals.