Kirill Bensonoff is a “parallel entrepreneur,” currently holding leadership positions at ComputerSupport.com and Unigma. Follow him @unigmaapp. 

Who is your hero? (In business, life, or both.)

In business, it’s Peter Thiel. He was at the right place at the right time, and he took advantage of it. He also started his own very successful ventures and venture capital funds, wrote a book and helped close Gawker.

In life, it’s Mick Jagger. What a ride!

What’s the single best piece of business advice (unorthodox tips welcome!) that helped shape who you are as an entrepreneur today, and why?

“Just do it.” I can’t remember who told me that (or maybe it’s just the Nike commercial), but I am a man of action. I would rather try and fail than never try at all. That is my modus operandi.

What’s the biggest mistake you ever made in your business, and what did you learn from it that others can learn from too?

Lack of focus. I tend to do many things at once, so it’s tough keeping myself and my company focused.

What do you do during the first hour of your business day and why?

I drink coffee, check emails, and call a few key employees and partners while on the road.

What’s your best financial/cash-flow related tip for entrepreneurs just getting started?

Don’t rely on outside funding and balance the books; this will start the company off on a strong footing.

Quick: What’s ONE thing you recommend ALL aspiring or current entrepreneurs do right now to take their biz to the next level?

Do what you enjoy, something that you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. Work with a partner who you have known for awhile or go for it yourself.

What’s your definition of success? How will you know when you’ve finally “succeeded” in your business?

My definition of success is building a business that is your legacy. After you are gone, people will still know of you.