For many entrepreneurs, the path to success begins with an unwavering hustle. But for Zoltan, founder of SPES Technologies, sustained growth often requires more than sheer effort—it demands reflection, strategy, and the courage to pivot. Through his journey of transforming a managed IT services firm into a fractional CTO consultancy, Zoltan has amassed lessons that every entrepreneur can learn from.
Building a Business with Vision
Zoltan’s career began with a clear goal: helping business leaders focus on their long-term vision by eliminating the technological distractions that impede growth.
“I make sure the technology infrastructure—both the literal hardware and the business processes—are healthy,” he explains. “If the leadership wants to 2x, 5x, or 10x their business, they can’t do it if their systems are unreliable or outdated. I smooth out those issues so they can scale effectively.”
By transitioning from a reactive managed services model to a strategic fractional CTO offering, Zoltan has positioned himself as a key partner for businesses aiming for sustainable growth. “I spend more time on the future of my clients, rather than just reacting to their problems,” he says, reflecting a shift that has defined his success.
Lessons from a Pivot: Knowing When to Let Go
One of Zoltan’s most profound insights is the importance of knowing when to pivot—a process he describes as “letting go of your creations to make way for something better.”
“We all have things we’ve built and nurtured in our businesses that we hold onto for too long, even when they’re no longer serving us,” Zoltan shares. His realization came after years of running on the “hustle treadmill” without taking time to evaluate what was truly effective. “I had to pause and ask: Is this hustle worthwhile? If not, it’s time to let it go.”
Zoltan’s advice to entrepreneurs evaluating their own operations is both straightforward and bold:
- Assess What Works: Take inventory of your efforts and eliminate the tasks or clients that don’t align with your goals. “Some clients take 80% of your time but generate only 20% of your revenue. Let them go.”
- Say No Strategically: “When you say yes to one thing, you’re saying no to something else,” he explains. Being selective about commitments ensures your energy is spent on high-impact activities.
- Commit to the Pivot: Whether it’s refining a service offering or turning away misaligned clients, Zoltan encourages entrepreneurs to “rip the band-aid off” and focus on what moves the needle.
Redefining the Hustle: Working Smarter, Not Harder
Zoltan’s shift in mindset came after a period of near burnout.
“I didn’t start a business to work more. I started a business to make more money,” he says, recounting advice from a friend that helped reshape his perspective. This insight led him to prioritize efficiency over endless effort.
“Stop and reflect on what makes you money, and do more of that,” he advises. For everything else, he recommends either outsourcing or deprioritizing. “Your time is your most valuable asset. Use it wisely.”
When asked how entrepreneurs can adopt this mindset, Zoltan stresses the importance of incremental change. “You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start small. Commit to saying no to time-wasting activities and focus on building habits that align with your goals.”
Educating the Market: The Fractional CTO Difference
As a fractional CTO, Zoltan’s primary challenge is educating business owners about the value of proactive technology management.
“Most people don’t think about what I do until there’s an emergency,” he says. “My ideal clients are the ones who want to avoid the pain of a crisis.”
Zoltan works tirelessly to build awareness through networking and one-on-one conversations. His pitch is simple: the cost of avoiding IT disasters is far less than recovering from them. “Imagine the impact of a two-day outage for a business where each employee generates $300 an hour,” he explains. “It’s a massive loss that could have been prevented with the right systems in place.”
To bridge the gap, Zoltan relies on relationship-building and practical advice. “I tell my clients: work on your business a little at a time. Small, consistent improvements add up to significant results over time.”
Entrepreneurial Truths: No One Has It All Figured Out
Reflecting on his journey, Zoltan offers a candid takeaway for aspiring entrepreneurs:
“No one’s got it figured out. We’re all winging it,” he says. “You look at other entrepreneurs and think they have their act together, but behind the scenes, everyone’s dealing with challenges.”
This insight has been instrumental in helping Zoltan approach his own business with confidence. “You have to know your worth and not be afraid to charge for it. The value you bring to your clients—whether it’s peace of mind or operational efficiency—is worth something.”
Final Thoughts
Zoltan’s story is a testament to the power of strategic thinking and adaptability in entrepreneurship. By shifting from hustle to strategy, he has built a business that not only serves his clients’ immediate needs but also positions them for long-term success.
For entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, Zoltan’s insights serve as a reminder to work smarter, pivot when necessary, and always keep an eye on the big picture. As Zoltan says, “The hustle is only worth it if it’s leading somewhere meaningful.”
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