Safely Ahead of the Game

→ Put your own spin on outside advice. While Longo does advise that you listen to what experts say, he suggests giving it a good wring through. "Try to understand what's legitimate advice, and what just won't work for the way you do business," he says.

→ Rein in your emotions. Longo admits that he's a passionate guy, so he's had to put in place systems that remove any emotion from the decision-making process. He says that establishing metrics for every part of the business and allowing others to challenge his decisions have helped keep his emotional nature in check.&000;&000; &000;&000;