Sex, Lies, and Real Estate

"I would never go back," says accused Russian spy Anna Chapman of her decision to become an entrepreneur after years of being an investment banker.

Image: Mediaite.com

What do sexy Russian spies have in common with entrepreneurs? Both understand the value of personal relationships, introductions, and problem-solving.

At least that’s what accused Russian spy Anna Chapman told Yonkers, New York-based production company And Now Media, which was doing a video wrap of New York Entrepreneur Week, according to Mediaite.com. Of course, she didn’t come out and say what her day job was, but she make some interesting points that show the parallels between the two professions.

Her advice to entrepreneurs, whether trying to infiltrate the government or just the daily grind of starting a company:

• An idea that starts from a personal struggle can resonate with a lot of future customers and make the business a success. She claimed her startup Property Finder (and it’s corresponding site nycrentals.com) was born out of her frustration with finding an apartment to buy when she first moved to New York. Entrepreneurs take note: solving a client’s “pain” is what good business aims to do.
• Technology is key. Chapman says she purposely went back to her “mother country of Russia,” to initially launch her company because existing websites there used outdated technology. She felt her updated skills would change the way Russians found real estate.
• Entrepreneurs need a forum where they can bounce ideas off each other—and find inspiration when times get tough. “It’s very important for similar souls to get together in a time of crisis and see that other people have gone a long way to success,” she says. “It’s important to inspire them to go forward with their ideas.”
• It’s all about problem-solving. Once you’ve identified a client’s need, it’s time to get creative. Whether that means being stealthy in recruitment strategies or moving money from one entity to another, spies and entrepreneurs often find themselves up against challenges. What helps them overcome their issues? “Connections are probably something that’s going to help,” says Chapman.
• Connections are the lifeblood of any successful business. While many of the alleged spies’ neighbors found it hard to believe that the Russian government thought it could infiltrate the White House from Montclair, New Jersey, and Yonkers, New York, in today’s global marketplace, proximity is relative. A few keystrokes online can lead to making the right connections and those could be the key to any exclusive organization.

Chapman goes on to praise the contacts she made during the week, saying she’s already told her friends abroad that they must attend the next one. And when asked about making the move from her investment banking life to becoming an entrepreneur, she answered: “It was the best choice I’ve made in my life. I’ll never go back.” We can’t help but wonder if she still feels that way or whether she’s already using her entrepreneurial skills to launch prisonproperties.com.