No entrepreneur is without a smartphone or tablet anymore, it seems. In fact, it’s hard to remember what, exactly, we did before we had the ability to stay on top of everything from operations to pitch deck edits on the fly (or in the middle of a family vacation — hey, it happens!). But with the proliferation of “apps” — particularly those targeting business owners and their employees — it’s hard to know which ones are worth the download.

I asked a panel of 13 successful young entrepreneurs the following question:

9. Dropbox

Dropbox’s mobile app is the best app for entrepreneurs. Being able to access my files anywhere I go is invaluable. I can see a document on my iPhone, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iPad seamlessly. It saves me time and money.
- Aaron Pitman, API Domain Investments

We’ve all heard it before: network, network, network. Of course, in a professional environment, it’s necessary to make connections to get your name into the public consciousness. We hunt for relationships and networking opportunities so much that we sometimes forget the most basic and efficient way to connect: a simple “hello.”

Everyone has a story. People have jobs, connections, friends, and family. Every person you meet on the street has the potential to help your business endeavors in some way.

Ask The Entrepreneurs is a regular series where members of those involved in the Young Entrepreneur Council are asked a single question that aims to help Lifehack readers level up their own lives in the areas of management, communication, business, or life in general.

Here’s the question posed in this edition of Ask The Entrepreneurs:

9. Domain Name Buying

An entrepreneur could start buying generic domain names for $10 and sell them to companies that could benefit from them. I started out this way, with 10 names at $10 each. This turned into a multimillion-dollar company that now develops domain names into living, breathing companies.

- Aaron Pitman, API Domain Investments

When I was 18 years old, I met a fellow entrepreneur through MySpace. He took me under his wing and taught me the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Through him, I learned firsthand how to build a successful business. I can confidently say that without his help, I would not be the man I am today. I was fortunate to have this experience early on in life and because of it, I not only help out other young entrepreneurs, but I never stop looking for a new connection to make.

If you’re serious about building a business, then you have to understand the importance of both giving back and networking with everyone around you — trust me, the two are linked. Here are some tips to perfect the art of power networking.

An entrepreneur could start buying generic domain names for $10 and sell them to companies that could benefit from them. I started out this way, with 10 names at $10 each. This turned into a multimillion-dollar company that now develops domain names into living, breathing companies. - Aaron Pitman, API Domain Investments

Aaron Pitman, president and founder of API Domain Investments, agrees. "Freedom is my driver," he says. "I always wanted to be able to call my own shots, be in charge of my destiny, and have the ability to set my own life."

A positive mindset defines a great leader. If you don't buy into a bulletproof mindset of positivity, you won't make it as an entrepreneur. Business is constantly filled with ups and downs; if the captain of the ship is always positive, he will influence others to feel the same.

16. Domain Name Industry Will Explode Again

“2013 will be a breakout year for the domain name industry. It’s cheaper, you can reach a bigger audience, and you can adapt faster than with a brick-and-mortar business. A good domain name will be critical to ensure credibility and bring the right kind of customer.” ~ Aaron Pitman, API Domain Investments

Domain names are the best investment you or your company can make right now. This may come as a surprise to some, but these pieces of online real estate are little gold nuggets that can be turned into storehouses of wealth. The timing is perfect, and the deals are out there for the taking. I suggest you get involved before it’s too late.

How I Got Involved

In 2009, I met a man who changed my life forever. I worked mostly from a local Starbucks,
and while the rest of us entrepreneurs were feverishly working on our computers, this guy would drive up in a Bentley or Maserati dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt. One day I finally asked him what he did for a living. He was buying and selling domain names, and he was making $500,000 to $1.5 million a year doing it. I was stunned, jaws-to-the-ground stunned, that this was even possible.

Linden Grove School would like to extend its sincere appreciation for a recent donation from Aaron Pitman, founding member of API Domain Investments, LLC. Upon a recent visit to Linden Grove, Mr. Pitman was informed of LGS’s need to expand and update the sensory room. With enrollment at an all-time high, LGS needed to improve its sensory integration facilities in order to continue its mission-to provide a specialized progressive educational program for K-8 students with autism and other related learning needs. Mr. Pitman responded to that need by generously donating $8,000 toward the addition, expansion, and improvement of LGS’s current sensory facilities. Given that many of our students require daily sensory integration to provide a stimulated and calming learning atmosphere, Mr. Pitman’s generosity will have a school wide impact. Not only will it benefit each student, it will impact the therapists and teachers who work in close connection to insure each student continues to grow academically, socially, and behaviorally. On behalf of the staff, students, and families at LGS, we want to thank Aaron Pitman for his generosity and support.