thankfulforamillion

Posts Tagged ‘Entrepreneurism’

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Jenny McIver, Round the World in 30 Days

In You on August 28, 2012 at 9:58 am

Jenny McIver, RTW in 30 Days

I spent this past Sunday evening planning my ‘Round The World’ trip on Star Alliance. Please note that I did not purchase my ticket, I only planned. On my itinerary? Santorini, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Barcelona, Florence and on. So, what contributed to my sudden urge to indulge in my wanderlust? Jenny McIver and her travel site, RTWin30days.com. Jenny has managed to have a full-time career, with ESPN, while taking adequate time to visit over 120 countries and help others plan their own trips. All in all, she’s taken 7 Round the World trips. She plans to take her 8th in January 2013. Each trip spans 30 days and she works remotely.

Her brazen determination to travel has inspired many, some who never thought they’d have the time or money to take a trip, and others who are continually on the hunt for their next adventure, to make giant leaps forward in their exploration of the world. And, as fate would have it, her commitment to do what she loves has turned into an unlikely business venture that may just continue to expand.

So, what advice does Jenny have for those looking to balance work and their love for travel? Keep reading!

 

Q&A

 

How did your RTW in 30 days website begin? 

I took my first trip around the world 7 years ago. It was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip and, though I’d never really written anything before, I wanted to keep a journal of the trip. I used a website called MyTripJournal.com which allows travelers to keep an online journal of their travels. The next year when I decided to do another RTW trip, I continued using the MyTripJournal site but by the 3rd year I realized this was going to be an annual event and I needed to transition to my own site where I could better control the content. The one thing that made my travels unique from other RTW travelers/bloggers is that I managed to maintain a career at home while working short (by RTW standards) month-long trips into my schedule. Thus the name, “Round the World in 30 Days.”

 

 

RTW has expanded into a travel advice guide of sorts. Did you imagine or intend for the website to take on this scope?

Not really. At first the blog was merely intended to keep my friends and family up to date on my travels and provide me with a written journal of my travel experiences. With each RTW trip, the readership circle continued to expand to the point where the site began to attract travelers planning their own RTW trips and looking for advice. I love giving readers advice on RTW tickets, destinations, etc. I remember how much guidance I needed when I was planning my first trip. You’d be surprised how many people have done one RTW trip but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone else who’s done seven! I’m also proud to say that the website has even inspired people to start planning a RTW trip. That’s my ultimate goal. To get people who never even dreamed of taking a trip like this to realize that it’s not a crazy idea. Anyone can do it and you don’t have to quit your job, sell your house and take off for a year for a RTW trip to be worthwhile. You really can fit the trip of a lifetime into your life.

 

How open have resorts and travel organizations been to partner?

Companies are really just starting to recognize the power of bloggers as a marketing medium. I attended a travel bloggers conference (TBEX) this summer with travel heavy hitters like Expedia and American Express in attendance and looking to partner with bloggers. TBEX is only 4 years old and this was my 2nd year attending. The corporate interest in that conference has exploded in the past year or two and it continues to grow as destinations and travel-related companies begin to see concrete, measurable results from their work with bloggers. I am currently in talks with a company that would be my dream sponsor and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to work out a deal soon.

 

You’ve managed to build an incredible lifestyle where traveling is a priority and financially feasible. How would you suggest someone with two weeks best utilize their vacation time?

It really is all about your priorities in life, isn’t it? For me, travel is obviously a priority. I carve out time in my schedule for it. Something I’ve learned, though, is that the main reason most people think they can’t take more than two weeks off is because they’ve never asked to take more than two weeks off. In the U.S. it’s just assumed that two weeks in the norm and it can’t be exceeded. However, if you want to plan a big trip, there are lots of alternatives. Some companies offer sabbatical time or try combining vacation time with telecommuting to extend your days away from the office. It’s possible to work from anywhere; I work daily on every trip. And as I like to say…why work from home when you can work from Rome?

But if you absolutely can’t get more than two weeks, a RTW trip is still well-worth the effort. A RTW ticket is the single most efficient way to see more of the world in less time and they’re not as expensive as you think. How much can you really see in just two weeks, you ask? Here’s a two-week snippet from the middle of my first RTW trip:

 

Cape Town, South Africa – Cairo, Egypt – Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt – Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Agra, India – Bangkok, Thailand – Phuket, Thailand – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 
During those two weeks, I hiked Table Mountain, took a safari, rode a camel around the Pyramids, snorkeled in the Red Sea, spent a night at the world’s only 7-star hotel in Dubai, marveled at the Taj Mahal, explored the gleaming temples of Bangkok and the pristine beaches of Phuket and visited the Petronas Towers. So what can you see in just two weeks? More than some people see in their entire lives.

 

What’s been key in building your life as an entrepreneur?

Paying my dues early on. Right out of college I spent 7 years working back-to-back jobs with 80-hour weeks and very little pay. I didn’t have the time or money to travel and I didn’t dwell on it. But it was those years that allowed me to make the connections that ultimately led to starting my own business in 2000. Since then, one thing I’ve learned about having my own business is that I’m never on vacation. That may sound ridiculous since most people think I’m always on vacation but when you’re a company of one – the office is always open. Of course, that office may be an overwater bungalow in Tahiti…but it’s open.

South Pacific



 

In all of your travels, what’s your all time favorite destination?

Tough question! But one that I get a lot. If I had to choose one country, it would be Thailand with New Zealand and Greece as a close tie for 2nd. I’m a big fan of islands, especially in the South Pacific, and I’ve visited some incredible ones like Easter Island, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. My next big travel goal is Antarctica.

 

 
Three things: My family & friends, my health and my U.S. passport. My family and friends are the primary reason I have no desire to travel the world for a year like most RTW travelers do, I would miss them too much!  Without my health, I wouldn’t be able to travel to many of the places I’ve gone. So many people take that for granted, but I don’t. And never underestimate the power of a U.S. passport. It’s an all-access pass to see the world and I’m thankful to have it.

 

Thank you, Jenny!

Even if traveling isn’t a priority in your life, Jenny’s journey is proof that one can plan for and have the life they want.

If you’d like to read more about Jenny’s travels, get information/advice about planning your own trip, or just take a welcome break from your day, please find the information for RTWin30Days below.

And, as always, be thankful.

~Thankful

RTW in 30 Days Website: www.RTWin30days.com

Twitter: @jennymciver

Facebook: RTWin30Days

Star Alliance Trip Planner: Just in Case…

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Nikki Goddard, Co-Owner of The Barrel Room SF

In You on May 18, 2012 at 8:03 am

 

Step 1: Figure out what you want to do. Step 2: Do that thing. Simple, right? Not quite. Thankfully, Nikki Goddard had the first step covered. Wine was her thing. Next was figuring out how to create a profession she loved. Like many of us, she started on the ground floor, soaking in as much information as possible. She became a student of her craft. It’s true what they say, that luck favors the prepared. Nikki was in a fortuitous position when the opportunity to run her own Wine Bar came about. Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center district, The Barrel Room is a cozy and quiet retreat for lovers of unique wines. At only 26 years old, Nikki runs the bar with two friends, Sarah and Carolyn. Their partnership has turned out perfectly.

I’m not a wine expert myself, but I’ve visited The Barrel Room and could tell that her customers truly appreciated her talent. I overheard one man say, “Why didn’t we come here for dinner? I’ve never had wine served by someone who’s so knowledgeable!” And, even with my very limited knowledge, I’d have to agree.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, want to check out a gem in San Francisco, or simply want to hear about a new wine for your next dinner party, check out my interview with Nikki below. Here’s a little inspiration from someone who took a chance and ventured out on her own.

 

 

Q&A

 

What were your aspirations out of college? Did you intend to have your own wine bar? 

 
After college, I knew I wanted to work in the wine industry but I wasn’t quite sure in which direction I wanted to go. I got a job at a winery tasting room because it allowed me to view the industry from many angles at once–sales, marketing, hospitality and production. I quickly learned that my passion was helping people to become more comfortable talking about and enjoying wine, and teaching them how to identify the wines they liked best. I tried a few different types of jobs before ending up at a wine bar and realizing that was where I felt most comfortable. I knew I wanted to some day have my own bar, but I thought it would take many more years for that to happen–and then the opportunity to open The Barrel Room basically fell into my lap.

 

Were there huge barriers for entry into the wine business?

 
We had a very unique situation. We took over a space that had been operating as a wine bar for many years, and we already had a good relationship with the landlords. The red tape involved in getting a wine and beer license is astounding, but our particular circumstances allowed us to cut out a few steps and shorten the time before we were legally able to open. We never could have said “let’s open a wine bar” and looked for a new location. I can’t imagine starting from scratch. To apply for a beverage license, you need to have already signed a lease, but you may have to wait up to a year or more after that before being approved for the license. We would have spent all of our opening budget on rent before we could even think about opening.

 

How has your partnership with Sarah and Carolyn eased your venture?

 
It has been invaluable having people I trust to share the workload with. We all have our own strengths and we work together and play off of each other very well. I couldn’t have done any of this without them. Luckily, we all have very similar ideas of what makes a wine good (even though we might differ in what we each actually want to drink on a given day), so we typically do not argue too much about which wines to add to our list.

 

What has been your greatest challenge and reward in starting The Barrel Room?

 
Honestly, the greatest challenge was coming up with a name! I never expected that every single wine-related name I could imagine would already be taken (even if it wasn’t in use). And since the name is the first impression many people get of the business, it’s obviously very important. Also, applying for our wine and beer license was an incredibly stressful experience, but we were very lucky to get through it quickly.

The greatest reward is definitely the fact that I can come into work every day, truly enjoy myself, and feel completely fulfilled. I love what I do, and I don’t think I could really ask for anything more.

 

How has your day-to-day professional operation changed now that you’re your own boss?

 
My days are much longer! I still spend about the same amount of time actually working in the bar, but we spend most weekdays tasting wines that we are considering adding to our list. Also, now I have to think about things like when we are running low on supplies, what to do when a chair breaks, or whether the paint job needs some patching up.

 

Will you open other locations?

 
Right now we are just focused on the one we have, but I think it would be fun to someday have a similar operation in another city, like Oakland (where I live), Portland, or Seattle. I don’t think there are currently a lot of cities where we could pull off serving so many of the quirky, obscure wines that we specialize in, but I hope to see that change soon! I can already see it starting to happen as the younger generation of drinkers becomes more comfortable with and excited about wine.

 

Do you have one piece of advice for those starting a new business?

 
Make sure you are doing something you really, really love. Once you start a business, you can never fully disconnect from work. There is no “clocking out”–work will be at least a little bit on your mind at all times.

 

Any suggestions for must try wines?

 
Right now, I am really excited about the wines of Corsica (the whites, reds and rosés are all great), which are currently being imported exclusively by Kermit Lynch. I also love wines made from  Mondeuse, a spicy red grape from Savoie (in the French Alps) and a light, aromatic grape called Poulsard from the nearby Jura region. Also, the reds of the Canary Islands are currently getting a lot of attention for a really good reason–they tend to have a very unique, perfumery, peppery aroma. Jose Pastor is the pioneering importer for that region.

 

 
Everything! I feel so incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about how amazing all of it is. I had some less-than-great experiences on my way to where I am now, but it is so clear to me now, when I look back, that everything that happened, had to happen in order for me to get here. It’s really given me a new perspective when it feels like life isn’t going the way I want it to.

 

Thank you, Nikki! You’re further proof that your passion can become your profession.

Everyone, be sure to check out The Barrel Room in SF! Even if you don’t drink alcohol, they have lovely non-alcoholic options.

The Barrel Room SF Website: www.barrelroomsf.com

Follow on twitter: @barrelroomsf

Enjoy the weekend!

~Thankful

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Freelance Lifestyle Writer, Amber Wilson of “Wilson’s Where To Guide”

In You on May 10, 2012 at 7:38 am

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One beauty of technology is that you don’t have to wait to be hired, or for a large sum of money, to publish your work. If you want to be a director, start making shorts and distributing online via YouTube or Vimeo. If you’re a musician, your mixtape can be readily available for online download using Soundcloud or LiveMixtapes. And, well, if you’re a writer, you can start a blog. Given the economic shift, it’s clear that we are having to become increasingly entrepreneurial. Thankfully, emerging platforms support this shift.

Today’s daily inspiration comes from lifestyle writer, Amber Wilson. Like many of us, she started out her career by attaining an internship. That internship segued into an actual job. And, once she honed her voice, she started her own blog, Wilson’s “Where To” Guide. Since the Spring of 2010, Wilson’s combined her love of writing with her love of good food, entertainment, and people. Wilson’s guide serves as a “Where To” for the entire Los Angeles Area. From Los Feliz to Hermosa Beach. So, for those of you who dare venture out of your neighborhood, whether that be downtown or the west side, check out her blog for suggestions. Wilson’s “Where To’s” are worth using a gallon or two of gas.

Thankfully, I got the chance to ask Amber about her struggles as a writer with a day-job, the rewards she’s reaped from taking a chance on her passion, and how best to use a sleep-free 24 hours in L.A.

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Q&A

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When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

In some sense, I’ve always been a writer, since I was a child writing poetry, song lyrics, short stories and even composing “grammar books” for my stuffed animals (yes, I really did that!). I’d say I’ve had a calling for writing since I was young, but I just didn’t look at it as anything more than something that I did.

In high school and college I toyed with the idea of writing professionally, but it wasn’t until after graduating college that I realized I wanted to seriously pursue writing. So, I secured an unpaid part-time internship with Saturday Night Magazine for several months. I ended up getting full-time work somewhere else, but I continued to work as the magazine’s Nightlife Editor. I did this for two years before launching Wilson’s “Where To” Guide ;in Spring 2010.

Recently, I’ve also dabbled in screenwriting, copy-editing and writing for clients. In the span of my career, I hope to have ventured out in as many different types of writing as possible. It takes time and it won’t all happen overnight, but it would be amazing to say that I’ve had a successful blog, a successful book, a successful screenplay, etc.

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What have been the most difficult and rewarding parts of following your passion?

The most difficult part of following my passion has been finding ample time to pursue it. In addition to writing, I still have a pretty demanding full-time work schedule and other obligations. Sometimes, after a long, intense day, it’s like, “Man, I’m tired!” and I end up crashing and falling asleep. I’m just that physically exhausted, and finding the mental energy to still write can be extremely difficult. But, I know I’m not alone; so many of us struggle to pack everything into 24 hours.

Right now, the most rewarding part would be when I complete a writing project (a blog post, a script, a magazine article, etc.). It can take a lot of work and time to get from one small concept that originates in my mind to the actual finished product that makes sense, that can be easily understood, and that can be actually enjoyable to read.

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How do you decide which venues to visit?

I get inspired from many different sources. My friends have extremely good taste, so they’re always full of ideas. I read a lot of restaurant and nightlife-related blogs, like, ;The Minty, Stomach Life and Treasure LA. I subscribe to weekly e-mails from online publications such as, ;944, Thrillist, and ;Daily Candy. I work with several PR agencies, including Wagstaff, Lawrence Moore & Associates and The Barry Group. I follow different restaurants, bloggers and magazines on Twitter.

And, since I’m a pretty friendly person, I tend to strike up conversations with strangers all the time and I’ll ask them where they hang out. Often times, they’ll give responses I’m not familiar with and consequently, I’ll have a new place to check out.

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Top “Where-To-Be Merry”?

There are way too many to pick just one! It all depends on what I’m looking for. For a view of the city, right now it’s Perch Los Angeles. For one of the best veggie burgers ever, it’s O! Burger. I could go on and on and on…

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If you only had 24 hours to enjoy life in Los Angeles, what would your itinerary look like?

Quite a challenging question, since Los Angeles has so many diverse neighborhoods that offer such distinct, yet amazing experiences! I couldn’t do nearly half of all that I’d want to do in 24 hours. But hey, I’d give it a shot on a gorgeous, cloud-free, sunny, spring Sunday with a good friend:

In the early morning, we’d take a hike at one of the mountain trails like Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park or the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook to watch the sunrise. Then we’d grab breakfast at a cute café in the Mid-City, Beverly Hills or West Hollywood areas.

After breakfast, it’s off to one of LA’s museums or local art galleries – perhaps The Getty Center, MOCA or LACMA. We’d spend an hour or so there before heading to Hollywood to hop on a tour bus and check out the city from a tourist’s perspective.

For lunch, we’re heading to one of the many restaurants in downtown Los Angeles. While we’re downtown, we’ll have to hit up the Fashion District for some bargain steals.

Then it’s time to head west towards the beach. Play volleyball, bike or just walk on the sand before stopping briefly at the Venice Drum Circle for a unique LA experience, and before eventually heading down to Dockweiler Beach to set up a bonfire and watch the sun dip down into the ocean for the night.

We’ll be famished by then, so we’d stop in a restaurant around Manhattan Beach Blvd. before grabbing drinks at one of the local bars nearby. We’d then head down to Hermosa Beach for some nightlife action.

We’d finish up the night in Hollywood, heading to a few of the clubs before then going to a late night spot, such as a hookah lounge or after-hours club. We’d then grab another bite to eat at a 24-hour diner.

This would all be followed by a very, very long nap the next day!

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Honestly, I’m thankful for so many things. But if I had to sum it all up, I’d say that I’m thankful for each and every new day that I’m blessed to experience. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and feeling the excitement and potential of what that new day can bring – perhaps a new writing opportunity or something as simple as a breathtaking sunset. Every single moment to enjoy this journey called life – through all of its ups and downs, rewards and challenges – is a true blessing I’m so grateful for!

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Thank you, Amber! As always, it’s an inspiration to see someone who’s actively pursuing their passion.

Be sure to check out her blog.

Wilson’s “Where To” Guide: ;http://www.wilsonswheretoguide.com/

Wilson’s “Where To” on Twitter: @WilsonsGuide

And, for those of you waiting for the opportunity to write, invent, sing, etc., wait no longer. The time to create is now!

~Thankful

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Justin Forsett, Wale Forrester, Wendell Hunter and ShowerPill

In You on April 25, 2012 at 9:41 am

 

Recently, I read a New York Times Op Ed article, which discussed how student athletes were, often, less deserving of their college admission. As a former college athlete, I was enraged. So much so that I wrote a response. It was a long rant about the amazing capabilities of athletes, especially considering that, in addition to attending class, they devote nearly forty hours a week to their sport. Some even have to add a part-time job in the mix.

You hear plenty of people downplay the intellectual capacity of athletes. I’m happy to say that today’s daily inspiration comes from three former Cal Football players. Justin Forsett, Wale Forrester and Wendell Hunter all attended the University of California, Berkeley. Justin was a running back, Wale was a defensive back, and Wendell Hunter was a line backer. Justin continues to play in the NFL. Wendell, a former member of the Buffalo Bills, is now an ER technician, and Wale became a firefighter. Little did any of them know, that years after meeting each other, they’d create their own product, ShowerPill.

ShowerPill, a portable body wipe for use when you can’t reach a shower, definitely has good creative karma. While in college, Wale contracted Bacterial Meningitis. He and his teammates became increasingly concerned about hygiene. Justin, Wale and Wendell saw this as an opportunity to create a product that provided a valuable service and could save lives. Thus, the ShowerPill came to be.

 
They’ve found a way to merge their talents, resources and team working skills to form a company that’s on the rise. Thankfully, I got the chance to ask Justin a few questions about the trio’s experience starting a new business.

 

Q&A


You’re used to being a part of a team, how has this carried over to your business?

 

Playing on a team has shaped the way that we run our company. Accountability, attention to detail, execution and passion are concepts that proved to be essential in the team sport atmosphere. Now, these are proving to be equally important in the business world.  I think that being on a team develops your interpersonal relationship skills and also enables you to display a certain level of focus that is unique to the world of competitive athletics.

 

How supportive has the NFL been as far as encouraging entrepreneurship among its athletes?

The NFL has been extremely supportive.  Players and team officials are some of ShowerPill’s best customers

 



 

Once you all had the idea, what was your next step?

 

We researched to see if there was another product like ours on the market. Then we began to search for manufacturers that would be able to make this wipe.

What’s been the most difficult aspect of the startup?

 

Money and time. In a startup you either run out of time, or you run out of money. It has been difficult for us to take advantage of every opportunity because of money, and it has been impossible to capitalize off of other opportunities because of our lack of staff. So, we have to be extremely strategic in how we use both of those precious resources. (time and money)

What has been the main concern of buyers when purchasing a new product?

 

Their main concern has been our production capabilities. They want to be sure that we’re capable of sustainable production.

What’s the best advice you’d give someone looking to start their own company?

 

Just do it. You can spend years researching, praying and planning. Until you do it, it won’t get done.

 

Philanthropy is an important part of your life. How does this fit into ShowerPill’s corporate DNA?  

 

At ShowerPill we have instilled a culture of charity. Every member working for our company has a separate community service project that they are working on. It’s not a company policy, it’s more so our company culture.

I am thankful for my wife, my family, friends, and business partners that support me in everything I do. I am blessed!

 

Thank you, Justin! I’ll be keeping a few ShowerPills on hand for emergency post-workout meetings. Go Bears!

For more info on ShowerPill:

Website: www.showerpill.com

Twitter: @ShowerPill

Good luck to everyone reading, as you continue to push forward implementing your ideas.

“People underestimate their capacity for change. There is never a right time to do a difficult thing. A leader’s job is to help people have vision of their potential”

- John Porter

~Thankful

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A Little Daily Inspiration: Courtney Martin, Author/Speaker/Blogger

In You on March 16, 2012 at 10:20 am

 
All things in life seem to come full circle, now, Thankful For a Million has done the same. Monday, I was thankful to feature an interview with Scott Gerber on entrepreneurism. Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to share an interview with Dyllan McGee, the Executive Producer of MAKERS: The Women Who Make America. And, Today, I’m pleased to have an interview with author, speaker and blogger Courtney Martin. Martin isn’t only an entrepreneur, she’s also featured as one of MAKERS 100 women! Martin’s works are varied and insightful. She’s written, Do It Anyway The New Generation of Activists, given a speech on activism at the TEDWomen Conference in 2010, received the Eli Wiesel Prize in Ethics and has contributed to news publications from The New York Times to Glamour.

Recently, Martin wrote an article, “How I Became My Own Mentor in a Freelance Economy.” This was the first article of 2012 that resonated with me. She is hopeful in her discussion of being a freelancer. And, as someone who’s successfully been able to support herself writing books, op-eds, speaking and blogging, she has extremely valuable advice. Martin, 32, has shaped her career by pulling little bits of information from every experience. She continues to fearlessly pursue her passions despite being without a roadmap.

I was beyond thrilled when Martin agreed to do a  Q&A. Below, she discusses being an entrepreneur, developing a personal statement and successfully coping with the inevitable instability of a freelance lifestyle.

Q&A


In your article, “How I Became My Own Mentor in a Freelance Economy,” you said that the life of a freelancer suits you. What advice would you give to those who’ve found themselves having to become increasingly entrepreneurial, even though it isn’t in their nature?

My first advice would be that people look at the circumstances, which are forcing them to become more entrepreneurial even though it’s not in their nature. Are they trying to work in a field that doesn’t fit them? Are they trying to achieve someone else’s definition of success? We face real, worthwhile struggles in life and sometimes these struggles are critical for our growth. Other times, we continuously hit our heads against the wall because we haven’t taken the time to step back and look for the door. For those who determine that they want to become more entrepreneurial, even though it’s not in their nature, I would advise breaking down the big, intimidating concept of entrepreneurship into component parts and then tackling them one at a time. Maybe one week, you challenge yourself to do an environmental scan of your field. The next, you challenge yourself to make one key relationship with an influencer that you think can help further your work. The next, you ask someone  who you deeply respect to mentor you.

 

At what point in your career did you realize that having a personal mission statement would give you a clearer sense of where you wanted to devote your energy? Have you ever had to commit to something that didn’t fit your plan?

I’ve never committed to something that I found morally repugnant, but I’ve certainly done plenty of work that didn’t make my heart sing. I think that part of developing a career and growing up requires humbling yourself, doing work that may not perfectly match what you think you want to do with your life, and letting it inform and influence your path. After all, it’s important to learn what you don’t want to do or who you don’t want to be. I had this sense at a fairly early point in my career, especially as I recognized that what I was doing didn’t look like anything my parents or other adults in my life had done. When I’m lost, I write, so it’s not really that surprising that I intuitively started articulating a personal mission statement.

 

As a freelancer, you often have to have many projects on the go. What do you do to maintain sanity when it feels as though some projects have stalled?

Compartmentalization is key to my sanity. Years of freelancing and collaborating have really taught me how to devote huge energy into planting seeds, but then be able to move on to the next project until all that early work ripens–whether because the time suddenly becomes right, the perfect partner comes along, or the organization finally “gets it.” There’s just no other way to operate in a life like mine.

 

Overall, do you think that the changing economy has allowed people to pursue more fulfilling careers in non-traditional areas?

I certainly do, but I might be considered myopic since that has been the case for me. I know hundreds of people, young especially, who are creating meaningful, flexible work lives. They tolerate more insecurity and less institutional support than ever before, but they also live deeply satisfying and exciting lives.

 

 I am most happy when in a conscious state of gratitude, that’s for sure. I’m grateful for my family and friends, my various incredible collaborators and teachers, my mentors and mentees. I’m grateful for my gifts and the ways I’ve been able to use them to create understanding, inspire, be of service. I’m grateful to live in this wildly complex, incredible beautiful time. I’m especially grateful for my partner John, who supports me every single day in ways huge and tiny, and my parents, who taught me to trust my outrage, be kind to everyone, and curious about everything.

 

Last year, an elder told me to step into the darkness. They said that no matter what I wanted to do, to go forward despite my fears. I was assured that once I took a step, I’d realize it was much lighter than I’d imagined. Martin’s success and advice are reflective of just that.

Thank you, Courtney for serving as a positive example of what is possible if you take a chance, follow your passions, adapt and stay true to yourself.

Hopefully this provides a little inspiration as you head into the weekend. Because as we all know, an entrepreneur’s hustle doesn’t end because it’s a Friday!

~Thankful

Check out Courtney’s MAKERS profile:

Follow Courtney on Twitter: @courtwrites


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A Little Daily Inspiration: Scott Gerber, YEC and #FixYoungAmerica

In You on March 12, 2012 at 9:09 am

Since 2008, I’ve heard endless complaints about the lack of jobs. Friends were disappointed to enter a less than stellar job market. Some even had to move home to form what is now known as a shadow household, a home where adult children have reintegrated. Parents were frustrated to see their kids come home and struggle to find their footing. It’s not as if young adults and their parents weren’t aware of the shifting economy- it’s just that they didn’t know how to cope.

Enter, optimism. With all of this talk of doomsday, and 20-something college graduates forced to accept low paying, dead-end jobs, I stumbled upon a gem. This immediate source of hope and light was an article from TIME Business, “How Entrepreneurship Can Fix Young America,” by Scott Gerber. In it, Gerber states that there is a growing sense of optimism in America’s economy, especially where youth employment is concerned. He asserts that our greatest source of job growth will be new businesses. I just knew that I had to interview him. (Q&A Below)

As someone thrust into the tedious job search (I looked for months without success), I was thrilled to see someone with a positive perspective. He’d gone beyond identifying a problem, to suggest specific actions. Gerber has been a huge proponent of youth activation. At 28, he’s a “serial” entrepreneur, angel investor and co-founder of Gen Y Capital Partners, who has contributed to publications from CNN to the Wall Street Journal. Gen Y Capital Partners provides start-up funds ranging from $250,000- $500,000 for new companies headed by Millenials. In 2010, Gerber founded the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). YEC is a non-profit charged with the mission of remedying youth under and unemployment. The council is invite only, and the select few inducted, are given access to a number of business development resources. Current members include; Aaron Patzer, the Mint.com founder who sold his company for $170 million at the age of 30, Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, Jennifer Fleiss, co-founder and president of Rent the Runway and Slava Rubin, founder and CEO of IndieGoGo. As if they weren’t doing enough, the YEC along with partners, Babson College, Junior Achievement, CodeAcademy and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), is currently pushing an agenda to #FixYoungAmerica. Their hope is to make entrepreneurial resources available to every interested youth. Currently, they’re raising funds and awareness through an IndieGoGo campaign. (See Video Below)



 

With all of this success, it’s easy to think that Gerber reaped immediate rewards- but this isn’t the case. He left NYU and moved home to start his first business; it failed. Always persistent he tried again. Having learned lessons from his first failure, his second company Sizzle It! was a success. The company now works with Proctor & Gamble and The Gap.

Given Gerber’s optimistic take on the future of young America, I thought it prudent to ask him a few questions. Even if you never imagine venturing down the path of self-employment, his advice is helpful:

Q&A


Some of my friends have found that they’ve fallen into entrepreneurship. They’ve struggled to cope with the instability, but had no other option when it came to finding employment.
What would you tell someone who doesn’t think their disposition fits an entrepreneurial lifestyle? 

Learn fast and adapt as soon as possible as this is the reality of the new economy for today’s young people–and it isn’t going to change anytime soon. More and more, necessity and desperation are becoming entrepreneurial drivers. Young people need to adapt to the free agent economy, whether that means starting a small business or becoming a freelancer. You need to identify your weaknesses and work with those individuals that fill the gaps. If you can’t sell, maybe it’s time to find a great partner who is a great salesperson. Or perhaps you are a great salesperson and just need to find someone with a great service or product. Bottom line: entrepreneurs are made, not born. When your back is against the wall and the deck is stacked against you, you’d be surprised how fast you can find a way to make it happen.

It’s one thing to have an idea and quite another to turn that idea into a sustainable business. Are their any qualities inherent to a successful start-up?

Revenue!!! Ideas are a dime a dozen. You don’t need to try to create the next Facebook. Nor should you try! You need to start a business (and I always believe service-based businesses are the best for first-time entrepreneurs) that is capable of generating immediate revenue and growing organically. Especially in these poor economic times, young people can’t just work on any old idea and hope for the best. They need to earn a living that pays the bills, and over time, will support them, their families and their employees.

What advice would you give to those who don’t feel as though they have a strong enough support system to start their own business?

I started my first successful business without any type of business degree. No one in my family–or my friends for that matter–had ever been an entrepreneur. Yet, despite an incredibly difficult and long learning curve, I figured it out. And, eventually, went on to start the Young Entrepreneur Council for this very reason–because I wanted to assemble the group of like-minded peers I never had. Today, there are a lot of resources for young entrepreneurs, including the YEC. I always suggest working out of co-working spaces and entrepreneurial hotspots when you get started. Go to meetups in your local city. Put yourself out there, help others whenever possible without asking for anything in return and build your own network. That’s exactly what I did, and now I have close relationships with many of the top young entrepreneurs in the US.

In your article, “How Entrepreneurship Can Fix Young America,” you suggest a number of legislative and academic initiatives that will help promote youth entrepreneurship. What can individuals do in their communities to foster this shift in how youth conceptualizes employment?

It starts with educating parents. Our parents are a generation of “work hard, get good grades, go to school and get a  ’real’ job” fanatics. It’s not their fault, they don’t know any better, and in most cases have never had to even think of being entrepreneurs–let alone think about their kids becoming entrepreneurs in lieu of traditional employment. Showing them examples of successful hyperlocal young entrepreneurs is a start. We need to show the people guiding our young people that in the new economy, entrepreneurship is a viable career path, not just some renegade’s choice. When parents get involved and vocal, schools get involved. And schools are in desperate need of reform when it comes to entrepreneurship education. The fact that the vast majority of young people enter college without a basic understanding of what entrepreneurship even is blows my mind. This isn’t exactly the best way to select a college. Lastly, communities need to start looking into support mechanisms such as entrepreneurship training and mentorship programs, incubators and accelerators spearheaded by business leaders and co-working spaces. Local banks and angel investors need to foster and support local young entrepreneurs to hold on to their future leaders and maintain their local talent. Overall, it is every community’s responsibility to create an eco-system that supports that community’s prosperity–and entrepreneurship is a vital part of that equation. This is one of the major components of YEC’s #FixYoungAmerica initiative.

First and foremost, I’m thankful for my wife and daughter. It certainly isn’t easy putting up with my schedule, but their belief in me gives me a reason to go out there and make it happen everyday. Secondly, my team at the YEC is simply incredible. Having people like Ryan Paugh (co-founder of Brazen Careerist) join your executive team is an incredible feeling. I’ve never had the privilege of leading such a team of doers. Lastly, the members of the YEC. These men and women are out there everyday building the next generation of revolutionary startups and businesses, and create tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and tens of thousands of jobs as a result. It’s an honor to have them believe in and fully support our YEC mission.

It’s refreshing to see someone helping to provide others with access to resources, that they themselves did not have. Gerber and the YEC’s mission proves one thing, that there is hope. Thankfully, the American Dream may still be alive; it just takes preparation, increased access to resources, elbow grease and maybe a touch of luck.

Thank you, Scott for your sage advice and thoughtfulness. Hopefully, this encourages anyone who’s eager to start his or her own business, or interested in mentoring, to do so. And, please don’t believe that this sense of hope only exists for America’s youth, because it exists for anyone who’s willing to take a chance. Just be prepared to throw away your fear of failure.

Please take a look at #FixYoungAmerica’s IndieGoGo page! They have 50 days left to reach their $30,000 goal!

~Thankful

Scott Gerber on Twitter: @askgerber

Scott Gerber’s Book: Never Get a ‘Real’ Job: Dump Your Boss, Build a Business & Never Go Broke!

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