I worked in commercial real estate in my previous job, which meant I was in my car A LOT. I didn't care for the radio - playing the same songs over and over again - and so I went in search of a content that I could learn from and be inspired. I found podcast; a platform that was valuable, inspirational and intriguing. The host often shared interviews and informations about entrepreneurs who are living their dreams. That is my favourite, because they are very motivating. Moving forward, I realized I had to wait once a week or once every other week to listen to these podcast or content because that is all they could release. In this situation, I was running out of content to listen to! Therefore, I figured, why isn't anyone creating a daily podcast - sharing inspiring stories about entrepreneurs for individuals like me, who are in their car a lot?. I couldn't find that kind of podcast., so I decided to create it myself. That is how ENTREPRENEURS ON FIRE was born. An award winning podcast, where I interviews inspiring entrepreneurs who are truly ON FIRE. With over 2000 episodes, 1 million + listens a month, and seven-figures of annual revenue.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
I had no idea how to produce a podcast. I didn't know anything about the tech side of things and I had never really "interviewed" someone before. It was all new to me. When I realized I would have to learn so much in a short amount of time (because I had a goal for my launch date). I hired a mentor, that ended up being Jamie Masters of The Eventual Millionaire podcast. I also joined a podcasting mastermind, that connected me to likeminded individuals on the same journey as me. That support and motivation was critical.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
"Profit First" and "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" are two great reads for money mindset. And a must book for any entrepreneur out is - "The One Thing".
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
There were certain times, especially in the beginning where my family and friends didn't understand my decision to quit my job for something that was so uncertain, but they were never flat-out unsupportive. I wouldn't do anything differently in that regard. I was open and communicated my decisions with my family and friends, and always let them know if they had any questions they could ask me. I gave them space to come around to the idea; I never forced it upon them. Sometimes people just need time to come around. And sometimes people need to see it to believe it, so I shared stuff with them along the way about my successes and failures so they could experience part of it and "see it".
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Investing in myself. I had skin in the game and I was committed. Hiring a mentor and joining a mastermind was critical to my success.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
That it's not going to be great or perfect the first time around. Just start - that's the fastest way of improving and becoming successful.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Commit to it. You're probably experiencing a lot of fear around your business idea and starting. That's normal! You're only human... embrace that fear and enjoy the journey. It's not about getting to the "end point" or the finish line - it's about the journey.
Photo credit: Josh Rossi
