Read Scott's interview with Young Wealth Weekly

September 13, 2006 1:08 PM

I was recently interviewed by a very cool new website, Youth Wealth Weekly.

Founder Josiah Mackenzie offers young entrepreneurs free newsletters filled with fascinating stories, helpful tips, private interviews, inspirational quotes, book reviews, and more.

You can read my interview here, or just scroll down. I pasted the text for ya:

How did you make the transition from a “dude who wears a name tag” to a successful speaking and writing business?

When I started wearing a nametag 24-7 in college, I kept a journal of observations, stories and responses; It seemed like it would make a cool book. Since I always wanted to be an author, I decided to write it. I asked some other authors how to self-publish, did some research and put the book out when I graduated.

When my website and book got picked up by the media, people started asking me to give speeches. Since I’d always excelled at speaking, it felt like a good fit. I did more research on the speaking industry, hooked up with some amazing mentors, did a LOT of research and speaking for free, and eventually was able to sustain myself on authorship/speaking.

And hey, it only took 3 years to make money!

How did you become unforgettable?

Well, there’s this pill I take called…just kidding! I’d say by learning how to be UNIQUE, not DIFFERENT. In other words, how not to just stand out, but to be the ONLY ONE.

How have you incorporated ‘Web 2.0’ applications into your self promotion?

Gosh, what haven’t I used! I have two blogs I update regularly. I also podcast, use online social networking like MySpace, Flickr and Squidoo, and also use widgets on my website to talk to people live. Basically, everything Web 2.0 offers, I use. And it’s great. It builds community, enables me to live and breathe the brand, stay in front of fans, market myself daily and drive traffic. 100% of my business is WOM (word of mouth), I’ve never made a cold call in my life and I don’t (nor will ever) spend a dime on advertising. KEY LESSON: If you are remarkable, they’ll find YOU. (Thanks, Seth)

What obstacles or advantages does your young age present when becoming established as a speker and writer?

My GOSH it sucked. Still does. Who the heck is going to listen to a 26 year old kid give a speech, right? But I have learned something called “Disarming Audience Preoccupation,” in which you address the obvious barrier first and explain why it’s not an issue. For example, I open my speeches with a quote from Indiana Jones by saying, “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage.”

Also, I just go out there and be myself and try to give value, and usually people forget how young I am. After all, few 26 year olds have written three books and speak internationally. That’s gotta count for something! If all else fails, I just show people the picture of my tattoo. That shows ’em I mean business. What’s more, being young is also a great advantage insofar as offering a new, fresh, untainted-by-corporate-world perspective.

Is it tough to be a professional speaker when most of your peers are 40 years older than you?

Yep. It’s tough because people won’t take you seriously, but it’s glorious at the same time because it enables you to be a sleeper. They don’t see ya comin!

How should I go about writing a book?

Very carefully. No, just kiding. I’d go buy Dan Poynter’s book “The Self Publishing Manual.” He’s the best in the biz, and he can help you more than I could. It’s my bible.

How did you start recieving media coverage?

Dude, I have no idea. I met the right person at the right time who passed my info to a reporter which started a collossal snowball effect which got me on every radio, TV and print outlet in the country. I wouldn’t call it luck, because if my idea wasn’t remarkable they wouldn’t have interviewed me.

But I’ve never “pitched” a media outlet before. I think the key is: get them to call you. Be amazing and unforgettable and remarkable and unique and cool and they will find you. Oh, and it helps to be funny. And if possible, smart. I’m still working on that last one 😉

How can our readers achieve success as a young entrepeneur?

Huge question. I actually have a fourth book called Make a Name for Yourself coming out next year about that exact idea. So, let me give you some ideas from the closing chapter. They’re alphabetical. This is good stuff here. Enjoy…

Action develops courage.
Ask, “What’s next?”
Ask, “Why me?”
Assault the minute.
Attract through attitude.
Authenticity, not charisma.
Avoid the always.
Be a sleeper.
Be completely original.
Be one eyed.
Be regularly silly.
Become your beliefs.
Cherish uncertain ground.
Confidence is king.
Consider nothing useless.
Create the fist.
Don’t overeducate audiences.
Do something cool.
Earn inner applause.
Fans, not customers.
Feed your brain.
Friendly always wins.
Get a glory.
Give value first.
Give yourself away.
Go somewhere alone.
Have big ears.
Imagination is everything.
Interaction, not interruption.
Just do something.
Let it go.
Life leaves clues.
Market yourself daily.
Medium is message.
Mundane into memorable.
Never be bored.
Nurture your nature.
Opportunity knocks constantly.
Own a word.
Plant impossible gardens.
Prepare for serendipity.
Respect people’s nos.
Respect your hunches.
Say affirmations daily.
Schmoozing is stupid.
Self talk works.
Small victories first.
Success isn’t perfection.
Take massive action.
Take more pictures.
Think grandiose thoughts.
Travel without plans.
Unique, not different.
Verbs, not nouns.
We’re all marketers.
We’re all salesmen.
Write everything down.
You’re always marketing.