I really wanted to introduce you guys to Matt Wilson – Co-founder of Under30CEO, he is such a cool guy helping entrepreneurs around the world, you could probably see how laid back he is from the short interview i did with him, expect more appearance from matt on YHP.
Enjoy the short interview or introduction.
What inspired you to start up the website?
When I was attending Bryant University I was President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization which we grew from a small group of 7 students who wanted more out of a job than a cubicle and a paycheck to a group of 150 thriving young entrepreneurs. We had speakers like Ted Turner and Kenneth Cole on campus, hosted the world's largest elevator pitch competition and were recognized as the world's #1 entrepreneurs group.
When I moved home after college to start my own businesses I realized I was no longer surrounded by smart, young, innovative, passionate people....So, I teamed up with @JaredOToole
to create Under30CEO and take those tools, support and resources to the global platform. We knew there were a ton of people out there in the same boat.
What are the biggest challenges you faced starting up and how did you overcome them?
Honestly, the hardest part about running a business is trying to persevere and stay focused through the winter months when so many our friends were making $50-60k right out of school. We knew it would be tough, but we had no idea how though it would be.
We were barely scraping by--all the jokes my friends in college made about me sleeping on couches and eating peanut better and jelly for my first year of entrepreneurship finally came true. But guess what, now we're living the dream and they're still stuck in the cubicle.
How did you know it was the right idea?
We were passionate about it. That's how we knew. If we weren't there is no way we would have gotten through those brutal winter months. We know we are on a mission and that's what we were cut out to do. People recognize that and our business grows everyday because of it.
What lessons do you give other entrepreneurs?
Funny you ask, Here is our list of Young Entrepreneur Advice: 100 Things You Must Know.
How are you managing your time?
It's tough to manage your time when you are living the dream. I have a ton of things I'm passionate about. I currently live in Breckenridge Colorado a mile from the gondola, so you have to prioritize out here so I can get my skiing in.
It all comes down to setting your goals, and laying out a plan to execute them as efficiently as possible. If you don't stick to the plan, you'll waste a ton of time. I'm a big advocate of the Four Hour Work Week and the 80/20 rule. 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. I also try to pay attention to when I'm most productive.
Just before this interview I was writing a guest post for DuctTapeMarketing--I was stuck and instead of smashing my head against the keyboard, I moved on to something else that I knew I could fly through.
I'm also a big advocate of inspired action--when I know I'm on to something, I drop everything and do it. When I'm in the right mental state I can do 8 hours of work in less than 2 hours. Conversely, when we're tired, unfocused and unmotivated, we can drag out 8 hours of work into an all nighter.
What is the most exciting part of what you do?
Hands down connecting with smart, innovative, passionate young people and knowing that we can make a difference in their lives. Opening up someone else's mind to new possibilities is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. Getting people to think about stimulating our economy through entrepreneurship is pretty amazing.
How have you managed to get under30ceo to have such a big presence online?
Hustle.
Think of the traditional means of promotion, if you were launching a book or an album or a campaign: go around from city to city, meet with as many people as you possibly could, make an impact on them and go on to the next place.
Online, you can do this from community to community from the privacy of your own home. I'm actually sitting here in nothing but a G-String and socks, tapping into the Your Hidden Potential community in the UK. I didn't even have to go to tea.
At Under30CEO we try to meet every single person who has a community, a following, a platform that has to deal with young entrepreneurs.
We tap into their presences, spread our message and try to deliver value via Twitter, guest blogging, video chats, free webinars, etc. We also do quite a bit of speaking--see our Under30CEO College Tour.
We'd actually love to get across the pond and have some tea and in all seriousness--I will put some clothes on for the trip.
Matt Wilson is co-founder of Under30CEO urging people to drop the 9-5 and get passionate about something. Follow him on Twitter @MattWilsontv as the Gen-Y spokesperson looking to help every young entrepreneur on the planet.
