Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Evan Altman, Founder of Cubs Insider, located in Brownsburg, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the editor-in-chief of Cubs Insider, a blog covering the Chicago Cubs, and also a host of The Rant Live podcast. Our core customers are the readers, listeners, and viewers who patronize our website, podcast, and various social media platforms, but our advertisers are also customers.
Tell us about yourself
I got started with all of this a little over ten years ago because I have a passion for writing and wasn't finding quality sports coverage with personality. As someone who grew up loving the Chicago Cubs, I wanted to consume content that wasn't just a recap of the game or a transaction. I wanted the why along with the what, so what I really wanted was to be entertained. Because I had -- and still have -- a "normal" job, I was able to get started as part of Yahoo's Contributor Network. Once that folded, I caught on with another outlet, and we eventually branched out on our own. Several twists and turns later, CI is still going strong.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would have to say our biggest measurable accomplishment was exceeding 5 million pageviews, but being the biggest remaining independent Cubs blog is a real source of pride. This is a very competitive and highly saturated market, so carving out a niche without investors or a parent company wasn't easy.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For me, as a content creator and curator, the hardest thing is knowing that I have to keep my foot on the gas at all times. Traffic and revenue are highly volatile, and readers can be fickle if you're not producing at a high volume. That makes it difficult to unplug or even just slow down at times.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My first is to make sure you're passionate about it. Without love, it's much harder to press through difficult times. The second would be to have a good support system, a person or group of people who will share the work with you and keep you motivated. The third would be to have fun and find joy in what you do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cubsinsider.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cubsinsider
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devanaltman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DEvanAltman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-altman-0488817/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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