Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Sullivan, Founder of Podcast Principles, located in Milford, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We launch your podcast without wasting time and help current podcasters recognize their blindspots so they can pivot and adjust before they think about quitting. We've worked with military service members, Fortune 1000 companies, solopreneurs, and more. Since podcasting is custom, so is our coaching system. That's why we've been able to work in various niches.
Tell us about yourself
At 21, I decided to leave the workforce to do my own thing. Years earlier, people said, "oh, you're still working here?" when I would plug their tires at the shop as a mechanic. By night I was a rapper and podcaster releasing and working on music with a close friend that would become my business partner years later. In 2018 I decided to go to college instead of starting my own shop. I was 19 and wanted to see where the college experience would take me. After interviewing a friend who made 6 figures freelancing online, I wanted to try it and made $80 in 3 months. After making that first $80 for a voice-over job, I realized I could start a business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I consider myself self-employed, and I try not to use the term entrepreneur. I believe that entrepreneurs need to have a track record, and I've only been working for myself for 3 years. Technically I'm a business owner, but I don't want to consider myself an entrepreneur yet. My biggest accomplishment is my team itself. It's the fact that two kids from New Jersey who slid by in state schools with a bachelor's in business could launch a company that people love.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things to contend with is the fact that you could lose it all at any time. Nothing is guaranteed in business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not pay yourself for the first 3-5 years. This will allow you to reinvest in people, which will be your largest asset and largest liability.
- Always reinvest the money. If you make $5k, give that $5k to other people and try to make $10k with it - never, ever pocket that money. Do not ever buy a BMW; you will look like a douchebag.
- Don't quit; just pivot and delete your ego. If it's not working, it's your fault; if it's working, it's your team's fault.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://podcastprinciples.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastprinciples
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sullybop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSullyBop
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sullybop/
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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