Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in media but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Scott Gatz, CEO & Founder of Q.Digital, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Q.Digital is a fast-growing LGBTQ-owned and operated media company that helps LGBTQ+ people everywhere get the most out of life. We're the company behind travel site GayCities, Queerty, the entertainment site that's "free of an agenda, except that gay one," LGBTQ Nation, the leading LGBTQ+ news and opinion site, and INTO, the welcoming space that celebrates thinkers, fighters, new voices, and the unapologetic authenticity of Gen Z. Together the media sites reach over eight million consumers each month, making it a first stop for advertisers looking to reach a valuable, highly targeted audience.
Tell us about yourself
I've worked at the intersection of media and technology my whole career. I started in TV journalism and found myself working at Yahoo in its early days. I started GayCities because I love to travel, and I couldn't find resources where the LGBTQ+ community to share their favorite places with each other. From there, we added Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, and INTO to entertain, enlighten and amplify the voices in our community. My favorite thing is when people tell me they read our newsletter or never miss a post on Twitter. I love that we're making an impact on folks' daily lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm incredibly proud of the team we've built at Q.Digital. I get to work alongside some of the best editors, marketers, tech folks, and sales professionals I've ever worked with. I'm also proud that we've created a culture that values kindness, fun, and flexibility - IMHO, we're a terrific place to work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I find myself juggling a thousand different things and switching contexts throughout each day. It's a struggle to structure some time to focus on bigger issues and long-term planning. I'm getting better at it, but it's hard to avoid all the day-to-day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have dinner each night with your family, loved ones, friends, or people that matter to you - don't let yourself work through dinner. You can always log on afterward. Take that time for yourself and your relationships.
- Be opportunistic - a large part of success in business is understanding when a little luck comes your way - don't be afraid to jump at opportunities.
- Understand your financials - it actually took me like ten years to fully grasp how my P&L worked: fixed expenses and variable expenses. I wish I had taken a course or gotten an advisor so much earlier. You can hire folks to enter/manage/advise you on your books, but it's essential that you understand it fully.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.q.digital/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgatz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queerty/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgatz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgatz/
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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