Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Phillip Bennetzen, founder of RaceSheetsDFS, located in Poteau, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called RaceSheets. I create fantasy-sports-related spreadsheets for fantasy NASCAR while also producing articles, podcasts, and videos based on the information in those spreadsheets.
Tell us about yourself
I started writing about fantasy sports back in 2010 when I started a fantasy football blog. Through the years, my interests have evolved from fantasy football to golf, and I settled on NASCAR after both DraftKings and FanDuel began to offer NASCAR DFS contests. NASCAR was my favorite sport from childhood into my teen years, so taking that passion and crafting it into a money-making venture made too much sense. My motivation sits in knowing that I have the power to take something I enjoy and am also passionate about and have the ability to turn that into a profitable side venture.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Rising up from an unknown writer in this realm, becoming the featured NASCAR writer at the biggest fantasy-sports site in the DFS realm, and then being able to take that momentum and create my own website.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is also the best thing - freedom. You get to dictate what your work schedule looks like. However, if things begin to lag, just go look in a mirror, and you'll find the reason why numbers are down.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you have a passion for ANYTHING - you can create sustainable income by telling other people about it.
First, get in the habit of writing, podcasting, or recording videos as often as possible. The best way to hone your craft is to practice it relentlessly.
Second, don't be afraid to reach out to people in your industry or niche and ask for help or networking. You can attempt to build your kingdom by yourself, or you can take whatever help is available and speed up the process while creating bonds.
Third, don't be afraid to work for free in the beginning to help establish a base but know when it's time for you to get compensated. Giving away your work for free is how you'll get your work in front of people, especially as you're starting, but eventually, your hard work is too valuable to just give away. When the audience is built up enough, you'll have established more than enough people willing to pay for the product.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://racesheetsdfs.substack.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pmbennetzen
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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