Things Get Really Crazy

Podcast Summary

• Focus on solving people's problems for monetization: Provide value first, monetization follows. Solve genuine problems for people to make significant money.

  Solving problems for people, whether through an app, website, or any other means, is a great way to make significant money. Gary Vaynerchuk, in his Ask Gary Vee Show episode 158, emphasized the importance of focusing on providing value first, and monetization will follow. He shared his experience from the 43 North startup competition in Buffalo, where he co-judged and witnessed a company receiving $1,000,000. He also addressed a question from Anthony about starting a business around an unmonetized solution, and Gary's response was that the monetization aspect becomes easier when you genuinely solve people's problems. The entertainment industry is a prime example of this concept. Although Gary expressed some skepticism towards Anthony's potential solution, he emphasized the importance of believing in the value you bring to people.

• Monetize your creations: Create valuable solutions, connect with potential buyers, and capitalize on the value you've created.

  If you create a solution to a problem, whether it's a tangible product or an app/website, you should monetize it by selling it to either individuals or businesses. Even if you're unsure of how to monetize it at first, the fact that you've solved a problem holds immense value in humanity. Gary Vaynerchuk emphasized this point throughout the podcast, using examples of inventions and solutions that have changed the world and were eventually monetized. He also shared his own experiences with endorsing books, despite his general disinterest in reading them, as an exception due to his personal connection with the authors. Overall, the message is that if you create something valuable, there's a market for it, and you should capitalize on that value by selling it.

• The Power of Guest Blogging for Marketing and Thought Leadership: Guest blogging helps reach new audiences, establish thought leadership, and provide value to build relationships. Focus on value, tackle tough questions, and engage with critics for growth.

  Creating and sharing valuable content is an effective way to market a business and build relationships. The speaker, who is an author and podcast host, emphasizes the importance of guest blogging as a way to reach new audiences and establish thought leadership in a specific industry. He uses the example of marketing an HR staffing agency by creating content for HR software company blogs. The key is to focus on providing value to the audience rather than promoting the business directly. The speaker also encourages tackling tough questions and engaging with critics, as it can lead to growth and opportunities for deeper connections.

• Creating valuable content as a media company: Producing high-quality content consistently can attract new clients, build a strong brand, and lead to business opportunities.

  Creating valuable content and acting like a media company can significantly benefit businesses by attracting new clients and building a strong brand. Gary Vaynerchuk, the speaker in this discussion, emphasizes the importance of putting out content that resonates with your audience and delivering on that promise. He shares his personal experience with VaynerMedia, where producing content has led to new business opportunities and brand growth. The use of social media platforms like Instagram for niche marketing and engagement is also highlighted. However, it's essential to remember that delivering high-quality content consistently is crucial to maintaining trust and credibility with your audience. Additionally, there's a need to address any skepticism that comes with being a charismatic and successful personal brand. In summary, acting like a media company and producing valuable content can be a game-changer for businesses, but it requires consistent effort and delivery.

• Focusing on engagement vs. content: Engaging with audience is crucial, but creating valuable content is essential for building a strong social media following. Depth and weight behind responses can make a significant impact.

  Engaging with your audience is important, but creating valuable content is absolutely essential for building a strong social media following. Gary Vaynerchuk, in the discussion, shares his experience of focusing on engagement in the past and realizing the importance of content in recent years. He argues that your responses and answers can be considered content and that it's the depth and weight behind those responses that can make a significant impact. Floyd Mayweather is given as an example of someone who has excelled in content marketing through his answers and responses. However, it's important to note that both engagement and content are crucial elements for growing a social media following. Additionally, Gary expresses his gratitude for the questions he receives and encourages support on Facebook for his content.

• Expressing gratitude and inviting engagement: Sharing content fosters relationships and contributes to personal and professional growth.

  The speaker expresses deep gratitude towards those who share his content and invites listeners to engage by sharing his episodes. He shares a personal story about his favorite childhood costume and the bond it represents with his sister. Regarding VaynerMedia, he acknowledges the company's consistent growth but wonders if there will ever be a shift towards prioritizing depth over width in terms of clientele and project scope. He expresses curiosity about the potential implications of such a change on the team and the quality of output. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relationships, whether personal or professional, and the power of sharing and engaging with content.

• Focusing on depth over width for growth: VaynerMedia prioritizes growing in quality and quantity, investing in deep skills for both new and long-term employees, and achieving both depth and width is essential for long-term success.

  Gary Vaynerchuk's agency, VaynerMedia, focuses on depth over width when it comes to investments in clients, employees, and benefits. While some agencies may prioritize extravagant packages, VaynerMedia's approach is to grow both in quality and quantity. In the past 18 months, the company has seen significant growth in the depth of skills among its staff, both new hires and long-term employees. This growth is not limited to any specific group and is scalable as the company grows. VaynerMedia's unique ability to run both trains of growth in parallel sets it apart from competitors. The company's founder, Gary Vaynerchuk, believes that achieving both depth and width is essential and that the depth of talent and skills will only increase as the company grows and deploys more resources towards these areas. Despite his unconventional views on bonuses, VaynerMedia has seen some employees leave other agencies for more generous compensation packages. However, VaynerMedia's approach is to work collaboratively with employees to reach mutually beneficial compensation agreements. Overall, VaynerMedia's focus on depth and growth in parallel sets it apart from other agencies and positions it for long-term success.

• Misaligned Expectations in Fast-Growing Companies: Leaders must adjust to employees' needs and preferences to maintain a positive work environment in fast-growing companies. Misaligned expectations can lead to dissatisfaction and turnover, so understanding individual growth timelines and unique challenges is crucial.

  In fast-growing companies like VaynerMedia, employees may not calibrate their expectations based on the right timeframe. While some may focus on their personal growth and the company's growth within a year, others may not consider the long-term implications of a 3-year growth plan. This can lead to dissatisfaction and turnover, but it's the leader's job to adjust and empathize with their team's needs. Another key point is that every company, including VaynerMedia, comes with its unique challenges. Gary Vaynerchuk shares his love for the fast-paced, chaotic environment of a large office space, but not everyone may feel the same way. As the company grows and expands, it's essential for leaders to consider the needs and preferences of their team members to create a positive work environment. Lastly, Gary Vaynerchuk shared his excitement for the upcoming NFL game between the Jets and Raiders. Despite his initial prediction, he ultimately believes the Jets will come out on top in a close game. Overall, the conversation touched on various topics, including company growth, employee satisfaction, and football predictions, showcasing Gary Vaynerchuk's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for business and sports.