Day 1: Launches a startup. Day 2: Tells everyone else how to build a successful startup.
A few weeks ago I talked to a Mixergy fan who was having trouble with his business.
He said, “I even tried content marketing.”
“Let me see it,” I said.
He showed me his blog. I won’t embarrass him by linking to it here, but it’s the standard new founder’s blog, full of pontification about what it takes to be successful.
How many guys like that have you seen? They start businesses and immediately pretend to be business experts.
I’m not putting anyone down. I’ve done it too. I wish I kept my first Typepad blog so I could show you my ‘business wisdom.’ I’m just saying there’s an easier way, one that feels more natural.
Consider another approach: instead of being the master expert, try being curious. I’ve been doing it here on Mixergy for years, and others have joined me.
Dan Blank is interviewing authors he admires. Can you imagine how much he’s learning about publishing by asking questions instead of pretending to have all the answers?
Kevin Dewalt is using interviews to learn about his customers. He says every time he does an interview, people he talks to help him promote it. (That happens to me all the time on Mixergy.)
Ramit Sethi, who encouraged me when I launched Mixergy Premium, is selling his interviews through a membership site.
Trent Dyrsmid interviewed me. He picked my brain about what I learned from selling on Mixergy. A few minutes ago I checked his site and noticed he implemented the idea that lit up his eyes during that interview.
I know your favorite blogger might be telling you to have strong opinions and show the world how smart you are. If you tried it and it didn’t feel right, consider being curious. I bet it won’t be long before people actually want to read what you have to say about business success.
If you need help, I wrote this basic text document that will let you copy my format. Many of your favorite online interviewers started out by reading it. Grab the interview guide.