Gary Vaynerchuk's Blog, page 15

Life After High School: Insights From 8 Conversations

What’s up VaynerNation!

We’re Team GaryVee and recently we sat down with 8 people for more insight on the #GV18to28 debate. While Gary’s message may be interpreted as “anti-college”, really it’s all about self-awareness. Remember, life after high school doesn’t have to be straight-forward or daunting. Everyone is so different, so why do we all have to do things in exactly the same way?  

Our interviewees are 19 to 31 and they all took (or are in the process of) a different path to achieve their version of success. Are you in high school wondering what your next move should be after graduation? Maybe you’re currently applying for university or trying to snag your dream internship? Perhaps you’ve been out of school for a little while but now you’re trying to decide whether to go back. If any of that sounds like you, keep reading.  We hope this brings you value.

Insight 1: Have patience; if you truly want a college degree, it may take time. 

This insight comes from Glorian, a 19 year old immigrant from Venezuela who is putting off college to earn money for tuition and improve her English. 

“Right now, I have a job, and I need to start saving money for college. I don’t have the ability to ask my parents to pay for it–I have to do it myself. 

I’m not gonna lie, it’s scary. It’s scary to say it’s an investment; a multi-year investment. Maybe after so much time, I’m going to realize I don’t like what I’m studying. However, my mom has always told me that you need a secure plan. She pushed me to go to college. 

I’m glad she did because a college education will prepare me for my dream career, to be a psychologist. There’s a lot of things that I still don’t know and there’s so many ways to mess up a person if you don’t have the correct information. I think college can give me the right foundation.”

Insight 2: Have self-awareness; begin your journey with your goals in mind and don’t let anyone bring you down. 

This insight comes from Megan, a 21 year old Long Island native who’s attending Columbia University after applying as a high school student and getting in on her first try. 

“After undergrad, I want to go to a law school that’s prestigious and rigorous, so I need to attend a similar undergraduate university. The top law schools definitely consider your undergraduate degree. I want to get a foot in the door with more competitive graduate schools. For some people, price is more important than prestige. My twin brother, for example, he wants to be a nurse so he’s more interested in what’s the most cost effective. But I know prestige begets prestige which will help me in the future.

I also believe my education itself will help me. There’s the theory behind something, then there’s practice and putting them together creates praxis. School helps me ask, “Why do we do things this way?” and “Can we do things differently?” An education gives you the basic knowledge of how systems work and also the tools to think critically about it. School doesn’t necessarily prepare you for the workforce, it gives you the scaffolding to or foundation to change the workforce or see if the processes are working the way they’re intended. It expands you, not prepares you. 

In general, study what makes you passionate, not what’s practical. You’ll be much happier.”

Insight 3: Have Tenacity; changing your mindset is a strength not a weakness. 

This insight comes from Glorimar, a 28 year old Venezuelan immigrant who also attends Columbia University. However, she went to community college first. 

“I would recommend community college for anybody that needs a solid foundation. Especially for a student like me that never had college level education in English. 

When I entered community college, I knew I was going to transfer…I’m studying Creative Writing because I like it. I had already spent three years studying something I was not passionate about. I have a degree in something practical. I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life wondering what if? I thought to myself, have the balls to follow your dreams, and don’t let people bring you down, especially people who can’t relate to your experience. 

In general, you should be careful who you listen to. People who I did not admire, the managers at my job that have been there for 20 years and HATED it, they’re the ones who told me not to pursue my passion. People who I considered successful, people who seemed happy, they told me to go for it.” 

Insight 4: Be proud of who you are, be proud of your generation, no matter what anyone says.

This insight comes from Sydney, a 21 year old who’s recently joined the workforce after dropping out of cosmetology school.

“Me, personally, and a lot of people in my generation [Gen Z], know we have to have multiple sources of income. Our parents or our grandparents, they would have one career and stick with it, it’s different for us. 

Our generation is hyper vigilant because we’re the generation of flexing. We make a lot of money but we show it on instagram, it’s a constant pull. We’re always aware of who’s making money and comparing ourselves. A lot of people are becoming more open to different types of work because we refuse to struggle. We just keep going because we’re hustlers. 

People say we’re lazy and entitled. We are, but we also fight for what we want. We’re greedy, kinda. It’ll keep us alive during the pandemic.”

Insight 5: Be open and taste everything! Who says you have to stick to one path?

This insight comes from Eunice, a 28 year old executive assistant from New Jersey who went straight to college, dropped out, tried community college (and finished cosmetology school), before re-enrolling in a four year college.

“I went to college purely because I had to. My parents are immigrants and education is a really big deal. My mom didn’t care what I went to school for as long as I was in school…I went to a four year college, community college, cosmetology school, you name it. I wish more people realized you don’t have to have a college degree to be successful at your job. 

I think I learned more in the workforce than in college.”

Insight 6: Networking matters; it might get you a dream apprenticeship.

This insight comes from Frank, a 31 year old former-apprentice from New Jersey. After high school, he learned how to barber by learning under hairstylists in his area. 

“To do the cosmetology course at my school, you had to be a ‘model student’…I was not (laughs). So, instead of waiting for my teachers to let me in, I asked a barber around my way if he would teach me a few things. I cleaned up around his shop and became his apprentice. 

Frank worked as a barber for 15 years, before switching careers due to COVID. His advice to emerging apprentices?

“Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something.”

Insight 7: Soft Skills Matter Just As Much As Hard Skills

This insight comes from Scott who, after high school, attended community college for two weeks before dropping out to work full time. Now he’s a 30 year old entrepreneur who’s recently expanded his business.

“This was reinforced at Apple. My whole goal is, if at the end of a conversation the person who I was working with was asked, ‘Hey, would you recommend Scott?’ That answer needs to be a yes. 

Working at that store, they only care about that one metric and this was probably the biggest guiding light in my entire life. So I just took that and ran with it.

That metric is in everything I do in life now. Whether it’s real estate, video production, social media management, client success, or B2B deals.” 

Bonus Insight For Educators! Be Open and Empathic

This insight comes from Frederick, a 19 year old college student (and future teacher/journalist).Some of you may recognize him from Tea with GaryVee earlier this year.

“As far as education, I just want to say: get to know people. Learn people, learn how people are, because you’re gonna meet so many different types of people in the education field. 

You need to be well versed to be a teacher, support people, and help them succeed. You don’t necessarily need to be so legalistic about it, to the point where you don’t know how to approach a person. I feel like that’s what our education system has cultivated. That’s why I see a lot of educators are trying to dismantle that and I appreciate it.

Growing up, my dad made a difference in people’s lives. He would buy kids lunch if they needed it, he would show up at funerals…that’s the kind of difference I want to make in my students’ lives.”

We hope these perspectives help you understand that there really is no “right way” to success. Everyone’s definition of success is different, so it’s not wise to follow the advice of people who don’t understand your dream. If you want to read more, check out each #GV18to28 article, here on the GV Blog!

The post Life After High School: Insights From 8 Conversations appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

How To Save Yourself From Mistakes That Big Companies Make

This is a Thursday afternoon call to all businesses and business owners. 

Recently, I came across a story that’s been going viral. The gist is, @tonesterpaints is a college student that had been working in Sherwin Williams. After amassing an impressive 1.4 Million TikTok followers with his paint-mixing content, Tonester wanted to create an entire TikTok campaign for Sherwin Williams, making similar content for the company that he had previously made on his own. In the end, Sherwin Williams rejected Tonester’s pitch and later fired him for gross misconduct.

Big companies, you’re losing the 2021 game. Blind robotic law isn’t going to cut it anymore. When I look at the Sherwin-Williams/Tonersterpaints situation I am baffled. I’m not going to go as far as to ask, what were you doing Sherwin-Williams, because I’m educated enough to know that big companies have lots of legal realities and tend to get concerned about things that may get in the way of common sense. They let go of Tonester, who soon after got a ton of job offers. Anyone could have predicted this kid would be a star…but, now, Florida Paints has him. Tonster now has a job with Florida Paints, making the same content for them that he made for himself. The same content that made him TikTok famous.

So, even if I hesitate, I have to say it–What are you doing, Sherwin-Williams? This is the biggest press Florida Paints has ever gotten. 

The world is changing and common sense needs to emerge. I have a ton of empathy for legal life. We deal with it 24/7, 365 at VaynerMedia. But big companies, come on.  You’re losing the 2021 game, and I mean that. We need to have common sense, even just a little bit. There’s so much opportunity out there. But we need to open our eyes and our minds and become more consumer-centric, not corporate-centric. 
Big companies need to be more thoughtful. There’s so much opportunity in the new world but we must deploy new rules. If we don’t, yesterday will get in the way of tomorrow. Good luck to @tonesterpaints on your new gig. For the business owners and c-suite executives reading this, let’s ponder new ways of working.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk (@garyvee)

The post How To Save Yourself From Mistakes That Big Companies Make appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

How to deal with negativity this Thanksgiving: The ultimate clapback

So, you’re drinking your wine at Thanksgiving (or apple juice if you’re under 21) and somebody’s coming at you hard. Yelling at you about bad grades, or that you’re not settled down, or that you’re debating whether you want to go to college, or yelling that you’re not making enough money. Just yelling, yelling, yelling. So, what do you do when somebody’s coming at you, just filling the air with negativity and judgement? Here’s how to deal with negativity at the Thanksgiving dinner table. 

The Number One Way To Deal: Kindness

The number one thing you can do is bring it back to them. Reverse it and be kind. If they come at you, you put the mirror up. Uncle Sal, why are you trying to dump on me at Thanksgiving? If someone is trying to dump on someone during the year of Covid they obviously have some things going on. Ask if there’s anything you can do for them. Try, Mom, I know you’re upset but if you’re actually getting this mad at me during Thanksgiving in a Covid year you must be in a really bad place. Instead of fighting your mom, ask her if she’s okay. Think about where you really want to put your energy. 

The Number One Clapback: The Reverse Uno 

Is there a better card than the Uno Reverse? I don’t think so. So, here’s my reverse uno for Thanksgiving. Say Uncle comes in hot, being neagtive. Your mom’s upset that you haven’t settled down yet. The ultimate uno reverse card on family dynamics during Thanksgiving is actually an interesting one. 

The number one clapback during Thanksgiving is: because I don’t want your life. Make it kind, but let’s call it what it is, VaynerNation. Thanksgiving is always a beast. It’s brutal. Mom and Daddy and Auntie and Uncle and Grandpa and Grandma–there’s a lot of eyes on you. Why are your grades so low? Why are you in this type of job? Why aren’t you married? Where’s your baby? See, what I need most people to understand is that the people who are pressuring you at Thanksgiving are doing so because they want you to live the life that they think you should live. It’s similar to the one they lived. You unlikely, highly unlikely, want that life. 

Explain this to them and be the bigger person. I love you grandma but I don’t want your life. So I’m gonna live mine. Then, you live yours. The reverse uno is a great clapback during Thanksgiving! 

The Number One Move: Compassion

If you need to, try this sentence: Mom I know you love me and I know you want me to have a boyfriend (or a girlfriend, or have a child, or get married, or get a new job) and I love you for caring about me so much. But mom, I’m happy. I don’t know if you’re happy (that’s the zing) but I’m happy and I love you. Thanks for caring about me but I’m good and I got this. So stay patient with me.. 

People that come with heat are usually hurt. Compassion is the move this Thanksgiving.

If this brought you some value, be sure to let me know on Twitter!

The post How to deal with negativity this Thanksgiving: The ultimate clapback appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

Breaking Down Supreme & VF Corporation’s $2.1 billion Acquisition

What’s good, VaynerNation?

I hope you’re all doing super well. 

If you follow fashion, you may have heard that VF recently acquired American lifestyle brand Supreme for 2.1 billion dollars. The news was impossible to miss, with everyone asking different questions about what this acquisition could mean for the future of the brand. Keep reading to hear my answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on this matter. 

Question: What do you think the biggest challenges for VF will be as they try to scale a brand that’s known for their niche, underground roots? 

This is a great question. I’m writing this blog post because I know my Instagram is getting more “business oriented”. A lot more established executives are following me, but I also want every up and coming entrepreneur to know this as well: the biggest challenge in any merger and acquisition (M&A) is losing the DNA of the organization. The biggest challenge for VF, in regards to Supreme, is going to be having empathy. However, this answer leads to a bigger question.

How can a large company support the audience and employees of the smaller company they acquire? 

A lot of you are thinking of buying small companies even though you’re a small company. Due to Covid, many small businesses are hurting and looking to sell. Therefore, some of you are starting to think about M&A. To take this more macro,  now that the Supreme team, their executives and rain makers, have cashed out, (because they probably have contracts that keep them at VF for a while) how does VF keep them motivated? And more importantly, how does VF not mess up what Supreme has done?

My answer: it’s like an organ coming into a body. My friends if you’re buying somebody else’s cleaners, law firm, or landscaping firm, and incorporating it into your world–it’s a culture game. Just because you bought them doesn’t mean you get to boss them around. You’ve got to figure out how to make them work in your world.

The biggest challenge for VF with Supreme is going to be having empathy. Empathy that’s structured in a professional manner. Practical, professional, empathy is the biggest challenge for big companies when they ingest. It’s an even bigger challenge for small companies when they ingest, because small companies are founder-led. She or he says, Hey! I just bought your company so you’re gonna do this. A lot of times, that’s the thing that messes them up.  

Big companies tend to sometimes look for efficiencies. They cut some costs, change a rule or two, change the technology stack maybe. I know of startups that have gone into companies where they have to use Microsoft Teams instead of Google Hangout. Those kinds of things. I’ve seen startup brands that use Shopify Plus have to go into companies that use Magento or big commerce. 

When you’re forcing culture changes, the speed is an issue. Smaller brands tend to be fast when it comes to changes. Regardless of the size, having empathy and respect can solve a lot of problems–both in business and in life.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GaryVee TV (@garyveetv)

The post Breaking Down Supreme & VF Corporation’s $2.1 billion Acquisition appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

6 Ways To Stay Positive During Quarantine

What’s up VaynerNation!

Obviously times are hard right now. That’s why it’s important now, more than ever, for us to empathize with one another and stay positive. Nothing good comes from dwelling–if anything, it often leads to unhappiness and anger. Many people have a lot of anger toward this year, but in life often having hard conversations with yourself can lead to a lot of good. This is the year that forced you to have those hard conversations, this is the year that woke you up. There are still so many ways to remain positive. Keep reading to learn my top tips for staying positive in our current climate.

1. Be grateful.

Gratitude is so so important. It’s easy to think of the year that might have been, and of all the cool things you would be able to do if most of the world wasn’t restricted in some way. However, think about the things that wouldn’t have happened if Covid had arrived in North America just a few months earlier. 

I was having this exact conversation with a friend. His business was in trouble and he was feeling down. I had to remind him of how good he still had it. I wasn’t just saying that to make him feel better, I was being real. If we had shut down in January, most people would have had to stay home, events would have been cancelled and many bad things would not have happened. 

2. Have perspective.

This one is similar to the first, but it’s much more macro. Rather than focusing on the way you’re feeling, think about what this climate means for everyone else. I would say the majority of people are feeling anxious or worried about the state of the world. If you want to stay positive, you can’t just dwell on your own problems. Think about how you can help other people. I’m sure there are many people in your inner circle and community at large who could use some support. If you’re able to, supporting someone else in their time of need is one of the best feelings in the world.

3. Be accountable. 

Okay, accountability is a word many people don’t like to hear because it doesn’t come naturally for most. It may take years of practice but, how else can you change the world if you don’t start with yourself. Rather than worrying about all the things you can’t change, why don’t you start by setting goals and meeting them. Now is the time to put your money where your mouth is–no one is going to force you to become the person you’re meant to be. It’s hard, but I know you can do it! Plus, setting hard goals and meeting them helps a lot when you’re trying to maintain a positive mindset. 

4. Pick up a hobby.

Speaking of accountability, now is the perfect time to follow your passion. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to play guitar, and you have time to spare, now is the moment to do it. Just start. People have no idea how much immense happiness and gratification they’ll feel once they accomplish something that’s special to them. Your passion doesn’t have to be productive. It doesn’t have to be what your parents like or what your friends think is cool. Following your passion should be the thing you’re excited to do first thing in the morning. It should guide your thoughts throughout the day.

Have some self-awareness and be honest about what you want to do. Then start doing it!

5. Exercise

This one is tough, but it has to make the list. I could go on and on about the benefits of exercise, but I don’t have to. It’s been documented over and over again. Staying active helps your mental health as well as your physical well being. Now is the perfect time to sign up for a virtual class, get used to running early in the morning before everyone else is up, and just move. 

I am the least naturally healthy person there is, and I exercise. My process of getting healthy has made me have so much empathy for people who believe in quick results. Or maybe I should say faster results. After a year of “grinding”, doing reps and core work, I still didn’t have the massive body builder frame that I wanted. I just didn’t have an understanding of health and fitness. It takes reps, it takes time, it takes years, and it takes decades. The question is, do you enjoy it?

We all have strengths and weaknesses. through If you need to, hire a personal trainer or workout with a friend who keeps you accountable. Some of us need coaches and some of us need teammates. Again, it’s all about self-awareness and doing what is best for you.

6. Virtually surround yourself with positive people 

This one is super important. Use this time to connect with your friends and the people who have supported you. I spoke about this in depth on Tea With GaryVee. 

If you’re taking a virtual exercise class, take one with a friend. If you’re starting a new hobby to create content or as a way to prioritize your mental health–do it with a friend. Have a Zoom party if you want.

We are so lucky to have so much technology at our disposal. There are so many ways to stay connected. So, reach out and you may be surprised with what happens next.

The post 6 Ways To Stay Positive During Quarantine appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

The 18 to 28 Debate: Is College Worth It?

The world is changing, and it’s important to acknowledge that certain long held beliefs should be re-examined. So many of us are stuck doing things in an outdated way and it’s only leading us to unhappiness. With that in mind, let’s rethink the paths people can take from ages 18 to 28. I don’t have all the answers, so after reading this piece, leave a comment so I can get your perspective on the 18 to 28 debate.

Is education the only way someone with few resources can find success?

What’s ironic about this question is my answer. As much as I take issue with the “one size fits all” education model (especially in countries like the United States), I am on the board of Pencils of Promise and I’m on the board of Charity Water. I know, in certain underdeveloped parts of Africa, if water is supplied then children, and parents, can focus on their education–instead of water. That’s why Pencils of Promise builds schools in Ghana, Guatemala and Laos. They focus on education because in less developed countries, entry level education leads to opportunity in the same way that entrepreneurship, the internet, and self awareness can lead to opportunities in countries like the US. 

So, the passion in my activities–not my words but my actions–they aim to show the opportunities present in wealthy countries due to the internet. I encourage people to look at their opinions and  not just fall into the limitations of a one size fits all education system. My actions speak to providing education to those in third world countries because it is the most practical. So it’s an interesting question for me.

I go far less entrepreneurial in less developed countries, mainly because I believe that the internet is the biggest gateway. Luckily, in the last decade there have been big advances in internet and cell phone dynamics in less wealthy countries. Still, it’s not to the level where I feel the practicality of  saying, “hey kid become an influencer” or “sell t-shirts on Shopify on your cell phone” isn’t actual, practical execution. For me, this is actually a story about the fact that I hate being ideological and that I don’t have a passion for any specific thing. But, I do have a passion for what’s right at the moment and I put my money and my actions towards believing that education, aka schools,  is the real gateway in poor countries. 

The way education is packaged in places like the US is too rigid and doesn’t speak to the realities of the opportunities. In some countries since there is no other gateway than the serendipity of who your family is, or your life experience, I think the added thing in that environment is a school. 

via GIPHY

Education in the macro, period, is the end all be all. If you are living in America where you have complete internet access (and a stunning amount of ten year olds have a smartphone). I believe that the vanilla execution of education in our school system is a huge vulnerability because we’re taught that’s the way out and I don’t believe that’s the modern model. In other places, where you don’t have the internet and you don’t even have schools–I’m a big fan of putting schools and school infrastructure  in place because there’s a lot of people that learn tremendously well from a school education. I just think it’s a lot less than others think, and we’ve gone through modern first world countries believing everyone learns from that system. 

College enrollment trends

Two massive trends. One of those is Covid. I get it, like Forget it, I’m not paying $40,000 for Zoom classes when (back to my point) I can get better classes for free on Youtube. If covid had not happened, and it’d be interesting to see what the numbers were last year, I think they’d continued to drop. You can get better “courses” on the internet and you can take that money and travel the world for 40k as an eighteen year old. Plus, you would really learn…the big argument is, you grow up in college and you meet people. As if that’s the only way one gets life experience and meets people. I think if you’re crafty as shit,  there’s a way better way to spend 50,000 dollars a year. 

Will that affect how companies vet new candidates?

It’s already happened. Google, VaynerMedia, Apple, IBM, Nordstrom, Costco and Bank of America, plenty of companies don’t require a college education. That game is crumbling in front of our faces. Not to mention an enormous amount of people are looking at entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is having its highest rise of all time. Here’s why, there’s a huge confusion–I really really want to change the conversation around entrepreneurship. 

Entrepreneurship has been hijacked by club promoters, i.e. showmen. It completely lacks practicality. What I mean by that is, do you know how epic a life that’s making 86,000 dollars a year doing something you’re crazy about is? Butterflies, honey, pasta, star trek, beard oils, wine…it’s real. It’s hard but it’s stunningly real to go from 18 to 28 and make 85k a year loving your shit. I think that’s really practical and for a lot of people they don’t realize it’s practical for them. Instead what a lot of people do is get in debt with high interest. Then they take an entry level job at 40,000 a year,  that they have no interest in, to pay the debt off. 

The 18 to 28 Year Old Debate

via GIPHY

The 18 to 28 year old debate. Let’s debate those ten years. Here’s what most people are doing, they’re going to college. Luckily, for a small percentage–their parents pay for it. Awesome. Vacation. Enjoy the shit out of it. A lot of people are not though. They’re going into severe debt with high interest and no ability to bankrupt out of it. Then they go and take a job they don’t necessarily want, a lot of the time. 

There’s no way to clean the debt. So, they go from 18 to 22 doing that, then they go into a job market that doesn’t value the far majority of these diplomas. That game’s over. It just is. If you go to a top 5 percent school…people may take more note but not really. It just doesn’t carry the momentum of a degree the way 25 or 30 years ago. It’s not not the same weight. 

I have no clue where some of my employees went to school. If they all said community college, or they didn’t go at all, or they went to Harvard–it all would have landed the same way. In a world where the average income in the United States is 63,179  dollars a year (let’s not talk about the coasts or the bubbles some of us live in) I just think a lot of people can make 80,000 a year on Shopify or Facebook and live well. 

I don’t think everybody is an entrepreneur, I really don’t. However, I do think a lot of people have entrepreneurial tendencies that can get them to a little success. They’ll have the juice if they go hard on their thing. Sports, science, entertainment, music, whatever. 

Then they have to layer practicality; they have to sell something. 

The Tag Team

The other thing that nobody talks about, on this 18-28 year old debate, is the tag team. Tag team champions, the two people who come together. The crazy, artistic entrepreneur who is too wild and would gamble all the money. That’s the person who can make money but doesn’t have money. Then, the practical person, the secretary, the excel sheet doer, the responsible adult–that team is money. 

In a 2021 world, this needs to be talked about. One creative, money, sizzle–and one steak in the ground. Someone who is charismatic and someone who knows how to set up an LLC and makes sure people attend meetings. That team is money. That team is collectively in debt for 87,000 right now working at jobs they hate (at scale). 

The examples are every influencer on the internet. There are plenty of people making 100k. Their problem is that they’re buying Rollex’s and Beamers…and renting fancy houses in LA, so they’re underwater. This is real for people who want to play it safe. My model for 18-28 is safer, and happier. I believe this. Show me every 28 year old that’s in debt and I’ll show you half of my community.

The post The 18 to 28 Debate: Is College Worth It? appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

Tesla Tequila: Why brands should innovate into different sectors

What’s good, Vaynernation?!

When Tesla dropped a tequila, it made all the sense in the world to me. As many of you know, I’ve been talking about brand expansion (in “unusual” places) for a while now. I’ve been on this for so long because I believe in innovation and expansion. I want you to believe in it too. 

The expansion makes sense because the super premium nature of the brand pairs well with the premium lifestyle aspect of their tequila. Plus, alcohol and tequila translate well, in general, for expansion of brands. I also think it’s culturally cool, thus it goes into another category of cool with this expansion.

I’ve talked  about this before and it’s worth repeating. Some brands have truly established themselves in their sectors which gives them permission to expand in similar albeit different sections of that same sector. I think BMW has done that. Therefore, they “have permission” to make headphones that we would all buy. The BMW logo is cool and matters; plus, we think of them as an engineering company that makes good things. Still, 99 percent of people might say, “No. BMW makes cars.” 

I say, BMW can make headphones because they’re one of the brands that have established themselves. They have undoubtedly established something enough to have permission to do something within that target demo that’s executed in a different product or service. They’re not the only ones either. Nine years ago, Apple could have come out with a sneaker and won a large share of attention from people who love sneakers. They were so cool that they could enter that market, then they could innovate, which is their DNA. 

I think Porsche and Mercedes should go into other sectors as well. Why should Braun be the biggest razor in the world? I would buy a Porsche razor. You have to think about where you have permission (i.e. credit/reputation) to grow. 

The bigger question for this audience is: What can your small business expand into? Which demo do you serve? What’s your company’s “permissions”? And are there areas you want to get into? What can you do for your personal brand? Where can you go? What can you offer? 

Please entrepreneurs, please CEOs, please CMOs that read this article–take advantage of where the attention is. I implore you to understand that what Tesla did with tequila is what you all have the ability to do. Think, build your brand, and expand in unique and interesting ways. It’s more than hoodies and T-Shirts, I encourage you all to get creative.

Then someone could say, oh my god, what are they going to come out with next?There’s your motivation for today. Let’s innovate…who’s with it?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gary Vay-Ner-Chuk (@garyvee)

The post Tesla Tequila: Why brands should innovate into different sectors appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

A Letter I Wrote In A Locker Room

Hey VaynerNation,

 I’m turning forty-five today. With that in mind, I’ve started to really think about the next forty-five years, because ninety feels about right for me to hang up my jersey. For the first time in my brain, I’m picturing life after ninety and I can imagine life would be different afterward.

That being said, I’ll probably work well into my eighties. So what does that mean? If I retire at ninety then forty-five is halftime, right? It’s such an interesting age for me, it feels like I’m walking back into the field after halftime this Saturday. 

And that makes me feel incredible. 

I feel forty-five to fifty is when I’m at my most powerful. If this analogy plays out, the next half-decade may end up being the greatest part of my decade. They’re going to be my half time adjustments. I’ve been feeling it…I feel like I am sensing smoke. I feel like forty-three to forty-five has all been one big game of halftime adjustments. I’ve become more self aware, more aware of my shortcomings, more willing to talk about shit, dirt, and how it all relates to the process. 

Let me explain. I use the term “smoke to fire” as some may use “percolating to action”. I also use the analogy (and use a lot of analogies) of having thirty-one balls in the air and dropping seven. The reason I can hold twenty-four balls in the air is because I’m always sensing smoke. I’m always ideating and I’m always adding another layer. Then–boom–people can watch how it happens. Some may only see the last piece, the final fire; but if they look closely, they can see it build.

This is different from the idea behind “blood in the water”. Being able to sense smoke is a process that I’m finally getting to to break down for you.

It’s about efficiency.

This letter is about productivity more than anything else. People use tools for efficiencies while I use emotions, perspective, and insight. It’s because a lack of fear makes you more productive. You need to have a tremendous relationship with time and understand that in order to make progress you must not fear ideation. Productivity doesn’t have to be Slack or any other app. Some people are like me and I’m not a literal, productive person. I’m a theoretical, emotionally productive person. I’ve never mentioned or admitted that to myself. 

You can do so many things if you are always in “smoke” mode. There’s one idea and then there’s another idea. Don’t be afraid to ideate and create. That’s where I’m going with this theory.

Maybe we should create a new genre of emotional productivity. That’s what I feel I’m embarking on. Maybe I’ll write a book in 7 years and that will be the most impactful, “educational” thing I’ve ever done. Again, I’m always ideating, I’m doing it right now as I write. I’ll take something from this sit down that may help me with Wine Text. Or, I’ll take something from a Gallery Media or One37pm meeting that’s gonna help me in my speaking career…smoke to fire is a constant for me. 

Someone tagged me in something earlier, before I wrote this. It said that group thinking was better than individual thinking. It made me think, do I internalize most things as a group of people would? Rather than just me the individual. Maybe I’ve always been a Post Creative Strategist and never realized it.

What I mean is, I’m a human feedback loop. It’s how I navigate through my content and it’s how a lot of small businesses can navigate through their own content. Having more people around gives me more energy because that’s basically more ways to get feedback. It’s probably why I have a comedic style to my keynotes, because laughter is such an affirmation. Maybe it’s the reason why I curse so much? I’ve never thought this through…It also could be because I love Richard Pryor and Chris Rock. 

Regardless, when I curse the first time, I always use that reaction to gauge my language. Using emotion and empathy when communicating adds to the “smoke”…it’ll help you continue to make adjustments at half-time.

Keep in mind, in life some things are earned and others are natural. Not everyone is a natural ideator. However, you can work to eventually “earn” empathy and communication skills. There is value in working toward something that doesn’t come naturally to you. I know that after going through a physical health transformation. 

I’m the least naturally healthy person there is. 

From thirty-two on, when I gained ten pounds fast, I said, Uh oh. My grandfather died from heart disease and I feel like I’m built just like him. So, from thirty-two to thirty-eight, I had four different trainers. Let’s just say that didn’t work out. Still, It was more than what I was doing in my twenties. As I started to travel more, the conversation of let’s get my health together started hitting me like a drop in the bucket each time I thought about it. It was like a puff of smoke, or a small spark to a fire.

But then it clicked. I realized I needed a teammate. Everyone needs a team and no one can do it on their own. I now recognize that I need a human to hold myself accountable, a teammate who knew she or he could depend on me, because the worst feeling is letting someone down.

I remember that day. I was thirty-eight going on thirty-nine. As I boarded that plane I decided…I’m doing this. And when I got off the plane, that’s what I did. Smoke to fire. Six years of convos, five failed trainer attempts, and monthly conversations with myself. In the days leading up to the plane ride multiple, daily, quick thoughts. Smoke. 

What do I want you to take from this? My mom says it all the time, she thinks she’s all smoke and no fire. What I have is action.The question is, what is it in me that pushes me to act…because people get to ninety-nine and they’re still trying to fix their issues.

I’m so tired of people not doing things because they’re afraid of “wasting time”. I find that most people’s time who say “oh that’s a waste of time”–their time is the least valuable. It’s such a bad excuse. These free flowing conversations are how you get to ideas. Everyone is so structured. School, being too regimented, took away the creativity of many.  

What I notice about myself is, I don’t conform to norms. I’m willing to be flexible with time and my resources. I’m always listening even though I talk a lot, which is why video conferencing works for me, I need to see the reaction to what I say. I’m always looking for feedback loops. 

Maybe my definition of smoke needs to have another layer behind it, maybe in order to truly get to a smoke and fire process you must be self-aware, honest, and hold yourself accountable. Most people do things on autopilot because they assume that if there’s a meeting in their calendar they must do it (especially these days on these virtual meetings). 

The next time you’re in a meeting pay attention to your senses. If within the first 13 seconds you feel that the meeting you’re in doesn’t meet the needs of what you’re trying to accomplish (smoke), change it (fire). 

Focus on your intuition and natural talent. Work on the things you’re not naturally good at. I think many people are in smoke mode and blame other people for not starting a fire. In life, maybe before halftime, you have to start the fire.

The post A Letter I Wrote In A Locker Room appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

DoggFace208 and the Future of Advertising

What’s up VaynerNation!

Some of you may have a craving for Ocean Spray right now? Why? Because you watched one of the most successful commercials of all time–and you probably didn’t even realize it. Whether or not Ocean Spray intended for it to happen (and believe me, they didn’t) regular people are the best markers of all time. They can really push a brand forward if they put their minds to it. The opposite is also true, and perhaps more exciting; regular people can control the fate of a brand without even realizing it. Keep reading to find out what I think about DoggFace208 going viral, and what it means for the future of advertising.  

Why did this type of content make such a big impact on sales for Ocean Spray? 

That’s simple, marketing works. People are very very naive of how marketing, and awareness, actually works. Millions upon millions of people saw that video, which means tens of thousands of people got, Oh man, I like Ocean Spray. Why did I stop drinking Ocean Spray? in their minds. Or they may have thought, I’m just gonna get some Ocean Spray because there’s a creator culture going on, this is trending, oh let me copy that. There’s a strong sense of creativity and creation going on right now.

Now, how would you, as a brand, recreate the Ocean Spray moment that forces people to go out, get your product, and make content with it? One of the obvious emerging strategies for that is Smirnoff Ice during the “icing” challenge. That’s for all the historians out there. It’s a great example because a decade ago, there was a big trend called Icing that forced you to buy Smirnoff Ice. It exploded their sales. If I’m a brand right now, I would try to create something, some challenge, on TikTok  that makes people have to buy my brand. 

How can brands rethink their marketing without being copycats?

Brands should be direct copy cats. I think that an insight was created from this moment and of course the brands that go so literally (aka, I’m Tropicana orange juice and I’m gonna try to get an influencer to ride a bike and drink Tropicana), I think that would fall. However, to be frank, I think it could hit if they’re making fun of themselves when they’re executing it. 

There’s a way to spin this for your brand. On the flip side, as a brand, how do you make the video, or find the influencers, to create very authentic things that are lighthearted? Let’s not be confused. One of the biggest reasons the Doggface208 video worked is because we are all, in America, grasping for simplicity and ease right now. It’s a very contentious time. It’s the same reason Emily in Paris is doing well on Netflix, you just need something soft to escape to. 

So, look for those major themes when you’re thinking of marketing for a brand.

The post DoggFace208 and the Future of Advertising appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.

Career Advice In A Pandemic

Empathy is needed now more than ever. Times are tough right now, that much is a given. But, that phrase, “times are tough” does nothing to help. No one has all of the answers, but we can all lend each other an ear and offer advice when necessary. Keep reading to hear my advice for anyone looking to switch careers during a pandemic. 

Step 1:  Do not spend too much time dwelling. 

Because the reality is, it happened. Dwelling on the past or what might have been helps no one. 

Step 2:  Convert it into opportunity.

Now that you’re on Step 2, here are some questions to ask yourself: Did you love your job? If you didn’t, do you even love the career field you’re in? And if you don’t–turn sugar honey ice tea into something positive. Lemonade. 

The reality is that one of the great opportunities in life is taking a shit situation and turning it into something positive. Many people, I would argue 50%, of the people that were laid off during the pandemic, genuinely disliked their job. Furthermore, they genuinely disliked their field. These people should start creating content.

Step 3: Use your spare time to execute your ideas. 

Let me give you a really good one. If you’re this person, someone that lost their job during the pandemic (and honestly didn’t like their job very much in the first place) write a Linkedin post titled A love letter to my future working self. Then, write the letter explaining why you’re going to go into the dance industry, why you’re passionate about it,  and what you see, aka what are the trends occurring in that industry that you can’t wait to innovate or imitate. 

What’s happening is, it’s therapy for you, but much more important: you’re putting out a manifesto of your ideas and observations on LinkedIn. All you need is one person in that industry to see your post and say, “Holy crap. That’s a great point.” Then hopefully that person emails you and gives you an entry level job into the “dance” or “music” or “animation” or “sports” industry. 

I don’t tend to go very literally often, but in this post I am challenging and trying to inspire you to convert your feelings from dwelling to opportunity. Literally here are tactics. Now go on LinkedIn and write that post I just described, then come back to me and email me your crazy success story at gary@vaynermedia.com.

The post Career Advice In A Pandemic appeared first on GaryVaynerchuk.com.