Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrew Spalter, founder, and CEO of East Goes Global, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run a company called East Goes Global, and we work with your favorite personalities and brands to expand their reach and businesses to the fastest-growing consumer market in the world, China! We do this through Social Media Management, Branding, Merchandising, Distribution, and Localization.
Even today, a majority of Westerners do not realize that platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Reddit, Google, and countless others are completely inaccessible in China. Regardless, there are still 1.5B people in the market that still consume content, listen to music, watch films, enjoy sports, and more. Our goal is to provide a window of access to those 1.5B people that cannot easily access Western platforms and, in turn, assist the Western personalities and brands in reaching another, not-so-distant market that just so happens to be the largest in the world.
Tell us about yourself
I started my career in the summer of 2011, double interning for Warner Music Group & HITS Magazine. Learning that there was, and still is, a business surrounding something that touches so many people on a daily basis was incredibly inspiring. From there, I realized that I wanted to be in the industry but did not know which field of business I wanted to go in. So, during my last two years in school, I took on as many internships and odd jobs I could hold within the industry to learn what I did NOT like and, in turn, landed upon what I loved. I worked for the college radio station, concert board, Spotify as a campus rep, and a handful of other positions, but I loved one, management.
After graduating from Syracuse University's Bandier Program, I fell headfirst into management when working for a band named Life of Dillon, which signed to Disruptor Records under Epic/Sony. From there, I worked with Sarah Stennett and First Access Entertainment, and then MDDN with Benji and Joel Madden. During my time there, I worked with Jessie J while she was on a TV show in China called Singer and realized a massive disconnect between China and the rest of the world, and the rest of the world with China. I wake up every day excited to do what I do because we help the world become a bit closer day by day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When I started my company, I had hoped that I'd somehow get to the point in my career and with my business that I could afford health, vision, and dental for all of my employees globally. We've reached this goal. Another massive accomplishment is being able to sponsor the visas for our employees stateside... The business would not be where it is without any of them, so I am honored to give back in any way I can.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being motivated to not just run a business but LEAD every day. You have people counting on you, and yes, while fulfilling, it can sure be a doozy at times. But, the fulfillment outways everything else.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do not be discouraged if your 'idea' has not come; it will.
- Do not be afraid to chase that 'idea' and/or 'dream.'
- Pave your own trail. What may have worked for others might not work for you.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't forget to have fun :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.eastgoesglobal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewspalter/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.