Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erik Qualman, Founder of Equalman Studios, located in Austin, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I started my business, Equalman Studios, as I wanted to create art and education that inspired individuals and businesses to achieve their best life, leadership, and legacy in the digital age. Whether that's by creating unique videos, performances, articles, or experiences, we work with our clients to create unique pieces of art.
Tell us about yourself
My journey into "edutainment" began when I published my first book, Socialnomics. When you see something so powerful that it will have implications for everyone on the planet, you owe it to yourself as an author and to your readers and fans to share the vision. Not long after publishing, I began receiving requests from different organizations to speak about my book and the implications of digital media in society and business.
As the years have progressed, the messaging has evolved with the new technologies available to us, and we have expanded Equalman Studios' capabilities. I'm passionate about social media, mobile, new trends, and beyond because it's less about the technology and more about the relationships it can enable if used properly.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Going back to relationships and people, I always feel most accomplished when I receive emails from someone in the audience or hear from someone who has read one of my books, and they say, "I really needed to hear this message," or "reading your book has really helped me." At the end of the day, the goal at Equalman Studios is to empower 7 billion people to their best life, but ultimately if what we do only helps one person, it's worth it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Saying "no." In our increasingly busy and digital world, we are constantly being pulled in different directions. Finding harmony between work and life is something many people struggle with. I wrote about this in my latest book, The Focus Project. A good reminder for myself is that when I say "no" to one opportunity, I am creating an opportunity to say "yes" to things that matter most.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
There are 3 simple keys to success in life:
- Be kind.
- Be kind.
- Be kind.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I'm a five-time #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker. I have performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. And was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter’s J.K. Rowling.
My Socialnomics work has been on 60 Minutes to the Wall Street Journal and used by the National Guard to NASA. Over 500 universities around the world use my materials. My animation studio wrote and produced the world’s most-watched social media video, “Social Media Revolution.”
I was Academic All-Big Ten in basketball at Michigan State University and have been previously honored as the Alum of the Year. A scholarship bears my name at MSU. My MBA is from the University of Texas, and I'm a former sitting professor at MIT and Harvard’s edX. I received an honorary doctorate for my groundbreaking work. Most importantly, I'm still trying to live up to the “World’s Greatest Dad” coffee mug I received from my wife and two daughters.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://equalman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equalman/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/equalman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qualman/
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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