Evan Carmichael Shares ‘YOUR ONE WORD’ At The Holidays
One of the questions that I always ask when doing interviews for THREAD MB is. “What is your personal mantra?” I ask this because I am convinced that we are each born with a highly personal, unique ‘saying’ inscribed across our hearts. It is the nature of these sayings that, ultimately, determines the choices we make and, ultimately, our overall happiness and success.
It seems that I am not alone in my belief, however, as famed entrepreneurial guru and social media sensation, Evan Carmichael, subscribes to the near same theory -- although he has whittled my mantra down to one word. His newest book called “YOUR ONE WORD” explains the importance of identifying your ‘one word’ and the impact of doing so (or not) has on your life.
Mine is “enlighten”. I know this because all of my achievements as well as personal and professional fulfillment unfolds from this word. It explains why I was so powerfully drawn to EvanCarmichael.com’s motivational video series “Top 10 Rules Of Success” and why I needed to get to know the man, himself. I share our interview with you both through this video link as well as the Q&A below.
What’s your personal mantra?
Believe
For those who do not know your professional history, share the highlights.
At 19, I built then sold a biotech software company. At 22, I was a VC helping raise $500k to $15mil. I now run EvanCarmichael.com, a popular website for entrepreneurs. I breathe and bleed entrepreneurship.
What is EvanCarmichael.com about?
EvanCarmichael.com inspires entrepreneurs to ‘believe’ in themselves through videos and more. The idea began as a selfish need for the inspiration behind the videos. Figuring that if I needed this type of inspiration, others probably did too, I began offering them to the public. The business evolved from there.
What is your overall goal for EvanCarmichael.com?
I set up EvanCarmichael.com with the goal to help other entrepreneurs stay motivated and give specific strategies that can help you build a successful business. My larger goal is to help 1 billion entrepreneurs through my website - so far I'm proud to say that this website has helped over 20 million entrepreneurs... but I'm just getting started.
I also help brands who want to be seen as a friend of the small business community, not just companies trying to sell products. Among my clients are American Express, TELUS, Linkedin, Staples, TRUMP, and more.
What has surprised you in the creation of your “Top 10 Rules For Success” video series?
The fact that we have, at times, changed people’s opinions about the people we highlight through these videos through the creation of greater awareness and understanding.
What was the hardest decision you had to make in your life?
Giving up the smart, safe, easy route in order to refrain from “living in regret”. I had golden opportunities to work with McKinsey and Merrill Lynch at a time when the company that I was with was struggling. I, myself, was making $300 a month. And yet, I stayed committed because I did not want to ever look back on the experience and ask the question, “What if?”
Talk a bit about your book?
The book “YOUR ONE WORD” comes out on December 6, 2016 (Penguin Random House). It is designed to help you nail down your personal mottos - the word that captures your purpose and passion -- turbo-charging your path to success on your own terms.
Share a passion of yours beyond entrepreneurship
I love salsa dancing. (He’s not kidding. Evan spends over twenty-five hours a week involved in the dance. See this video to watch him go!)
Share a social cause or cause-based organization close to your heart.
Entrepreneurs - and the mentorship thereof - is my social cause. I believe, that entrepreneurs will solve all of the problems of the world. That is why it is so important to support them.
When all is said and done, how would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered for having an impact.
As the word, ‘Believe’ stands at the center of the upcoming holidays so should Evan Carmichael, in my opinion. His videos will keep you inspired, beginning with my own personal favorite -- Evan Carmichael’s “Top 10 Rules For Success”. And his book, “YOUR ONE WORD”, will make it to the top of your “wish list” and that of your friends’ and family’s too.
Many thanks to Evan Carmichael for making this interview possible