TMBA495: Going All In on a Side Project

Podcast 53:58 | Download | Stitcher | iTunes | Comment

On today’s podcast, Dan and Ian are following up on one of the most popular episodes in recent years.

Tommy Griffith is the founder of ClickMinded, an online SEO training course that he started while he was working at Paypal. Tommy joined us two and a half years ago to talk about how he created that business as a Saturday Morning Side Hustle.

When we last spoke with Tommy in 2017, he was about to quit one of the best jobs in the world as the head of SEO at AirBNB to travel the world and focus on Clickminded full-time.

It didn’t go quite as planned, as you’ll find out on this week’s episode. Tommy returns to the podcast today to talk about what went wrong, and why he decided almost eight years into growing his business that it was time to take on a co-founder.

Transcript

Listen to this week’s show and learn:

  • What prompted Tommy’s decision to leave AirBNB to focus on Clickminded. (4:22)
  • Why he compares himself to the manager of a Panda Express. (15:38)
  • How Tommy came to the realization that he needed a business partner. (25:46)
  • How the business went from pre-selling a course for six-figures to losing money. (32:50)
  • Why achieving your goals can often be a double-edged sword. (42:25)

Mentioned in the episode:

This week’s sponsor:

This week’s episode is sponsored by The Dynamite Circle. The Dynamite Circle has been around for over 8 years and is a private community for established entrepreneurs. First and foremost, the Dynamite Circle is a community of peers, who understand their challenges and are willing to help each other on a day-to-day basis. Dynamite Circle members can choose to be placed in carefully matched online masterminds, have access to free bespoke recruitment services via Dynamite Jobs, and can seek and share advice through our private business forum. You are also able to buy tickets for our events around the world, including our longstanding annual event in Bangkok, DC BKK. Stop growing your business alone, head on over to TropicalMBA.com/DC for more information.

Enjoyed this podcast? Check out these:

Grab your copy of our book!

In the entrepreneurial world, it’s rarely questioned that “exiting” is the end goal of a smartly built business and a prestigious waypoint in a successful career.

In 2015, Dan Andrews and Ian Schoen sold their business for multi-seven figures, and although they don’t regret selling – there are many mistakes they made that were avoidable.

The book presents thought experiments designed to help you avoid similar mistakes.

Whether you are in the early stages of building a business or thinking of selling, this book is designed to help you build with the future in mind.

Drop your email below to get a copy of the book. (Note: This form will automatically redirect you to download the book.)

We respect your privacy.

Listening options:

Thanks for listening to our show! We’ll be back next Thursday morning 8AM EST. Cheers, Dan & Ian

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS