How Entrepreneurs Can Be Their Own Media Company with Gresham Harkless Jr.

The Idea Climbing Podcast

Entrepreneurs can be their own media company if they have the right strategies. I discuss how to do that in this episode with my guest, Gresham “Gresh” W. Harkless Jr. Gresh is the founder of Blue16 Media and CBNation. Blue16 Media uses media & technology to change lives. These media properties include Blue16 Marketing-a digital marketing agency providing digital marketing services including web design, website support & SEO services. When Gresh was younger we didn’t have the tools that we have today that can connect us to the rest of the world instantaneously. As a child he would write a newsletter about things that were going on in his family and they would send care packages to his dad (who was in the military) every month. In those care packages were Gresh’s newsletters. He also sold subscriptions to people close to the family. Fast forward to adulthood; Gresh founded a digital marketing company. A lot of their philosophy is around building things to help solve problems just like he was when he was his 10-year-old self. Discovering Who You Are Gresh believes that a lot of time there’s a lot of noise in our lives, and that happens at different times and different stages. Usually, when you’re a kid, you have a little more leeway to do whatever you’re interested in. Many people don’t have expectations that they have to be a doctor or lawyer, or you should be doing this, or you should be doing that. If you look back at seeds that were planted when you were a kid, you will discover what really lights you up and what you really want to be in the world. That’s what happened with Gresh. Media Strategy Questions There are three questions you need to ask and answer to start a successful media strategy. Who are the people that you’re trying to target? You need to paint a picture from an avatar perspective. You want to understand their problems so you can provide solutions to their problems. What resources will you need? These are most often money and time; you need to know where to get them. What does success look like for you? A clear definition of success will help you get there quicker. In this episode we also discuss: Gresh’s definition of media. Why it’s important to have a clear target market and how to define one. The correlation between target markets and the resources you’ll need to reach them. How to compile the right ingredients for a successful media strategy. How to create and execute your next media strategy. How to start a podcast that best suits your “zone of genius”. Why your definition of success will change over time and how to keep up with the changes. Why answering “Why” should connect you to a greater purpose. …and other golden nuggets of advice! You can get my book here: “Idea Climbing: How to Create a Support System for Your Next Big Idea” About the Guest Gresham “Gresh” W. Harkless Jr. is the founder of Blue16 Media and CBNation. Blue16 Media uses media & technology to change lives. These media properties include Blue16 Marketing-a digital marketing agency providing digital marketing services including web design, website support & SEO services. CBNation consists of media properties (blogs, podcasts and videos) helping the business community succeed. Central to Blue16’s marketing philosophy is that You Are a Media Company and that every organization is in the media business and can strategically leverage marketing tools, platforms, and “ingredients” to reach their goals. Click here for more outstanding interviews with entrepreneurs and thought leaders!