How do you know if you should commit to your business idea? Jared Gold believes you need to find a business idea by experimenting with it.
He runs Website By Tonight, a web design firm specializing in working with solo entrepreneurs and independent consultants to create simple and attractive websites in real-time using screen sharing for a low flat rate.
He also runs a side hustle, MealTribes, a platform to connect people in their 20s and 30s for fun gatherings, lead by their hand-picked Tribe Leaders.
Lot of great lessons in our conversation including:
- How Jared defined success for himself.
- Why he didn’t charge his first couple of clients for his services.
- Develop your self-awareness to find clients in alignment with your needs and values.
- Actively limiting or removing distractions from your work environment.
Life Skills That Matter In This Episode
- Build your community
- Practice self-awareness
- Align your habits
How Jared Works and Thinks
- Wake up time: 7:00 am
- Ideal work environment: Open office or co-working space with lots of wood and exposed brick, plants around, fast paced but not frenetic, fairly quiet, few interruptions, and at a standing desk.
- Definition of success: Doing interesting work with people he enjoys working with, feeling like he belongs in the circles he works in, and a level of financial stability.
- 90-day goal: Scale up Website By Tonight by testing out some marketing, working on the MealTribes Scavenger Hunt, and pushing growth for MealTribes.
Inspirational Quotes
“We all have to eat, I don’t think that’s ever gonna change and we’ve been doing it for thousands of years and, instinctively, that’s how people connect.”
“To make any change in life, you have to really feel some pain.”
“Just because someone is willing to pay you, doesn’t mean they’re worth the agony of working with.”
Coaching Advice
If you’re on the fence about quitting your job, Jared has this advice for knowing when the time is right:
1) Understand that self-employment isn’t always the highlight reel we see on social media and that there may not be a perfect time.
2) Make sure you like what you’re doing and find a way to dip your toe in the water before fully committing.
3) Examine and be willing to accept the trade-offs that come with leaving a potentially more steady job.
Resources + Bonus Materials
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Special Offers
Mention you heard Jared on this podcast and get $50 off a package from Website By Tonight.
Related Episodes
Learn New Skills By Experimenting With Nat Eliason (144)
Experiment To Find Your Niche With Stacey Harmon (198)
Connect With Jared