Business Over Beer

#34. Leading from Independence & Drive with Digital Marketer Don Elliott #GiveAShit

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This week on the second biggest podcast in the Pacific Northwest behind only those pesky Sasquatch Hunters, Business Over Beer welcomes Don Elliott, Owner of the digital marketing agency, Gravitate. An entrepreneur from a young age, Don got started in business by building and selling computers at the age of 14, but his road to success was not without its challenges. Despite his love for teaching and learning, Don was not great at school and became involved in a gang. Although he never finished high school (or college), he credits his independence and drive to becoming a successful business owner. In addition, Don also shares with us his views on education and solving social issues as well as how he is implementing more racially diverse hiring practices in his own organization.  Prost!

 

In this episode:

  • In true entrepreneurial spirit, Don always wanted to be the one calling the shots; He would rather be the one making the mistakes than dealing with the mistakes of others.
  • Independence and drive is at the heart of entrepreneurship, especially combined with an active mind. 
  • Your own drive will only take you so far, but your own drive plus being pushed by others can take you to a whole different world.
  • Teaching independent thinking and rewarding drive is better in the education system than just teaching kids how to start a business.  
  • Don't use hard work as an excuse for bad choices. 
  • Overcoming a deficiency in a business by working harder is not solving the problem and your machine may still be broken. You are over taxing yourself, employees and business and not leaving yourself time to actually work on the business.  
  • Affect something rather than be affected by it.  
  • Give a shit and solve the problem. If we focus on our own emotional satiation and catharsis, we're just kicking the can down the road and not actually solving the problem.
  • We can solve social problems using the creative process the same way we do in business and science.  
  • In hiring, applicant pools must reflect the broader societal demographics, and it's the responsibility of business owners and hiring managers to connect with organizations that support minority candidates. 

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    Guest Beer:

    Varietal Beer Co. - Sunnyside, WA

    Coral Motel, Hazy NW Pale Ale, 5.9% ABV

    "Pale Ale featuring Loral & Comet hops. The aroma of lemon blossom leads to a bright citrus flavor & an easy, refreshing finish."

     

    Angie's Mystery Beer:

    Ballast Point Brewing - San Diego, CA

    High West Barrel Aged Victory at Sea, Imperial Porter, 12% ABV, 35 IBU

    "From a blend of Ballast Point Victory at Sea aged in High West’s own bourbon & rye whiskey oak casks, new layers of complexity emerge with notes of soft caramel and smoky oak over a dark chocolate and roasted almond body."

     

    Episode Links:

    Gravitate

    Almar Tool

    Running start

    SXSW EDU

    Daava Mills on Business Over Beer

    Business Over Beer Panel Discussion on Racial Inequality

    Linchpin 

    ...more
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    Business Over BeerBy TH3 Entertainment