An Interview with Josh Hinds

Motivational Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur


Josh Hinds Interview

Josh Hinds continues to have a positive impact on millions of people’s lives — world-wide through either the network of websites he runs, his weekly motivational newsletter, called “Let’s Talk Motivation!”, or the inspirational writing, speaking, and training he does.

In this Startup Savant interview, he speaks about his experiences as an entrepreneur who inspires other people by encouraging them to be the best person they can be. Check out his interview via phone below and when you are done learning about his entrepreneurial ventures, be sure to follow him on Twitter!

How did you get started as an entrepreneur? When did you first get bit by the entrepreneurial bug?

I first became interested in entrepreneurship around 15 or so when I went to work in our family business. My father created a job for me where I would call prospective clients and qualify them. I would turn them over to our sales people because no one's going to take 15 year old seriously. I'm not so sure why he taught me at that age. He said, it was something I was going to succeed at, and I did!

From there my interest in entrepreneurship, professional and personal development grew. I'm still very much a student of human potential and personal development. That early exposure to small business and entrepreneurship was a blessing.

What does your business do that makes it better than the rest? In other words, what is your competitive advantage and how did you find it?

The work I do with GetMotivation.com, as well as writing and consulting, still follows the mission I wrote out years ago. That is, to encourage and inspire others to become their best. We do that by offering resources, those I've created or of other people who are experts in their areas of study. The ways we go about delivering on that mission have over time, but the focus stays the same.

What does a typical day look like for you? Is there something you make a point to do each day?

I begin each day praying and giving thanks for all I have in my life. Gratitude reminds me that I have much to be thankful for, no matter what challenges I might happen to be going through at any given time.

It also reminds me that obstacles can be overcome, just as they have been in the past. Prayer also reminds me that ultimately the full weight of whatever challenges I might have in front of me don't weigh fully on me to overcome. My faith tells me that I've got someone in my corner a whole lot more capable than me to help me along my life's journey.

What is the biggest business mistake that taught you a powerful lesson? Would you mind sharing how it made you the person you are today?

I have had tons. I don't know that one particularly stands out. I do know that every single one of them helped make me who I am today. They're at least equally as responsible as any "wins" I've had and probably more so. If we're willing to accept that there's always a lesson to be found, we tend to find it. If we don't allow ourselves to believe that, we'll miss it entirely.

What trait would you consider made you the best person and professional you are today?

When I came to realize that I didn't have to get things right all the time. That making mistakes or falling short is okay. That if you just keep moving forward and learn along the way that you can still reach your intended destination. I'm a big believer in workarounds. That is, the idea that there's always more than the "obvious" way to attain the goals one is after.

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What are the top 3 success tips that you would give anyone starting a business in Alabama?

I guess I'd give people the same tips no matter where they were starting one. :-)

First, you don't have to be passionate about the business you do to succeed in it. There's plenty of proof from examples of people who have done so working at things they didn't particularly enjoy. Where being passionate can be helpful though is that in the beginning and the money isn't flowing yet. When things are especially hard, passion can take the place of monetary reward (at least initially) and that can keep a person going until the other rewards catch up.

Second, learn along the way. Also, that practice doesn't make perfect. It makes things permanent. So, if you encounter the wrong things and you don't learn the correct way, it's only going to escalate. That shouldn't discourage you, just understand that you can look to proven experts to help you learn the right way, so you don't end up making permanent something that keeps you from what you're after.

Third, understand that it doesn't have to be "all or nothing" if you're an entrepreneur. I know plenty of wonderful businesses that started small or even as part-time ventures while the business owner built things up until they went full time in their business. Remember, life isn't static. You can always shift and move as needed.

Are you using any apps that help you stay on track from day-to day?

I use lots. I use a few to keep me organized. I use apps directly from google, their google docs, etc. Then a lot of others.

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

To continue sharing through the writing I do. Also, to continue letting other thought leaders share their advice through our GetMotivation.com platform.

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