Entrepreneur, author, speaker, and YouTube influencer Evan Carmichael, shares how he built a network of connections to grow his blog readership and YouTube channel, which is nearing a million subscribers.
Evan publishes daily content YouTube to help entrepreneurs achieve their full potential. He was passionate about entrepreneurship from a very young age, but because being an entrepreneur wasn't the path most people followed, he thought he would become a banker.
It was only when he went to college that he partnered with friends and started his first business. After selling his business a few years later, he dedicated himself to empower entrepreneurs to succeed.
When he first started his YouTube channel, he didn't have "an agenda." But then, inspired by Bill Gates, who recommended partnering with others who have the same audience, he was moved to seek influencers.
He was successful connecting with his first 2 YouTube influencers because he was a true fan of their channels. He also found an angle that would appeal to their audience, so he suggested 3 ideas that would be helpful and relevant.
Evan didn't get a "yes" immediately. He followed up as many times as needed. "It just seemed natural," he says.
To build his network, he reached out to people who he already knew in search for relevant connections to contribute content for his blog. He was introduced to Guy Kawasaki and Seth Godin, who agreed to contribute to his blog.
Evan's first connections led to new contributors for his blog. Same approach worked for his YouTube channel. "You keep pulling sweaters to get to the front of the line."
When Evan receives generic pitches, he rejects them. On the contrary, when he's approached by people who're active on his channel, he takes notice and wants to learn more. "If someone leaves a comment 5 or 6 times, (...) you click on his profile (...) Maybe I end up reaching out to him because it's a potential fit."
Even when you share influencers' content on social media, always add a comment that brings value.
Building a name (your own platform) is a way to attract influencers. Choose a platform that matches what you're great at. Do what comes naturally to you.
Pick a path and be consistent--otherwise you'll give up!
When Evan was writing his book, Your ONE Word, he wanted to interview the CEO of Starbucks. He asked everyone in his network, trying to find his way through. Eventually, he connected with the CEO's book's ghost writer on Twitter.
He sent her a video to tell her what he found most impactful about the book, and then asked for an introduction.
The ghost writer introduced him to corporate PR, and even though the timing didn't work, he was able to reach people in the highest ranks at Starbucks because of his reaching out to the ghostwriter.
"You have a goal, and you just attack it from every possible angle without giving up!" Evan says.
Evan is excited about his new book, The Top 10 Rules for Success.
The book is meant to be read one page at a time. Each page will give you 2 fantastic ideas from legends in business that you can then apply into your own life.
Evan says he has a "massive disrespect for tools," because tools will not save you when things go wrong. Start with you. With zero tools you can still dominate. Don't let the tools become an excuse.
Evan's best tool is his own YouTube channel--all about mindset adjustment and becoming inspired to achieving your highest potential.
Book: Your ONE word, about finding your core value to grow your business.
#BELIEVE
Evan Carmichael #Believe in entrepreneurs. At 19, he built then sold a biotech software company. At 22, he was a VC helping raise $500k to $15mil. He now run EvanCarmichael.com, a popular website for entrepreneurs. He breathes and bleeds entrepreneurship. He's obsessed. Aiming to help 1 billion entrepreneurs. Change the world. He has set 2 world records, uses a stand-up desk, rides a Vespa, raises funds for Kiva, wears 5-toe shoes and created Entrepreneur trading cards. He speaks globally but Toronto (#EntCity) is home. He loves being married, his son, salsa dancing, DJing, League of Legends, and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Connect with Evan at EvanCarmichael.com