We have all wanted to create some positive change at some point when life throws us a lemon or two.
Justin Brown is a writer, TV presenter, and an entrepeneur. He is busy doing just that.
He has had 18 books published (travel, humour, sports and children's) and also writes for TV (animation and live action).
It was when he was laid off recently from his ten year breakfast radio job that he was inspired to set up a website to promote the Good Guys.
Justin Brown is impressive not so much for his talent (which he has oodles of) but for his tenacity to just keep at it, when it woud have been easier to give up. He impressed me recently when he stood up on a stage and told the audience about his new book, then promptly brought out his guitar and sang a ditti too. He is the only person I have interviewed so far who has in turn been interviewed by CNN.
He is earning his crust by using his brain -literally- coming up with ideas that have a commercial and social value. He answers some of my questions on what makes him tick.
Business Interests
I’m a writer, TV and radio host. My books include ‘Bowling Through India,’(currently #9 The Bookseller charts) ‘UK on a G-String,’ and ‘Kiwi Speak.’ I can’t imagine a life where I’m in an office waiting for the clock to hit ‘home-time,’ or a boss not letting me leave until he says. If you love your job, it’s not work. It gives me a buzz meeting new people and trying new things. I saw a sign while fronting tourism videos in Australia recently that summed up how I see life: ‘Adventure before dementia.’
24/7 - my obsessions
Sport, new music, ipod, new shirts, youtube, blueberries, flat whites, technology, jokes, sleep, and giggles from my kids.
My biggest mistake
I was going to say starting www.wehaventlaidanyoneoff.com. (There’s no one that hasn’t laid anyone off!). In saying that, where the site has lead me, the people I’ve met, and the opportunities I have struck by going ahead, have all been worthwhile.
How I used the learning’s
I learnt a ton of stuff about the web – twitter, digg, ping, linkedin, youtube, facebook – and how to use these incredible sites to meet people and do business.
My source of pride
My young daughters, my wife, family and friends. And a signed $5 note from Sir Edmund!
Why did CNN interview you?
For my site www.wehaventlaidanyoneoff.com. I was interviewed by Richard Quest from ‘Quest Means Business.’ CNN is an American organisation, but I had a feeling Quest, who is a quirky Pom, would be interested in such a site. And I was right.
Is balance possible?
Depends how you define balance. Writing is my job, but I love it. I might write to a deadline; I might write to relax. Not everyone plays golf. Some people’s way of chilling out is by making more deals. But everyone needs hobbies. Without squash, running, movies, nights out with mates, I would go crazy.
Two Myths in business
Everyone is interested in me and my product.
If you have a website you will make money.
Three Rules I live by
Fail fast, fail smart and move on.
Don’t Ever... (do this to me)
Say you won’t try – life is ‘Green Eggs and Ham.’
My first job
Delivering fridges for ‘Hill and Stewart’ - $4.25 an hour.
I knew I was onto something when ...
I didn’t have to rearrange my titles on the shelves to make them bestsellers.
Business Advice I wish I was given earlier on
Just give it a go. Throw some money at it. Don’t be a tight arse, go for it!
The next big thing in my life will be...
Being completely open to new directions.
I set goals that... or I don’t set goals because....
I try to set goals but they end up underneath the unpaid bills in the kitchen. I don’t struggle with motivation. We’re not being ‘marked,’ if you want to make it happen you will.
If I had my wish I would have unlimited....
Ideas
I believe education is...
Necessary, for no other reason than being able to spell accommodation and broccoli (two words I constantly struggle with.) I sometimes wonder whether I would have done better if I attended uni, but no subjects interested me. I always felt like I should have gone, purely because it was the thing to do. I don’t regret not going. I still can, right!
You’ve been known to get up on stage and work that guitar to get your point across. Describe that feeling?
People love a tune and a story. I know this from my stand up comedy days. I can see why playwrights love what they do. Unlike novelists, they hear laughter and enjoyment. It’s addictive, a great feeling. I’m currently working on a few new songs for gigs, so watch this space.
People are often irritated when I
Stress when it’s really not that important
People admire me for...
My persistence. I have been told that, unlike others, I follow through on ideas. I don’t see it that way. I think if you’re lucky enough to have an idea, you’ve got to give it a crack. Persistence, however, isn’t sexy.
My favourite charity
Radio Lollipop
When the recession ends I will...
Get out of bed, go for a run, drink coffee and think up a new project. I.e. Do exactly what I’m doing now. Those Wall Street bankers can go to hell.
Parting Shot
Network…or die!