Atomic Wedgie and Entrepreneurship: A Fireside Chat with Porter Haney

wedgie girl, wedgie boyNo, this article is not about how to give a wedgie or even wedgie videos. Instead, this is an interview with Porter Haney, an entrepreneur and founder of wedgies.com, a polling platform for the real time web.

Similar to our interview with Neil Patel, we’ve asked Porter a few questions with the hope that his answers will provide good advice for those currently in high school or college but wish to eventually become an entrepreneur.

After this post, go check out wedgies.com and become a wedgie boy or a wedgie girl. Sounds weird, I know. Anyways, enjoy the interview.

1. Can you share your background with the audience and what you’re up to currently?

I’m a passionate skier, photographer and entrepreneur. I recount our outdoor adventures atFamousInternetSkiers.com and am currently building wedgies.com, a polling platform for the real time  web. We’re part of the burgeoning #vegastech startup scene and Downtown Project, an initiative to make Las Vegas the largest community focused city in the world.

2. Thinking back to your time in High School and College, what classes or training do you suggest for students aspiring to become entrepreneurs one day?

I relate entrepreneurship to the simplest forms of education.

When you’re in grade school you’re learning simple skills – how to make friends, how to socialize, how to communicate. At it’s core, entrepreneurship is about building lasting relationships through business. These skills are very human, and things you might pickup in the halls of school as well as in the classroom.

I’d encourage students to find something they’re passionate about, people they want to surround themselves with while they chase that passion, and a patience and resilience to chase that passion for a long time.

3. So, a tutor is kind of like a mentor. What mentors did you have and what affect did they have on your career of life decisions?

Entrepreneurship is a skill best taught through mentor and peer networks. You can’t learn every entrepreneurship lesson by reading a book or talking with other potential entrepreneurs. You need seasoned people, who’ve been through similar businesses and experiences. They’ll be the best guiding light for you as you try to tackle new problems.

4. Any final career advice for the budding entrepreneur in High School or College?

I believe in a few core rules and try to follow them in most aspects of what I do.  Treat others the way you want to be treated. And, two wrongs don’t make a right.  I believe that following these types of rules, while working hard, creates sustainable success that you can be proud of as an individual and a business.

To learn more about Porter, you can follow him on his Google Plus Profile.

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Career Advice for Students: 5 Questions with Neil Patel of Kissmetrics

neil patel career advice for studentsNeil Patel Interview: Career Advice for Students

Often the best help for those in High School or College is someone that can provide clarity and vision for what the heck is at the end of this super long road we call formal education. I’ve found out that the best sources of clarity are to hear and receive advice from those that have done it.

So, in keeping with our goal of helping students, tutors, and parents, we’re starting a new series where we pose 5 questions to successful business people, politicians, and those that have “made it”.

Our first interview is with Neil Patel – a person who is very well known in internet marketing circles and in entrepreneurship in general.

But don’t let his baby face and young age fool you: He has successfully started and ran 2 companies already. His School of Hard Knox training can teach the rest of us a thing or two.

1. Hi Neil. Can you share your background with the audience and what you’re up to currently?

I’m a serial entrepreneur who just enjoys solving problems for the marketing world. I’m currently 27 years old and when I am not working I enjoy watching some TV or just hanging out with friends.

As for what I am currently up to, I spend all of my time focusing on KISSmetrics, which is a customer analytics platform. We show companies what people are doing on their website and what causes them to make a purchase or even ask for a refund.

2. Thinking back to your time in High School and College, what classes or training do you suggest for students aspiring to become entrepreneurs one day?

I don’t think there are any classes that can help. Or at least there weren’t any that helped me. The best way to learn is by doing. I recommend you just go out there and participate in things like Startup Weekend. And if you like what you see there, you can always jump right in and start a company.

3. So, a tutor is kind of like a mentor. What mentors did you have and what affect did they have on your career or life decisions?

My main mentor is a guy by the name of Andy Liu. He taught me a lot about business, how to find good deals, negotiation tactics, how to raise money, and countless number of other things.

He had a huge impact on my life, I actually even moved to Seattle because of him. Over the last 7 years he has made me millions of dollars.

4. Did you ever need help from a tutor? Can you share your experience?

I have. My mentor (tutor) guided me through tough parts in my entrepreneurial career such as lawsuits or how to get things done when you are strapped for cash.

5. Any final career advice for the budding entrepreneur in High School or College?

You just need to go out there and do it. Stop spending you time in the classroom trying to learn about entrepreneurship as that’s the wrong place to do so. You’ll learn a lot more by doing.

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You don’t pay your first hour unless you find it a good fit.

Only pay for the time you need.

No subscriptions or upfront payments.

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