Have you and your friends ever thought of a business idea over dinner, in the bar, pub? My guess is that you probably have, I guess now is the time when you should probably start writing those ideas down..

Three Kingston post-graduate students (Ana Mikaela, Joe Peach and Sam Mclintock) started their company Tshaped after stumbling upon an idea one evening at their university pub.

After having a quick chat with them on why they wanted to start the business

They said “We were inspired by the love of creating a digital business that would be useful to others and that would make us passionate to work on. Although we were encouraged to create the business by the Masters program, we decided to put our heart and souls in a business that will go much further than a university project”.

The fact that all three come from different business backgrounds also helps;

Ana Mikaela (advertising and communications background and plans the marketing strategy of the company); Sam (industrial design and engineering background) Joe ( conceptual art background, he visualizes and creates ideas, balancing out his team mates with a more creative and artistic approach).

They have since launched their first service from Tshaped called be “Hold the Front Pages.com” A digital newsstand that provides up-to-date view of the front pages of newspapers and magazines.
It allows anyone to browse the front covers with a click of a button. It is a free service that enables quick and easy access to the newsstands.

I also spoke to them about how they are looking to monetize the service;

Our website will be monetized through magazine subscriptions in the initial phase, in the second phase we hope sell advertising space and also sell “tabs” in the website (selling means that the metro might want to pay to have a whole tab called METRO, where people can only see their newspapers).
Another way of getting revenue will be the Sponsored pages, where in a further stage, magazines and or newspapers (or other entitites) can sponsor a page by paying us, which will make that page more prominient in our website and be tagged as “Sponsored page”.

Not bad for a business that the total costs comes up to £250, which i might add is from the bright ideas competition.

I would like to thank Kingston entrepreneurs society for their assistance.

Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, At 20 years old, after graduating from the University of Miami with degrees in Journalism and Anthropology and headed to Europe for a three-month backpacking and photography trip. Upon her return, she was approached to host a show, inevitably leading her back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television hosting, acting, and writing.

Southern has appeared as a red carpet host for (2008 Grammys, 2007 Golden Globes, 2006 Young Hollywood Awards), and as the face for Cosmopolitan Magazine’s website.

Although she was first introduced to the public in 2004 when she made American Idol season three’s Top 50, she also became the face for Cosmopolitan.com, and starred in series and specials for CBS.com, MySpace, and MSN. On her own time, Taryn continued writing and producing videos, including a spoof of THE GOLDEN GLOBES for TVGuide.com, NOT MY SOCK with Jamie Kennedy for T-Mobile, and more.

Shortly thereafter, she was featured in Maxim Magazine as one of the top internet celebrities of the year, and won Spike TV’s 2008 Guy’s Choice Award for her Hott4Hill video.

In the film world, she played a supporting role in Senior Skip Day opposite Jackson Rathbone. She also was one of the leads alongside Jessica Lee Rose and Mikaela Hoover, in Warner Brother’s first ever web series, Sorority Forever. The series debuted on September 8th, 2008 on theWB.com.

In November 2008, Southern and her producing partner, Jessica Rose, launched Webutantes, a new media studio.

Also in 2008, Southern wrote/produced her first comedic musical web series, Private High Musical, which was released across various viral platforms. The project was produced in association with 60Frames’ Red Band. In 2009, Taryn sold “Private High Musical” to MTV and teamed up “Family Guy” executive producer David Zuckerman to write the half-hour comedy script.

How are you doing?

I’m great, thanks! Just had my morning latte.

Can you let our readers know what you do?

I still don’t quite know exactly. By definition, I’m an actress, writer, producer, and TV host – but most days I just feel like I’m playing a giant game of Hollywood chess.

Describe/outline your typical day?

Sometimes I wish I had a “typical” day! Every day is different. Some days I’m filming, which means crazy call times and long hours on a set. Other days are spent auditioning (which in LA, means hours in a car), pitching TV or web series concepts for financing or distribution, writing, reading scripts, and lots of general meetings with studio execs, actors, writers, and producers.

You’re one of the co-hosts for the official American Music Awards pre-show that pretty cool right? I hope I’m getting some backstage tickets *Laughs*

Haha, I’ll let you know if I get any extra tickets! Yes, I’m extremely excited about co-hosting this year’s AMA awards. I co-hosted the red carpet of the Golden Globe Awards for Dick Clark Productions back in 2007, so I was so excited that they asked me back to be a part of their official AMA pre-show. The best part about this year’s show is that it’s completely interactive. So no matter where you are in the world, you can watch the pre-show live from my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/tarynsouthern , as well as tweet me questions you want me to ask your favorite celebs (Direct questions to @tarynsouthern -). Being able to connect fans to celebrities on the red carpet, LIVE, isn’t something I’ve ever been able to do before!

I mean you’ve worked with a lot of celebrities, you’re kind of considered a celebrity yourself, How does it feel? How has the journey been so far?

Ha, well, I definitely don’t consider myself a celebrity. I’m not exactly sure at what point someone is considered a “celebrity” – perhaps when they can’t leave the house without being pestered by paparazzi? That’s definitely not me.

Regardless, my journey in entertainment over the past few years has been an absolute adventure. I feel blessed to have been able to do so many different kinds of things. One day I’m in Washington DC talking to Chris Matthews about politics on MSNBC, the next day I’m playing dress up in a ridiculous comedy film, the next day I’m travelling to Europe to host a travel show. I never know what’s around the corner…every day is a surprise.

What is the name of the most interesting place you’ve been to and why?

I think Istanbul tops my list. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to, but it lies on the border between Asia and Europe, so the culture draws from so many different influences. The town of Iquitos, Peru comes in at a close #2. One of the most incredible months of my life was when I was working on my senior thesis along the Amazon River. I stayed with locals in the rainforest and learned about all kinds of indigenous plants and rituals. It was fascinating.

I was actually watching Senior Skip Day and was thinking “Do you actually swear that much?” How was the experience being in the movie?

Senior Skip Day was actually my first movie – and so much fun! And no, I definitely don’t swear like Isha does. She really liked the F word.

My favorite part about Senior Skip Day was the cast. We were all such goofballs together. Now Jackson Rathbone’s in Twilight and Kayla Ewell is on the CW’s hit series Vampire Diaries. I love seeing my friends succeed. I’m like a proud mother.

O yeah, I will definitely be watching the new twilight movie; I’m a huge of vampire diaries.

What’s your biggest distraction?

My biggest distraction is not having a schedule. Since I don’t work for anyone, I only answer to myself, which requires a lot of focus and optimism. The hardest part of my job is that you just have to work really hard and then wait for that “pivotal moment.” Sometimes it’s a phone call that you got the part, other times, it’s the anti-climatic close of a six-month long negotiation. Every few months I have to take a step back from the minute details and appreciate the creative freedom I have.

What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?

As long as you put forth effort, and do your work with passion and love, then I believe there is no such thing as failure. Everything is a learning experience. I’m a highly critical person, so I’m always critiquing myself. The growing never stops, the ideas never stop; it’s all cyclical.

If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

The older you get, the tougher it can be to find work in Hollywood, especially as an actor. I used to wish that I had started pursuing my career at a younger age, to have the “head start” that so many others had. Now, I’m so glad I didn’t! Without my experiences studying anthropology in college, I wouldn’t have the other passions I do now – for music, travel, cooking, culture. It’s never too late to do what you love. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

What has been your most satisfying moment so far?

Hearing from someone that I brightened their day, made them laugh, or inspired them to do something outside of their comfort zone – those letters and emails make it all worth it.

What is the most crucial decision you’ve made so far regarding your career?

When I decided to ignore the critics. My first year in LA, I found a lot of work as a TV host and even produced my own TV show. I was immediately placed in the “host/producer box,” but I wanted so badly to act and write. So instead of listening to all the people who told me that I should just focus on hosting, I started writing, producing, and acting in my own online material, which led to several roles in films and selling my first scripted TV show. There’s always going to be people telling you that you can’t do something…so you just have to go do it. Prove yourself. Now I am fortunate to have a team of people who support me in all areas – writing, producing, acting, hosting. Three years ago I would have never imagined that I’d have that.

On those impossible days, what motivates you to keep going?

Coffee? Ha. Sometimes it’s as simple as that. Seriously though, most days, it’s an idea I have that inspires me to wake up every morning. A little voice inside that says you have to tell this story.

Describe yourself in 5 words?

Intuitive, joyful, sensitive, driven, practical

What do you in your non-work times?

I love the arts – writing music, painting, photography – and long hikes in the Los Angeles hills. I also try to take about 4 weeks off every year to travel. Last year I took an extended holiday vacation and went to New York, Dubai, Jordan, Istanbul, and Mexico. It was such an odd trip but amazingly refreshing. I really want to see Africa and Cambodia next.

What music artists do you like at the moment?

I’m inspired by so many different types of music. The Jackson 5, Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon, Michael Buble, and the Rock of Ages Broadway soundtrack are on my current work out playlist.

What is your favourite film at the moment?

My favorite film this year was the Pixar animated Up (I couldn’t stop talking about it!), but whenever I need a little inspiration, I turn on The Wizard of Oz or Amelie.

What are you currently working on now?

A bunch of different projects (as usual!) I’ve got the American Music Awards coming up this month, but I’m also consulting for a web site launch in November and writing two web series that I plan to produce next year. I just finished acting in a movie in September, so hopefully I’ll see a cut of that soon. And in December, I’m producing my first feature – it’s a passion-project thriller that I co-wrote with a friend.

Wow, That’s great Taryn.

Where do you see in yourself and your career in the next 5 years?

I have very specific goals – I want to make a movie musical. Publish a book. Run my own new media content studio for up and coming talent to test out ideas. Learn aerial acrobatics. I’m not really sure what all this adds up to. I’m not looking to win any awards – as long as I’m having fun, that’s all that matters.

If you were conducting this interview, what question would you be dying for someone to ask you?

That’s a trick question! Haha. I’m a pretty open book, so if anyone has any questions for me, they can just send me a twitter message – www.twitter.com/tarynsouthern – or post a message on one of my blog forums at www.taryntogo.com.

Thanks for your time Taryn, we wish the best in the future.

Connect with Taryn on twitter – www.twitter.com/tarynsouthern
Find out more updates on her website – www.taryntogo.com
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Media Entrepreneur, Carlos Leon, Started his own production company when he was 20 years old and launching his studio at 23, and now he has worked with some of the biggest companies such as Warner Brothers, MTV, Sirius Radio, Discovery Channel and VH1.

He founded his media company CML Studios in the summer of 2006, His media company offers a clean ample facility to independent producers, filmmakers and photographers at low costs. The studio is ideal for any video production or photography shoots including music videos, shorts films, commercials, casting calls, instruction videos, modelling sessions, corporate videos and commercial photography shoots.

Hello Carlos, how is it going so far? Thanks for taking your time to be on YHP, How was your weekend?

Hello Joseph, Thank you for the opportunity and interest in my company. My weekend was fantastic, just got back from a conference of entrepreneurs where fashion designer Christian Audigier and Sir Richard Branson, my role model, were the keynote speakers. It was very inspiring and a great way to start a new week.

How did you raise money for your business?

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that was the case with my first attempts in business. I started making web sites and small video projects for clients from my parent’s home. After some financial success and room for expansion, I was convinced to join a partnership that promised to provide me with my first office in an event preparation center in my hometown.

After agreeing to sign all of the leasing paperwork in my name and obtaining the keys to my first shared business location, one of the partners decided to quit, rent the location literally next to ours and start her own business with another partner. The partnership feel apart after I signed the dotted line and before I even got the keys. Definitely, my first real challenge in business at age 21.

I did get the small corner office I was promised, as well as the entire building for a business I knew nothing about and the full financial responsibility with little income.

Out of necessity, I worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day for almost an entire year in order to complete the full financial responsibility with the failed partnership and a hunger for something bigger and better. For me it was enough money to move to Hollywood and open up my own production studio from scratch. I raised the capital by saving the old fashion way, by working as fast as I could, as hard as I could and spending very little.

I ended up saving my target goal in 10 months, moving to Hollywood and the rest is history. My former partner’s business completely failed and ended up closing just 12 months after I moved to Hollywood.
Another key to my success in indirectly raising funds ,or in this case resources, has been bartering. Once you have created a product or service that can be of value to others that also have something of value for you, an exchange of goods and services can be a very smart way of potentially saving thousands of dollars and expanding your network.

I have been able to barter with dozens of people that provide services to me such as photographers, editors, animators, etc in exchange for services I require for several of my projects and companies. I have been able to save thousands of dollars this way and it is a “win – win” situation for both parties.

How did you get such a strong customer base, Warner Brothers, Discover Channel, VH1, MTV to mention a few, how did you get them on your list?

Marketing in Hollywood is key and that is what it comes down to. By providing a production facility and services at good rates and projecting a clean, straight-forward image, I have been able to get many of the top entertainment companies use our facilities and services.

Clients from all over the world and from practically all 50 US States have booked our facilities over the phone by simply reviewing our website and online presence. Everything comes down to image and marketing.
Ironically, Hollywood is also like any neighborhood in any small city, everyone knows each other. Eventually you start meeting the same people and having the same group of friends and colleagues that recommend each other, so the networking aspect of my business is very important.

How has the journey been so far?

It has truly has been an amazing journey with many ups and downs. In Business, you have to find something you love to do and have a passion for and figure out a way to live off it. You need to sacrifice and be willing to take risks most people that just have a 9-5 are not willing to take. That is the difference between failure and success.

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

There are many memorable moments since I started my company but my proudest achievement is having been named One of America’s Best Entrepreneurs under 25 by BusinessWeek magazine. The media exposure and expansion of my network due to the publicity has been invaluable.

Other surreal moments have been when an important client shoots in my studio during the day and that same evening appears on a live national television show which shows their importance in the industry. Every time I have any sort of important client or company use our facilities or receive a quote request from halfway around the world, is very surreal for me.

What would you say has been the most important lesson you’ve learnt along the way?

The most important lesson I have learned along the way is to always be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. There is nothing worse than working very hard to start a company and not having enough resources or funds to sustain it if things do not go as planned. I have learned that saving is very important and that in business being organized in terms of scheduling and finances is crucial for success.

I have also learned that marketing is an essential key for success. Having a strong marketing presence is very important. I started my company by bartering a couple ads in a local business directory in exchange for building the directory’s website. I also simultaneously sent out 100 flyers to the closest businesses around me from which I received my first major marketing contract from a multi-million dollar multi-national company.
Years later I still have clients from these initial free marketing campaigns which shows the immense power of marketing. A small marketing campaign can create a butterfly effect that can spiral into a whole network of clients and referrals.

Where do you see in yourself and your business in the next 5 years?

I see a true explosive expansion in the next 5 years. For the past couple years I have been planting several business “seeds” like I like to call them. These are ideas, projects and brands that I have developing from scratch. They include a spanish online channel that we have completely branded, trademarked and shot numerous amounts of content for that we see turning into a viable media outlet in Latin America. They also include a new record label division that we are currently developing by finding and nurturing talent in different genres.

This expansion will also include offering additional multimedia services in our marketing and web design division as well as growing of our sales and marketing team. Finally we are planning on launching a new production studio and company headquarters on 10 / 10 / 10 with a show and celebration that will combine and showcase all of the projects and companies I have launched. More information can be found at cmlmediagroup.com/countdown

What is the most crucial decision you’ve made so far regarding your business?

The most crucial decision in regards to my business I have taken is moving to Hollywood. In business, location is very important, and instead of shying away from a big competitive market like Hollywood, I decided to take it head on, create a competitive and successful formula and market and create a company that is growing day by day in one of the hardest markets in the world.

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?

I truly admire Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Group of companies. I had the opportunity to see him speak at a conference just yesterday. I admire his creativity, courage and tenacity to take on established companies in several markets and create competitive alternatives to them. He is a true visionary that is changing the landscape in several industries. He knows how to balance an image of adventure and wealth with that of being humble and soft spoken.

I was able to witness this first hand one night in Hollywood on the famous Sunset strip as I waited outside for a cab after an event. Out of nowhere, and without any sort of security or entourage Richard walked right in front of me heading to the entrance of a hotel. I had the chance to shake his hand and show my admiration and he was very cordial. It is an experience I will never forget.

What sacrifices did you have to make to be a successful entrepreneur?

Sacrifice is definitely one of the keys to success. From the very beginning of my career I knew it was an important quality I had to master in order to succeed. I started my business with literally no money and knowing how to value every penny I made and spent.

Success as an entrepreneur and becoming financially independent comes down to delayed gratification. This means being 21 and making $500 that you invest it into an advertising campaign for your startup company. You can eventually turn that into $15,000 by age 24 thanks to clients who found you thru it versus spending the $500 immediately on a pair of high ends jeans.

In order for an entrepreneur to succeed from the early stages you need to be willing to make sacrifices many people are not willing to do. Maybe it is not going on that expensive vacation or buying the latest video game console all of your friends have. It is also about sacrificing a bit of your personal life, whether is be leisure time with friends or even a relationship that takes a lot of someone’s time.

It took me 10 months to save the amount of money I felt comfortable saving in order for me to make my big move to Hollywood. For those 10 months I had very little social life and worked very long hours 7 days a week. For the first few months of the company I decided to sleep on a simple sofa in my office and not buy fancy car until a couple years after the company was profitable. It is always my recommendation to live below your means in order to survive until you see a level of profit and comfort in your company. If you make $1,000, only spend $300 and save $700.

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?

I have many hobbies outside the workplace that include traveling, going to the movies, working out, jogging, dancing, going to networking events and enjoying nightlife such as nightclubs and pubs. It is very important to follow the philosophy of working hard and playing harder. In fact, every summer I make it a point to throw a big red carpet party at a Hollywood nightclub for people that are somehow involved with the company.

An active entrepreneur in both a business sense as well as social and recreational sense is very important to creating an overall healthy lifestyle. I enjoy meeting young entrepreneurs like myself who also enjoy traveling to top vacation resorts, going to business networking events and enjoying a couple drinks at a nightclub or pub. This transmits a balanced image that shows you can work hard and manage your workload but can also take time to enjoy hobbies and time off.

How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?

Marketing has been the key to my success. I have tried many forms of marketing throughout my career including newspaper ads, television commercials, online advertising, mass mailers, sponsorships and viral marketing.

The most successful has definitely been internet advertising including paid ads on Google and free daily posts on CraigsList.org. Having a strong internet presence is very important. The internet is all about looking bigger than you truly are without deceiving the client and creating marketing strategies that you implement every single day.

In my business I have been able to book hundreds of clients from around the US and the world after they simply looked at my website. The next step after attracting the client’s attention is to be as informative and helpful as possible on the phone and the third is closing the deal, signing the contract and obtaining a financial guarantee.

The most indirect source of marketing is referrals and word of mouth. As an entrepreneur, your #1 priority must be the satisfaction of your client no matter how big or small the project is. A good track record is important because 10 happy clients can turn into 5 referrals that can multiple and turn into 100 clients without having to spend a penny of marketing per person.

How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?

In my line of work I have a large group of qualified people that work for me on a freelance, project by project basis. The type of project and budget determines the people I hire. A good way of finding good people is taking a common sense approach by reviewing their resume, interview performance and referrals. You can also build a prior relationship with them before committing to a paid position by bringing them on board as interns. This will show you their qualifications as well as their ability to function in a possible paid position.

How important have good employees been to your success?

Good employees, interns and volunteers are essential to a company’s success. You are only as good as the people you work with and manage. Throughout the years, I have worked with dozens of paid and unpaid workers in every capacity from hosting for the online channel, to shooting and editing video projects and marketing the production studio.

These people have put a great amount of time and energy into helping me building several aspects of CML. When you are hired by a major company to produce a project and you delegate several aspects of it to complete it, the success of the project not only depends on me but also on everyone that is involved in making it happen.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is actually fear itself. It is to allow it to stop me from making a decision. Fear is probably the number one reason why people do not take a risk and start their own business. It is not a lack of money, creativity or ambition.

I manage the fear of failure by having a common sense approach, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. If I decide to invest on something for my company, I wait until I have at least 3 times the amount of cash flow in order to invest. I do not put all of my “eggs in one basquet” and always have a plan B if plan A fails.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

I think the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur is Creativity, Sacrifice and Persistence.

Creativity is a must in business. You need to find a product or service, market it towards a niche market and find a way of monetizing it. You need to think outside the box and not let anyone tell you that what you are doing is not the right or conventional way. When I told most people I wanted to save some money, move to Hollywood and open up my own production studio, online channel and record label they thought I was crazy. You also need to find creative ways to

In business sacrifice is essential. You need to be prepared for very long hours, a reduced amount of time for leisure activities and be aware that you will not be having the typical 40 hour work week. It all comes down to delayed gratification and sacrifice.

Persistence is probably the most important quality or skill to develop. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs have made and lost fortunes and despite this they have had the persistence to keep on trying and succeed. There is nothing more rewarding for an entrepreneur than to execute an idea he has for a business and after trying several formulas finding the key to long term success.

Thanks Carlos,I’m definitely going to applying these information into my entrepreneurial lifestyle.

Carlos Leon
CML Media Group

Cameron has been featured in hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and television stations worldwide including Newsweek, Business Week, USA Today, The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Oprah Winfrey Show, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, and dozens in Japan as well.

Hey Cameron, thanks for the opportunity, Welcome to YHP, I’m sure the readers are excited about this interview; you’re such an inspirational figure to entrepreneurs all over the world.

I have too much to ask you, so I will make it as brief as possible.

You’re an author, businessman, entrepreneur, internationally recognized public speaker; I could just go on, how does it feel to have accomplished so much at such a young age?

Thank you, that’s very flattering. For me, I’m more focused on “what’s next” versus something I did years ago – but thank you, it’s been quite the journey and that’s how it’s supposed to be.

You started your first business at the age of nine, at age 12; Cameron made $50,000 selling Beanie Babies over the Internet.

You made your first million before graduating high school, when your company was generating $15,000 per day, how was the feeling? What did you friends say?

I’ve always lived two lives: my personal life, and my business life. I’ve tried to keep both very separate and although the media attention doesn’t always make that easy, it’s important for me to keep them separate. So in one moment I may be in an important business meeting or on television, and an hour later – I might be an average 24-year-old at a concert or football game with friends.

Out of all your books, which one would you say has been your most successful?

By far, You Call the Shots, which was released here in 2007, was a very proud accomplishment for me. It really brought all of my experiences, and the lessons I learned along the way, full-circle and enabled me to share it with others. It’s always exciting to receive emails – even today – from people who are reading, or have read the book, from anywhere around the world.

Tell us more

Fantastic – it’s won several awards in different countries including an award for innovation from the Taiwan government in 2008. Next, it’ll be released in Japan sometime next year and several colleges and universities across America have adopted it for their business classes.

Describe your experience being a finalist on Oprah Winfrey’s first prime time series, The Big Give, which was aired on ABC?

It was a great honour to be chosen as one of the 10 contestants but even more exciting to have made it through every episode and to have hopefully helped change many peoples’ lives for the better. Oprah’s mission to inspire others to give is a fantastic one and she is certainly someone I admire for her business acumen.

Describe your experience hosting the Season 4 of Beat the Boss?

If you look at all of my experiences, they are each very different. Hosting a television show (aired only in the UK) was quite fun. Television is definitely a fun hobby for me and I use it to create a platform that’s enabled me to help promote different charitable causes, financial literacy, etc.

What is your most memorable experience so far?

My Japan consulting experience when I was 15 would definitely stand out, as would Oprah’s Big Give, and all of my experiences are so very different – that’s what keeps it exciting.

What has allowed you to grow to such a large business while at the same time retaining an excellent reputation for service?

It comes back to how you want to be treated. Go fly on US Airways and you’ll know what not to do. It’s about customer service and the experience you’re giving your customers. Order a pair of shoes from Zappos and you’ll experience something fantastic. You have to create experiences that encourage your customers to tell their friends – and rave about your business. Being “good” isn’t good enough anymore.

Do you have any suggestions for coping with set-backs, negative experiences?

Sure, learn from them, then ignore them and push forward.

Do you have any favourite business related books that you can recommend to other entrepreneurs?

For me it’s business biographies – so as a kid, I’d read books by Donald Trump, Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, etc. Spending $15 on a book is the best way to get an education.

Out of all the entrepreneurs, authors, inspiration speakers that you’ve met, who has been your favourite?

Wow, that’s a tough one. I try and learn from everyone’s experiences and advice. We are all students.

How do you balance your time between doing so much?

Google Calendar synced w/ my Blackberry.

What are the 5 qualities you think every entrepreneur should possess?

• Not afraid to put yourself out there,
• Be naive as to what can/can’t be done,
• Persistent,
• Creative to bootstrap your marketing,
• Passionate.

What is your definition of success?

Happiness

You are one of the most famous Young Entrepreneurs in the world today- based on your experiences, what advice would you give to a Young Entrepreneur starting their first business today?

In my book, You Call the Shots, it’s broken down into 19 chapters I call the “essential secrets of entrepreneurship.” The first one is “Put Yourself Out There” and the second is “Start Small” – those two principles are the keys for getting started.

What are your thoughts on the recession?

It’s a correction.

So what’s next for you?

I’ve spent my time deciding what the next step should be and I’m glad I have. It’s much better than taking a year doing something I hate.

Thanks Cameron.

Contact info:

www.cameronjohnson.com
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Johnson