[quote style=”boxed”]I began with no concern for making money so I was scattered as a result. It wasn’t an issue because that wasn’t my primary goal. If I was starting again, I’d start with a more focused business plan that did include monetization![/quote]
Bruce Sallan, author of “A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation” and radio host of “The Bruce Sallan Show – A Dad’s Point-of-View” gave up a long-term showbiz career to become a stay-at-home-dad. He has dedicated his new career to becoming the Dad advocate.
Bruce Sallan carries on his mission not only through his book and radio show, but also with his column “A Dad’s Point-of-View”, syndicated in over 100 newspapers and websites worldwide, as well as with his dedication to his community on Facebook and Twitter. Join Bruce and his community every Thursday from 6pm -7pm PST for #DadChat, the Tweet Chat that Bruce hosts.
What are you working on right now?
I am working on several things at once, as I always do. I like to think of myself as the most versatile parent blogger as I blog, vlog, run #DadChat, do a radio show (on four AM stations), guest-blog, write a comic strip, speak at conventions, and ski A LOT! My big endeavor now is to monetize my efforts in a more business-like fashion. Up till now, I’ve been the “throw the pasta against the wall and see what sticks” sort of guy. I have finally hired a Social Media manager and we’re working on making my work more fiscally productive.
Where did the idea for “A Dad’s Point-of-View” come from?
When I became a single at home dad -24/7- due to circumstances, I faced a lot of unexpected prejudice. My boys were in elementary school and most of the other moms and dads knew I was going through a divorce. My wife had literally left and I was taking care of my boys full-time. At the same time I was also an only child caring for my ailing parents, yet most moms I met asked the same question: “What do you do all day?” I was astonished at the naivety and rudeness of that question but, at the time, I didn’t have a strong retort (as I would now). Ironically, the dads also asked the same, but different question, “When are you going back to work?” It was then and there that I realized that dads needed an advocate and I was going to be that person!
What does your typical day look like?
I am up between 5 and 6 a.m. The first thing I do is go through all my tweets, emails, and Triberr stream. That can take up to 2 hours. The rest of the day is split between writing, taking care of my boys, working out, writing, eating, writing, and on Thursdays doing my radio show and #DadChat – my fun, but crazy day!
How do you bring ideas to life?
It comes naturally to me. I am a show-man after 25 years in the television business. I was known for pitching ideas in creative ways. I do the same with all my Social Media, which is why I have so much fun doing my I’m not That Dad vlogs, my Because I Said So comic strip, radio show, and #DadChat.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
Vlogging. I believe it is becoming more ubiquitous and it fits me to a tee!
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I made the best of every job I had. I worked for jerks now and then, and that is where I learned things – how to get along with anyone!
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
Have kids earlier in life and have more of them!
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Learn and use social media now!
What is one problem you encountered as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I began with no concern for making money so I was scattered as a result. It wasn’t an issue because that wasn’t my primary goal. If I was starting again, I’d start with a more focused business plan that did include monetization!
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Follow @BruceSallan, Stay In the Loop with my newsletter – sign up at BruceSallan.com, and come to #DadChat on Thursdays from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. THE POINT with that blatant self-promotion is don’t be afraid to self-promote!
If you could change on thing in the world – what would it be – and how would you go about it?
I’d have killed Hitler when he was a baby.
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Twitter, Facebook, and TweetGrid (for participating in tweet-chats). I love that the first two literally bring the world to me. I love TweetGrid because it makes following the busy chats – like #DadChat and #BlogChat – possible.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Anything by Guy Kawasaki and Mari Smith’s new book, the name of which I’ve forgotten. Oh, I like Carrie Wilkerson’s The Barefoot Executive, too. I suppose I should add my own book, A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation.
Who should we follow on Twitter and why?
I’m entertaining and informative. You will not be bored, I promise – or your money back!
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
I laugh out loud every day dozens of times. Usually, it’s from a tweet, an email joke, or my family/dogs!
Who is your hero?
Will Rogers
Connect:
Just go to BruceSallan.com and all my links/connections are there!
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.