Celebrate life’s little wins, such as crossing something off of [your] to-do list.
Jeff Rizzo is the Founder & CEO of RIZKNOWS LLC, a digital media company that operates consumer review websites, which collectively garner four million views per month. The company focuses on providing high quality, insightful, concise, and entertaining reviews of some of the most popular consumer products. To date, RIZKNOWS has reached over 70 million people.
Prior to starting RIZKNOWS, Jeff worked as a middle-market investment banker at Duff & Phelps where he helped entrepreneurs raise capital, restructure their balance sheets, and sell their businesses, among other things.
Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley where he graduated with high honors.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I noticed that video reviews would be the future. On average, people would rather watch a 5-minute video than read a 10,000-word article.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I wake early, workout, and then work from home for a few hours. I roll into the office at about 10:30am. I noticed that working from home is a lot less distracting. As soon as I get to the office something always seems to pop up that occupies my time.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We typically start with a whiteboard or pad and pen. We will then throw ideas back and forth until we’re ready to start filming.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Video is the future of the Internet. We are really good at making shorter films, and we’re thrilled that the trends are in our favor here.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I have no problem working late. Because I used to be an investment banker, I’m accustomed to very late nights and early mornings.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start making YouTube videos earlier. YouTube is taking over TV and there’s no signs that this trend will reverse ever.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Coffee is not nearly as good as espresso.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
A daily to-do list. I write out every one of my tasks so that I don’t forget them. I also really like celebrating life’s little wins, such as crossing something off of my to-do list.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Hire really smart people. I am so lucky and grateful that the first person on my team was Matt, who is smart, capable, and the hardest worker that I know.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I often put my head down and cannot see the forest through the trees. I need to stop, look, and listen more.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Protein cereal. Millennials would buy it in droves.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I gave a $100 gift card to an employee. It made their day and mine also. It’s funny how the act of giving is actually somewhat selfish because of the joy that it brings you, the giver.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Google Docs. I keep everything there and try not to use any desktop software.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Too Big To Fail. It is a very good book that chronicles the events that led up to the Great Recession. I also appreciate that it’s largely favorable to the financiers in the story. Typically, they are vilified, so I like to hear the other side of things.
What is your favorite quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Michael Scott – Wayne Gretzky
Key Learnings:
* Hire people better than you
* Workout everyday (keeps you sharp)
* Stop and think
Connect:
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.