Jeremy Owens

Jeremy Owens is the CMO of Seriously Smoked. He loves to educate fellow barbecue enthusiasts about the best barbecuing tools available in the market today.

Where did the idea for Seriously Smoked come from?

There is a market gap. I knew I needed to make Seriously Smoked happen when barbecuing was gaining momentum, but a reliable barbecue resource is nonexistent online.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I’m lucky that I’m working on something I love, so it’s not hard to stay productive. That said, I suggest entrepreneurs venture into a business where their passion, hobbies, or interest intersect with their business idea. In doing so, it becomes second nature to pour your heart and soul into your business.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Plan. Plan. Plan. Nothing beats the drawing board when helping entrepreneurs bring ideas to life. Careful planning and consideration of various back-up programs help ensure that entrepreneurs always stay on track whenever adversity occurs.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The social media trend is one to look out for, especially now that businesses realize the benefits of using such platforms for advertising and branding. It makes me wonder what new technologies would emerge in the future and how it would affect the digital strategies of businesses.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Spend more time creating rather than analyzing. Although it helps to be skeptical about ideas, over analyzing things that make you unable to perform is the same as not doing anything at all.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be prepared to face extreme challenges during the first years of the business— learn to thrive on it! After the storm has passed, you’ll take great pleasure in reaping the seeds you sowed.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Taking time off work helps with productivity. I call the process “recharging,” and it has tremendously helped me cope with managing responsibilities and maintaining the stability of my mental health.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Start putting your ideas into action right away. Remember that it does not have to be perfect immediately, but it gets better and better the more time you spend on improving it.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Consistency is key. Without determination and passion, business owners would lose heart somewhere along the middle. That said, I recommend surrounding yourself with loving people who always push you to do your best. The best types of people help reignite the burning passion every time you doubt your capabilities.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I was close to giving up when income was not linearly growing as expected. Luckily, the compounding effects of all the efforts I invested in my businesses suddenly bore fruit.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Sorry, but there’s none. However, I can assure them that whatever idea they have in mind currently, the best thing they should do is to start planning to make it happen.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Buying an ergonomic keyboard for my remote work set-up is the best $100 purchase recently. Since I dedicate a large portion of my time typing, the ergonomic keyboard makes it easier for me to last longer without doing breaks. Thus, it increases my productivity and efficiency.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Grammarly is a heaven-sent web service that makes my editing responsibilities more streamlined and manageable. Aside from detecting spelling and grammar mistakes, it helps shorten long sentences into short fragments bearing the same thought. Thus, making the articles we produce easier to read.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I recommend that people read Gary Halbert’s The Boron Letters, which can help people understand consumer behavior and the psychology behind justifying buying decisions.

What is your favorite quote?

“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” by the great Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Key Learnings:

• Act out your ideas!
• Be prepared to face challenges and face them head-on.
• Value your mental health—rest when necessary.