[quote style=”boxed”]It all comes down to action. I see everything I do as an experiment in progress. I may bounce an idea or two off of people for feedback. Sometimes they won’t like the idea but I’ll proceed anyways. But when I have new ideas, sometime I’ll let them cook for a day or two, and revisit them because they get more solid when they’ve been cooked a bit.[/quote]
Srinivas Rao is host and co-founder of BlogcastFM which he is currently building into an online media empire. He entered the world of blogging and social media by accident when he completed his MBA program and was unable to find a job. Since launching The Skool of Life in April 2009, he’s grown the site to over 2000 subscribers, been a speaker at Blogworld, and interviewed over 150 bloggers for BlogcastFM. It’s a well known fact that his schedule is subject to change based on surf conditions.
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on turning BlogcastFM into a full blown media empire. The site currently contains over 150 interviews with successful bloggers and I’m continually thinking about how to expand the content offerings. We’re currently planning strategic partnerships and looking at different revenue models. Recently we landed an exclusive sponsor DIMEPR. Our goal is to reach over 1 million downloads a month. I’m also working on self publishing my first book- The Skool of Life: What You Should Have Learned in School, but never did.
What does your typical day look like?
I wish I could tell you I had a typical day. But let me give it a go. The first thing I usually do is check the surf report because that more or less will determine the structure of the rest of my day. If the conditions are right I work in two sessions (morning and evening). After that I spend an hour writing. Usually it’s free form with no plan or structure for where the content is going to go. That’s more or less how I write everything these days. I also update any social media platforms that I work on for clients. After reading through my favorite blogs, I respond to comments on mine. I usually try to work in a few interviews for BlogcastFM every other day. I also spend about an hour just talking to people on twitter.
3 trends that excite you?
People who meet online meeting in person on a regular basis.
People leaving 9 to 5 jobs.
People making money in ridiculous ways.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It all comes down to action. I see everything I do as an experiment in progress. I may bounce an idea or two off of people for feedback. Sometimes they won’t like the idea but I’ll proceed anyways. But when I have new ideas, sometime I’ll let them cook for a day or two, and revisit them because they get more solid when they’ve been cooked a bit.
What inspires you?
The ocean. Surfing is the main source for all my ideas. It’s strange but my best ideas come to me when I’m not thinking.
What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
When I was in business school I was partnering with some people on a web site. They didn’t want to move as quickly as I did. So went on without them and didn’t tell them until near launch. My reputation became that I couldn’t be trusted. The lesson was simple. Be upfront about everything even if it might result in disagreement. It’s hard to rebuild bridges that are burnt.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Start a digital magazine about the community you live in. Tell the stories of the people and the area. Grow the readership and then go to local businesses and get them on board as advertisers. Give the magazine away for free.
What do you read every day, and why?
The Harvard Business Review Blog. I read it because it’s a world class education that doesn’t cost a dime.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read, and why?
Anything by Richard Branson. The guy is inspiring and truly a brilliant entrepreneur. Why not model yourself off of somebody like that.
What is your favorite gadget, app or piece of software that helps you every day?
Macjournal. I do all my writing in a distraction free writing tool because I have ADHD. That’s why I can get so much writing done so quickly.
Three people we should follow on Twitter, and why?
@TMFProject because she has one of the most unique voices in the blogosphere.
@nickreese because he will push your boundaries and ask you tough questions.
@juliatarq because she’s a new blogger that will rise to stardom.
Who would you love to see interviewed on IdeaMensch?
Ashley Ambirge.
Thom Chambers (In Tree houses Magazine).
When is the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it.
A few weeks ago. No comment on what caused it.
Connect:
Web Site:
Podcast:
Twitter: @skooloflife
Srinivas Rao on Facebook:
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.