EPISODE 04 · October 2, 2020 · 1h 30m
Taren Gesell is a Triathlon Influencer
Taren Gesell, better known as Triathlon Taren, is a former financial advisor based in Winnipeg, Canada. Not exactly a stereotypical social media influencer (aside from his fondness for posting photos and videos in skimpy bathing suits). But over the past few years Taren has amassed something of a cult following of "Traniacs" (as his devotees are known). In this episode we discuss how Taren managed to turn his passion for triathlon into a successful business via social media.
Episode notes
In this episode we talk about:
- Why Taren left his original career as an investment advisor
- How trying to "beef up his resume" while applying for (and getting rejected from) MBA programs started Taren on the path to social media success
- Why Taren doesn't advise people to "follow their passion" and what he did (and recommends doing) instead
- Our shared belief that traditional resumes are obsolete, and how to promote your skills instead
- Fighting back against corporate office culture ("well, that's how we've always done it here")
- Sages, sign posts, and strugglers -- how to deal with "imposter syndrome" and give advice to others, even if you're not a credentialed expert (and why credentials might not matter)
- How long it took Taren from starting to post videos on YouTube until it became a business
- How to know whether you should "burn your boats" and go all-in or play it safe and "don't quit your day job"
- How Taren used Kickstarter to raise $45,000 and how he tests ideas before he starts projects
- The first time Taren got recognized by a fan in public
- How often you should post videos on YouTube for best results
- The difference between playing with your own money vs. someone else's money and the advantages of bootstrapping vs taking money from investors
- *** The exact step-by-step process that Taren uses to figure out what to talk about, how to get views on his video, and grow his audience on YouTube (and his website) ***
Follow Taren:
- Triathlon Taren on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AKDrz2GvLxD29W9tow66g)
- Taren's Website (https://triathlontaren.com/)
- Triathlon Taren Podcast (https://triathlontarenpodcast.libsyn.com/)
Other Links / Tools Mentioned in the Episode: