Rod Kurtz (@rodkurtz) has been writing stories about entrepreneurs for more than a decade, so it’s only natural he should become one.
After working for Inc. Magazine, BusinessWeek, AOL and Huffington Post as a journalist or editor, Rod now works with a variety of organizations as a media consultant, to help foster an ongoing conversation about entrepreneurship.
After interviewing and writing about entrepreneurs, he’s got a pretty good handle on what it takes to succeed:
“Get out there. Take that first step. There are a million great ideas that never make it beyond the scribbled napkin stage. Cliched as it may be, the first step is indeed the hardest — and the only thing separating you from success.”
What’s Not to Love?
Rod found inspiration in the small businesses he wrote about:
“Entrepreneurs are some of the smartest, craziest, and most interesting people out there. I love having the opportunity to share their stories with the world. Any job that teaches you and inspires you on a daily basis is a pretty good one.”
He says small businesses create jobs, invent new products, re-invent industries — all on their own terms. And coming from a family of entrepreneurs, he always knew it was inevitable that he, too, would become one.
From Traditional to Digital
Kurtz sees technology as being a major game-changer for small business and something that’s made his new endeavor as a media consultant possible. Technology has, he says, transformed industries and spawned new others, which opens up his access to media:
“As the media has evolved, so has my approach to it. I discovered that the conversations I’ve been fostering about entrepreneurship don’t need to be limited to traditional media outlets or platforms. I now work with a variety of organizations to help spotlight and champion great entrepreneurial stories in print, online and on air.”
Judging the Influencers
Rod was honored as a Small Business Influencer last year and this year, he served as a judge:
“The small-business world is, indeed, a small one. So it was great to see so many familiar names on the ballot — and a great challenge to choose among them. Anita and Ramon have created a terrific community for entrepreneurs here, one which I’m happy to give back to.”
Editor’s Note: This article is one of a series of interviews of key players in the Small Business Influencer Awards.
This is really some great advice. The hardest thing to do is taking the first step, and once you put your toe into the water there is no turning back!
Scott–
Very true! Thanks for reading!
Susan