From Car Salesman to Digital Marketer to CEO | Jimmy Kim
Aug 30, 2023
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Former car salesman turned digital marketer turned CEO, Jimmy Kim, shares his journey of transitioning from car sales to digital marketing. He also discusses the importance of passion and hands-on learning over formal education in hiring. Other topics include moving to Texas, sponsorship of CommerceRoundtable, and the satisfaction of building and customizing cars.
Jimmy prioritizes hiring passion over skills when building his team and believes in a flat hierarchy and communication.
High performers want autonomy and impact in their work, valuing the fulfillment that comes from working on something they deeply care about.
Hiring should be done when the pain is felt, allowing for immediate impact and growth while prioritizing passion and attitude over pedigree.
Deep dives
Building a Lean and Passionate Team
When building his team, Jimmy prioritized hiring passion over skills and focuses on hiring generalists with a willingness to learn and contribute. He believes in a flat hierarchy and leads by example, being hands-on and involved in all aspects of the business. Communication is a high priority, with weekly one-on-one meetings with all team members. Jimmy fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and autonomy, where everyone has clear goals and responsibilities. He believes in hiring slowly and firing fast, ensuring that everyone is aligned and moving forward to achieve the company's goals.
The Value of Autonomy and Impact
Jimmy emphasizes that high performers want autonomy and impact in their work. He believes that financial compensation alone cannot replace the fulfillment that comes from working on something you deeply care about. The sense of camaraderie, excitement, and accomplishment that come from working in a startup with a common vision makes the hard times worthwhile. He emphasizes the importance of caring about the work and the people you work with.
Importance of Problem Solving and Solutions
Problem solving is a crucial aspect of building a startup. Jimmy believes that hiring should be done when you start feeling the pain and when solutions are needed. By waiting for the pain to be felt, you can ensure that you hire the right people who are capable of making an immediate impact. Solving the problems that arise in the startup journey helps individuals grow and become better prepared for future challenges. Jimmy encourages a flat hierarchy and believes in hiring people according to need rather than a predetermined plan.
Traits for Success in a Startup
Jimmy stresses the importance of hiring for passion and attitude rather than pedigree. He values individuals who are passionate, willing to learn, and possess a positive work ethic. Having strong communication skills and a willingness to take ownership and learn from mistakes are key traits for success in a startup. Jimmy believes in leading by example and creating a culture where egos are left at the door. He emphasizes the need for cohesion and alignment within the team, with everyone working towards a common goal.
The Importance of Setting Expectations
Setting clear expectations with potential employees about the challenges and rewards of a job is crucial. By having an upfront conversation about the difficulty and fulfillment of the role, employers can attract individuals who are genuinely interested in the work and weed out those who aren't.
Strategies for Launching New Features
To successfully launch new features, it is essential to understand the competition and find opportunities to differentiate from them. Creating a brand and a personality in the market can provide a strong advantage, especially when competing against faceless companies. Building connections with the target audience through community engagement, speaking engagements, and one-on-one interactions can be more impactful than traditional marketing strategies. Additionally, focusing on value creation and helping customers in their journey can be a powerful growth lever.
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Welcome to another episode of 'You're not your ROAS' with Jimmy Kim.
Today, we're diving deep into the world of Return On Ad Spend (ROAS) and why it's more than just a metric.
Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.
Data-driven decisions are crucial in today's fast-paced digital world. But are we looking at the right data? We will explore the intricacies of ROAS, shedding light on overlooked metrics and strategies that can propel your brand to new heights.
But it's not all about numbers. It's about understanding the narrative behind those numbers and crafting a strategy that aligns with your brand's core values and vision.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation.
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