In this episode of Create Like the Greats, Ross sits down with Max Branstetter from the Wild Business Growth Podcast to share his journey from a fantasy football blogger to the founder of Foundation, a leading content distribution agency. Ross reveals how his passion for fantasy football led him to build essential skills in writing and content creation, ultimately shaping his path to entrepreneurship. He also dives into the concept of "Create Once, Distribute Forever," offering practical insights into maximizing the reach of your content. Plus, he shares valuable lessons on work-life balance, hiring your first employee, and even the wisdom gained from top deathbed regrets. This episode is packed with strategies and stories that can inspire creators and entrepreneurs alike.

Key Takeaways and Insights:

1. Workcation

Ross explains how a well-planned workcation can boost productivity while balancing work and relaxation. By aligning work hours with team availability in different time zones, he managed to stay connected without sacrificing downtime. The key to a successful workcation, he emphasizes, is having a trusted team and systems in place that can operate smoothly in your absence.

2. From Fantasy Football Blogger to Agency Founder

Ross takes us through his evolution from a passionate fantasy football blogger to becoming the founder of a successful content distribution agency. He highlights how his obsession with the game gave him the writing and content management skills that would later become the foundation for his career. More than just a hobby, fantasy football taught Ross about community building, long-form content creation, and the realization that the internet could unlock global reach and endless opportunities.

3. Create Once, Distribute Forever

Ross outlines his approach to content distribution, emphasizing the importance of sharing content across multiple platforms. His philosophy is simple: If your content has value, it deserves to be shared continuously. In his book, he provides tactical steps on how to leverage different channels like email, social media, and online communities to maximize reach. His goal is to help creators overcome the fear of self-promotion and fully embrace the power of distribution.

4. Hiring Your First Employee

Ross reflects on the challenges and triumphs of hiring his first employee. He offers practical advice on finding the right person, delegating tasks, and building a team that can thrive without you micromanaging. According to Ross, hiring the right people is crucial to scaling your business, and trusting them is key to personal and professional growth.

5. Lessons from Deathbed Regrets

Drawing inspiration from studies on deathbed regrets, Ross shares his thoughts on living a life without major regrets. He encourages listeners to take bold steps in their careers, prioritize experiences, and make the most of their time. For Ross, it’s a reminder to pursue passion projects and not wait for the "right time," because life is too short to live cautiously.

Resources:

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Sam Lindo of Camel Valley Vineyard