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.
From Small Business Trends Rod Kurtz’s Advice to Would-Be Entrepreneurs: Take the First Step
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