jason feifer - transform your future: how to unlock opportunity with entrepreneur editor-in-chief
What if embracing change could be the key to your small business success? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Jason Feifer, the Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, who takes us on a remarkable journey from being a small-town newspaper reporter to becoming a leader in national media. Through personal anecdotes, Jason shares pivotal moments from his career that taught him the value of humility and the necessity of proactively seeking opportunities.
Jason’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of resilience and the willingness to embrace non-traditional paths. Starting as a reporter at a tiny newspaper, Jason faced numerous rejections while cold-pitching ideas to editors. His perseverance eventually led him to write for prominent publications like the Washington Post and Boston Globe. Jason emphasizes that growth often comes from unexpected routes and highlights the importance of continuously pushing forward despite setbacks.
In the podcast, Jason discusses the often-overestimated nature of competition. He reveals that many competitors are more noise than quality, and small competitive advantages such as trust, hustle, and responsiveness can set a business apart. Drawing from his book, Build for Tomorrow, Jason outlines the four phases of change: panic, adaptation, new normal, and reaching a point where you wouldn’t want to return to the past. Navigating these phases swiftly can lead to beneficial outcomes for your business.
One inspiring story shared in the episode is the transformation of Lena's Wigs, a Baltimore wig shop that thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to appointment-only visits. This change resulted in increased sales and happier customers, demonstrating the power of adaptability. Jason also reflects on lessons learned from a derailed keynote presentation, underscoring the importance of authenticity in high-pressure situations and the willingness to be bad at something to eventually become good.
Jason's insights extend to the value of follow-up and the unexpected benefits of asking for more time, as illustrated through an anecdote involving Jimmy Fallon. He advises listeners to challenge assumptions about what is good and bad, as people often appreciate thoroughness and the opportunity for bonding. Jason encourages a zigzag approach to career paths, being open to unexpected opportunities, and staying humble.
The podcast episode concludes with key takeaways for small business owners: stay humble and keep learning, don’t wait for success to come to you, position yourself at the level of those you want to impress, and expect rejection as part of the process. By embracing change and thinking outside traditional routes, small business owners can navigate the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship and achieve success.
Whether you're a small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world stories to help you thrive through change. Tune in to learn from Jason Pfeiffer’s journey and discover how to build resilience and success in your own business.
