4 Key Takeaways from AskGaryvee at SXSW


Gary Vaynerchuk, a straight talking business, builds businesses. At his SXSW, Gary Vaynerchuk demystified what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and grow businesses.

Here are 4 key takeaways from the talk.

“You’re a media company, and you sell sneakers.”

Companies in 2017 should be using content to propel themselves forward. Content in 2017 can come in 3 forms: video, oral, or written. Companies are able to turn their ordinarily boring business into a media company which would lead to increased exposure on the platforms that matter in 2017 (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter).

Gary suggests putting out valuable content that resonates with an audience on these channels to grow a business.


People are held back by other people’s options.

One of the hardest parts of being an entrepreneur is the isolation that comes with being the only one responsible for your business. With that isolation, comes a feeling of judgment from others. Don’t get held back by what others think. Gary mentioned that “It doesn’t matter whether it’s your mom, grandma, brother, friends if you believe you can do it don’t let anyone hold you back from making it happen.”

It’s okay not to be an entrepreneur.

The rise of Shark Tank has made entrepreneurship "sexy." “There has never been a better time for an entrepreneur in this country. They have been turned into celebrities.” Being an entrepreneur is hard and it’s okay to be a "number 2" or even an employee in a company. “The 34 employee at Facebook did a whole lot better than most of the people in this room.”

Don’t be an expert if you’re not.


Putting out content is great, but if you’re not truly an expert at something don’t put out the content. Putting in the work is only one side of the equation, however, you have to possess the talent to stand out in a crowded environment.

Photos by @annamaenaef