What it Takes to Be an Overnight Success

Hey Chris, I really enjoyed your "Overnight Success" series. So it seems that overnight success IS achievable provided a person puts in enough "overnight" day in and day out effort. Hmm... I'm starting to see a trend here.

I especially like the "Overnight Success does not" list, of which I'd add, "Overnight Success doesn't resign, give up, or quit, but keeps moving forward while remembering the journey is more important than the actual destination."

I'm reminded of a quote by Viktor Frankl in his book Man's Search For Meaning-
"Don't aim at success - the more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue... as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a course greater than oneself."

All the best in your overnight journey!
~Shawn

Hey Chris, I really enjoyed your "Overnight Success" series. So it seems that overnight success IS achievable provided a person puts in enough "overnight" day in and day out effort. Hmmm... I'm starting to see a trend here.

I especially like the "Overnight Success does not" list, of which I'd add, "Overnight Success doesn't resign, give up, or quit, but keeps moving forward while remembering the journey is more important than the actual destination."

All the best in your overnight journey!
~Shawn

Chris!
I absolutely agree with you..overnight success do not sleep and wach lot´s of TV...
Our dreams is what we must work on...and I mean REALLY work on...not dreaming about working on them :)

I wish everyone lots of overnight success!!!
Inga

Although one of these days you and Gary Vee and everyone out there who can be everywhere at once need to write a post telling us how the hell to get everything that needs to get done to be a Trust Agent and Crush it while not having your wife shoot you and be there for your kids :). I've said it once, I'll say it again.

micro sd card

That was brilliant and so well stated. Thank you for bringing to light that it takes hardwork to get there. It really inspired me not just in blogging but also in life.

Oh how true it is.

Chris, this excerpt from your REAL life is pretty touching and you're showing us where the rubber really meets the road in laying the foundation for entrepreneurial success. Do I want to put in that sort of single-minded effort? Yes! Using yet a third metaphor, I'm hardly on my way to 1st base yet, but I know what's NOT consuming my time. I'm so focused on what I know I have to do that I no longer watch any TV, not even the daily news. I used to spend a lot of time reading online newspapers; not any more. Thanks so much. I feel for all you guys/gals with young kids.

Definitely right, success doesn't come easy. The question to answer: do you really want success? All this time you spend doing this, doing that, away from your family, without having time for hobbies etc. Is it worth it? Everyone must answer for himself I guess.

Definitely right, success doesn't come easy. The question to answer: do you really want success? All this time you spend doing this, doing that, away from your family, without having time for hobbies etc. Is it worth it? Everyone must answer for himself I guess.

For beginners like me, this shows what it's going to take us to get there. Reality bites that it seems that there's a huge road before us- before we even get near to where you are. You painted a down to earth, reality check picture- one that we can always keep in our heads as we tread upon the route to real "overnight success."

I read somewhere last year that "transparency" was the requisite for the "new" social media and Chris, you are nothing if not transparent and it is so appreciated. While learning to blog I turned to yours time and again. About the only thing I would say is that I'm one of probably only one person on the planet not a fan of videos doing all the talking...I simply don't take the time; I'd rather read, so lately I think I'm missing out on your gems of wisdom. I don't put videos of myself talking on my blog 'cause I'm not very eloquent out of mouth...but I can "talk" writing. Oh well.

I love your question: "What are you doing to succeed?"
I believe that this question makes people successful.
I hope that people would use it as their success mantra.

With content like this, it's just no wonder you have a bestseller. That's just badass :)

There is only one side of Chris Brogan...Consistent and real.

I appreciate you and your good sense values.

This is how you come over and it is wonderful that you keep
your head in focus and use a good heart to guide you.

Great what you did with "The Loveless Family"

I recently heard a guy by the name of Steve Gilliland talk about "enjoying the ride". He uses humor very well through out his talk. Steve preaches that if you wake up every day and don't have a passion for what you are doing, you forget why you are doing it, you hate the who you are doing it with...then its time to check your passion. He says "Love what you do; love why you do it; love who you do it with." CB, you have passion and that is something that can be contagious. When you and people like Steve do what you do and share that with us - we want more and want to do that as well. Thanks

It was great to see you again and chat a few times at Blog World in Las Vegas recently.

Overnight success?

Well, I am 52 years old and was told by a recruiter in the fall of 2007 that I was not "It" anymore, despite my Stanford engineering degree and 28 years of corporate consultative selling experience.

Smartly, I realized where I was behind and luckily was introduced into the social media world at Blog World 2007 where I met many who have grown to be my mentors. Thanks to them and you, I have been able to "to learn new tricks for an old dog" to help my fellow Boomer overcome fears about how to use the social technologies for professional and business reasons.

Thanks for being a role model.

I will leaving my home in the dark on October 27 to catch a plane and participate with the community at "140 Characters Conference" in Los Angeles and it will be dark when I return too.

The price of learning.

My motivation is simple...to stay in the game.

Great video. I wish everyone understood the value of hard work, offering value to your customers day in & day out, starting small, & building your company with good values.

Thank you, Chris. This is poignant and inspiring.

Hi Chris,

I've been reading specially your newsletter because I sincerely need to filter some of content I absorve through the various sources, and newsletters are a way to not miss the opportunity to read the articles and still make my own time to do so.
But back to the question, let me give my experience on this matter of "Overnight Success".
This assumption of an overnight success only comes from people that don't know you very well. This is the first time that they get to know you or have you in a serious perspective because you've become relevant for a very special group of people named "Trust Agents" - this term rings any bell. (I've bought your book from Amazon).
For most people you're always be someone that come out from nowhere to stardom. But then again, that's what they think about Google founders, or Facebook founders, or twitter founders, or... whatever.
But reality is that the hard work is always a base for a successful career. You're become this reference because you had this base for several years and personal efforts or sacrifices.
People come to me and say that I'm a lucky guy as I'm a Country Manager of a prosperous marketing company, leader in several countries including my own. But this an achievement made by sweat, long nights and brain damages ;-).
I just nod and say: "Yes, you're right! I'm very lucky to be in such a company... and they're very lucky to have me!"

My family understands and support me. That's my base from where I operate.
Best for you...

Exactly. Luck favors those who work 10,000 hours on being lucky. : )

Hi Chris,

I've been reading specially your newsletter because I sincerely need to filter some of content I absorve through the various sources, and newsletters are a way to not miss the opportunity to read the articles and still make my own time to do so.
But back to the question, let me give my experience on this matter of "Overnight Success".
This assumption of an overnight success only comes from people that don't know you very well. This is the first time that they get to know you or have you in a serious perspective because you've become relevant for a very special group of people named "Trust Agents" - this term rings any bell. (I've bought your book from Amazon).
For most people you're always be someone that come out from nowhere to stardom. But then again, that's what they think about Google founders, or Facebook founders, or twitter founders, or... whatever.
But reality is that the hard work is always a base for a successful career. You're become this reference because you had this base for several years and personal efforts or sacrifices.
People come to me and say that I'm a lucky guy as I'm a Country Manager of a prosperous marketing company, leader in several countries including my own. But this an achievement made by sweat, long nights and brain damages ;-).
I just nod and say: "Yes, you're right! I'm very lucky to be in such a company... and they're very lucky to have me!"

My family understands and support me. That's my base from where I operate.
Best for you...

Lesson learned. I'm encouraged. I'm going to keep working hard. Thank you.

Chris,

Obviously on your way to #bwe09 and glad I was there and able to hear you speak.

You know, I was a bored Team Leader of 15 federal contract investigators before 02/15/09 when I started my iPhone app review website.

The next 5 months were a blur, just like you describe in this video. I gained an awesome promotion, raise, etc and now I am implementing social media into a mid size corporation with 4 divisions and about 8,000 employees.

But, after starting a new website, I feel the iPhone site is not "professional" enough, only thing holding me back is the paltry advertising $'s I get from my iTunes iPhone podcast $60 monthly.

Either way, #bwe09 helped me to focus on what works and quality, so hopefully, I will take another leap into social media going forward.

thanks

Mike Vallez
@michaelvallez
@crazymikesapps

You, sir, are well on your way. Pick up those chips you made at this first table and bring them to the next table.

Everyone can be an overnight success, it's just that some overnights last for years. :-)

I enjoyed that video and I feel you on those short nights, but this is what is required when we want to be successful and are dedicated to our craft.

How refreshing to hear what it truly takes to be an "overnight success". As far as I'm concerned I think the term overnight success is an oxymoron:-). I've been working on building my platform via, twitter, book, blog, speaking etc. and I've been struck by the amount of work that truly goes on behind the scenes! Thanks for being real and telling it how it truly is!
Now go spend some time with your kids...the world will wait:-)

It's refreshing to hear the real behind the scenes story of becoming an "overnight success". It seems that this term is truly an oxymoron. I've been working hard to build my platform, speak, write a book etc. and I've been shocked by how much work it truly takes. As far as I'm concerned, there is no such thing as an overnight success.
Thanks for being it real.

Chris - Keep up the great work - You're an inspiration and the information you share is invaluable. This video struck a cord with me and made me take a step back and remember what everything I do is for (even when all I want to do is curl up and watch a movie)!

Chris,

Appreciate what you do. 11 years and counting... that's amazing. Congrats. Also, you post on how to blog almost everyday was extremely useful. Thanks!

Awesome video and a neat message, Chris. The look and feel, especially at the end, could've been a Nike commercial.

Overnight success? Must have been the longest night of your life. :-)

I won't say that I am successful already. I'm just starting to live in the world full of competition and opportunity. But IMO, my openness towards learning necessary skills is the best tool that I use to find success. :)

Still amazed that people can read your blog, follow along with all you are doing and still think "Chris Brogan" and those like you happened by accident. Although one of these days you and Gary Vee and everyone out there who can be everywhere at once need to write a post telling us how the hell to get everything that needs to get done to be a Trust Agent and Crush it while not having your wife shoot you and be there for your kids :). I've said it once, I'll say it again, I dont know how you do what you do!

"...need to write a post telling us how the hell to get everything that needs to get done..." @garyvee has already done that, given us his secret method - plain old hustling thru the night, personally answering every incoming tweet and email. Approaching a million followers too! And he's already @ replied to little 'ol me.
You, and I, rightly wonder how these powerhouse guys do it with a young family. Again look at Gary's #1 rule - love your family, and we can see he does. There's a severe cost if you don't - see (via my twitter profile) a commentary blogpost I wrote about social media gurus and their failed marriages. Chris truly GETS social media, and I love his Overnight Success series. New to the internet community I salute his tireless work and am totally inspired by his incredible experience and wisdom that he passes on everywhere he goes.

Awesome Chris ... Thanks for sharing your life and your passion with us. It's pretty inspiring and I love the stuff you're saying about authenticity and the need to collaborate. I whole heartily agree.

Make sure you find some balance though, or the shine will start to where off :-)

And don't be frustrated with the people who say you've got it easy.

I think I know where you're at, but they probably don't. While most people are asleep nice and cosy in their beds, I bet you continue to burn the midnight oil. Not just to get up for a plane but so that you can honor those that have honored you by responding to their emails etc.

You have have my deep respect for your effort and very real sacrifice.

I can not dream for overnight success, because it is not happen in real.
The truth in blogging is that share the genuine information to your reader and success is on your hand.

Yeah, I always say that most overnight success takes 7-10 years!

No offense to Mr. Brogan, but I prefer P. Twitty's delivery of the same message. :-D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81UZgJAkRik

Your drive is inspiring and a reminder to me that you must take advantage of every possible minute you have to be a success.

For all of us entrepreneurs that are aspiring to fulfill our dreams, this video was unnecessary. Could anyone actually believe that overnight success was possible? Wouldn't it be better rather to celebrate your success with you, than criticize it?

Continued Success Chris, I have learned a lot from you already and I look forward to learning more.

First time a blog post prompted a blog post that prompted me to post.
(Chris Brogan ---> Joan Ball ---> Me)

My comment (thoughts): http://bit.ly/1sqVYy

Hello

I responded to the comment you made on Joan Ball's blog (she wasn't buying what you said): http://blog.beliefnet.com/flirtingwithfaith/200...

As I didn't know if you'd be back there to read my question, here it is again! :-)

QUOTE:
Chris wrote: "I'm chasing a much bigger vision of what the world COULD be... something bigger than what's established."

I'd love to hear more about what this vision actually is. I'm just one of the common folk out there, at the mercy of advertisers and marketers, and when I look at your site, Chris, all I see is someone who has hopped on the social media bandwagon and is making a huge success of helping people and businesses make even more money out of people like me!!

How does that translate into a bigger vision for the world? What kind of bigger? Does bigger mean better? And if so, what kind of better? I'd really like to hear - and I'm not being snide or sarcastic, I'm genuinely interested!
END QUOTE

Thanks!! :-)
Lin

Dang. I gotta get to work.

Dude, don't forget to rest and take care of yourself, seriously. Great seeing you at #ims09!

Chris, I honestly think that this 1 minute of video should be compulsory viewing for anyone who wants to do business online - particularly for those who fall for the "make $30K today on Twitter" type sells.

While "overnight success" is a tough and lengthy process, I think that success breeds success - and not just in terms of business success either. For me, having a young family for me is my greatest measure of success and joy, and it drives me to be more successful in what I do for work in order to enrich their lives.

In a business sense, getting some great comments on my blog from people who inspire and drive me, or writing a piece of content that just seems to resonate with a wide range of people is another measure of success.

Focussing on the smaller successes really helps pave the way to that overnight success - it keeps you inspired until you get there.

Great post, thank you!

Great video Chris. I think it speaks for itself.

Like my Dad alway says "it takes 20 years to be an overnight success". I have known you for the last few years and know how hard you worked before you became the "overnight success" label the press likes to use because they weren't paying attention. I will know you for many years to come. Just keep doing what you do.
-Steve

As the saying goes, "decide what you want, and be willing to pay the price." Easy to say, hard to do. It's the second step that most people don't take. Time away from home, friends, family and living in airports and hotels. Oh yea, and do it for years. Keep it up Chris, it's paying off and you're changing businesses for the better along the way.

Thanks, David. I'm not unhappy with what I've chosen. Instead, I've decided to make sure people realize that it isn't always sugar and snow cones.

Not saying it's hard and I hate it. Saying, "if you want this, there's work in it."

I'll add my voice to the naysayers. I have trouble understanding the 'great job' high-5's from so many. I kept finding myself watching the video out of the corner of my eye, the way bystanders view a car wreck.

I have chosen and built a business that keeps me away from home for three months out of the year, but that means that for nine months I am home with my family and part of their lives 24/7. I see them more than the average 9 to 5er sees their family. My wife recently took a 30% pay cut to take a job that gives her almost half the year off.

Sure, we could work longer hours and acquire more stuff -- a bigger house, nicer cars, expensive toys. This is not my view of success. At some point you have to ask yourself: if this is the fruit of the message you believe in with all your heart, maybe it's the wrong message. For a different view of success, try this: http://bit.ly/1on82d

Interesting way to interpret it. Instead, I'm saying, "If you think this is all roses, be ready to put in your grind." Not glory. Just the hustle.

Well, definitely my success has not been overnight. It has come later in life after raising 3 children to be successful. My main priortity when the kids were home was just to be sure that we did everything to put them on a good path for a life that would be lived with purpose and with enjoyment. Now they have all graduated from college and the best paycheck I have ever received is the gratitude from our kids. I used to think I was a failure because I wasn't living up to my potential as a career woman and business woman but once I stood up for my passion for my family I began to relax and enjoy the journey. And very quickly that one is over and now I have moved on with more speed to rebuild my business. I know that there are other who have achieved so much so young but I am very happy because now I realize that time is relative. Achieving success now at 50 is just as great as it would be if I was 30. Plus, I have all my time back for doing what I want without having to put my family on the back burnner. About making it look easy, who cares what others see. I don't want others to define my life for me. If it's hard but it looks easy so what. My reward is doing what I know I should be doing with this one and only life now and praying that some of what I do will last beyond me to help point people in the right direction. Who wants overnight success anyway? We all know that we appreciate more the things that cost us something rather than that costs us nothing. The criteria I used to figure out what and who I should pay then rested on understanding what has the most lasting value and what would hurt me the most if I lost it due to neglect.

I LOVE IT!! I just signed a deal with a local media/radio company and I get this comment all the time. They think I just wrote a pitch and showed up on the tv and radio one day-and that anyone can do it. I studied PR and journalism in college more than 15 years ago, spent five years in the political media field, and have been blogging for more than three. I work more than 60 hours a week at what I do, yet the jealousy and backbiting over me 'getting all the attention for doing nothing' grows. And then I have those who want to be bloggers approach me to blog with/for me, and they seem to think they're going to make hundreds of dollars the first month and get invited on all these blogger trips as soon as they make their first post. I turn on the computer at 9 am as the kids get on the bus, and I turn it off at 2 am most nights. At least four hours a day of research goes into what I do--I don't just walk into the radio studio and make it up as I go. There are scripts to be written, details to be confirmed, press releases read and more.

I love to train newcomers to the field and even host the sites for several as they grow and learn. I send reporters out to 'competitors' because I like to see others get recognition for their hard work. But I'm honest too--this is not easy. Its not so easy to know what to say on camera or when a DJ is teasing you on air. Its not so easy to get three hours of sleep and then sound like a peppy cheerleader at 9 am on the radio. And you will sacrifice something while building this.

You're right--no hobbies, no downtime, no sleep. Thank you for sharing this!

This video works because it is raw and uncensored. Was it Kodak Z, Flip or your Lumix? Thanks for the message and the kick in the pants!

It's my Lumix DMC-LX3k. My baby. : )

Awesome lens. I need one!

I just spent 10 mins trying to finds your quote, I forgot to fav it and then of course - your here already.. Its early evening here in the UK and I'm working harder on that luck!

Overnight success equals consistency. You have to plant, plant, plant and plant some more, whether it is time, finances, energy, creativity etc. Sowing seeds toward destiny and purpose is hard work, but if the mindset of each individual is not toward displaying the beauty that's inside which is reflected in the ability displayed on the outside, what's the use. Be encouraged, keep pushing and know that God's original purpose for our lives is GREAT (Jeremiah 29:11), go for it! Appreciated the post :)

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." (Thomas Edison)

I love this quote, but people have to "try" to succeed at least....this means not letting fear get the best of them. Too many people who could be very successful, are hindered by fear!

Awesome quote!

Chris, interesting post. I posted my own reply to your post with an eye on balance , strategy and the need to narrow your SM focus once critical mass is established. http://derekshowerman.com/2009/10/14/chris-brog...

Definitely good points, Derek. Just not ready to narrow, yet.

Generally agreed with all the points made and really love the creative approach taken with the video.

But... Remember, it's a marathon not a sprint. Except when it comes to your kids: they're off to their own races in a blink of an eye. You only get one chance to enjoy their wonder years and guide them when they're young and impressionable. Don't miss out completely, or I suspect you will regret it in the long run.

That said, everyone has different balance points that work for them and their families and their goals, so not trying to get all "preachy" here. Just some thoughts from an "old-school" silicon valley Dad and entrepreneur who believes that balance warrants some reflection from time to time.

I kiss those little bastards as often as I can. Keep an eye on my flickr stream: http://flickr.com/photos/chrisbrogan . They're in there lots, if only as proof that I'm really home some times.

wise words...
Thank you for that.

Stefan

Dear Chris,

All successful people know there is no such thing as "overnight success". Our success comes from the willingness to commit to consistently doing the things average people will not. These are rarely easy or convenient. A price is always paid for that of course, and sometimes not just by us.

I know first hand how hard you are working having walked that path myself. Every success you have is earned and it makes me happy to see your hard work rewarded. The "overnight success" thing made me laugh (ouch) -- it's so not true. Never has been; never will be.

Keep up the great work! (But take care of your health too.)

My own stuff has ground to a halt as I've been sidelined by injuries from a recent accident but I will continue to promote your work and contribution to the industry. It makes me feel less helpless while I'm out of commission and seems a good use of my time. Besides, sometimes helping others is often the best medicine when recovering from tragic circumstances. <smile>

Linda M. Lopeke
The SMARTSTART Coach

Appreciate the kind words, Linda. Thanks for visiting me.

Really great points in the video. I found myself thinking about this today as well when I went to bed at 5am and ended up waking up at 7am and got right back to work. It's weird, but I don't feel normal unless I am running at this pace.

This post really hit home. People ask me often how I got 45K+ Twitter Followers so fast and I tell them that before getting picked to be on the Suggested User list I was on Twitter for almost 2 years tweeting quality content & building community consistently that whole time. There's no shortcut. Work, commitment, purpose, and consistency is required. And once you get that success, there is keeping & maintaining it, a whole other post :)

wow, that's nuts. :) Congrats on your following.

It's funny how much I hear that successful people don't watch a lot of TV and don't sleep because it seems to be the other way around for the unsuccessful folks. Many people don't want to have the trade off because it's scaring and hard.

That video was short and very inspiring--Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to hearing you speak at BlogWorld. Hopefully we can connect and chat about being an "overnight success." ;)

I am just starting something that needs hundreds of thousands of hours into it. Thanks for calling this out, because it seems that all overnight success is literally happening over night. But in all reality it happens over time and I needed to hear that.

Very well said! I understand how hard you work, I am in the same boat working 12-14 hours each day to collaborate and inspire others to use social media as a way to influence and build a positive reputation.... to add to it all I am raising 5 kids under the age of 13 by myself.

Thank you for sharing Chris. Great video. I am wondering how you taped this clip? Is someone walking with you or are you doing this yourself? How??

I shot it myself walking backwards with the camera at arm's length. : )

I really like what you said.

What sort of camera are you using?

Well done. I need longer arms. :-)

Preach it, brother. You'll get an amen from me.:)

Working hard, spending long hours, failing at things and then trying again is what makes life so interesting...
I am grateful to people like you and other successful people who demonstrate what it takes to make something important happen "overnight", over day, over weeks, over years....

At 55, I feel blessed to live in a country that allows me to make the most of every 24-hours.

Chris, you and I must have had the same conversation with the same woman recently :) No way have I achieved the level of success that you have but I've come a long way in the last 3 years. I wrote a post about this very topic just last week because I get really irritated when people look at someone like you and say how 'lucky' you are because of all that you've accomplished. Luck had nothing to do with it.
My post: http://researchgoddess.wordpress.com/2009/10/07...

I hear you 200% Chris! I've also had people say this about me: "She can handle it. She's always is able to do that kind of stuff easily." That really tweaks me! It makes me feel like they are purposely trying to diminish my achievements as something that I didn't earn through hard work and sacrifice. I realize the difference is I don't look at work as 'work' - so I always end up taking a deep breath and reminding myself that I'm lucky I've found the secret to true career satisfaction. So many people live unfulfilled lives because they can't find the passion for the work - but not us!

Love the reality check, the insight, and the honesty.

Very powerful. What is so often noted as luck or the right place at the right time is noting more than hard work and sacrifice. You are an inspiration for achievement and how to achieve and this should be shown to everyone in the U.S!

Hardcore man. An overnight success hardly ever has a night to themselves. See you in Vegas.

Excellent/REAL post... I agree with you about having passion in something.. GREAT work... Brian-

Thanks for sharing this. Too many people see the glory and not the hard work and commitment behind it. Too many want the overnight success without understanding the price to pay to achieve it. And the overnight success often comes after many attempts and failures but with the persistence to continue on and never give up. I commend you for your success and the hard work you put into it.

yip an overnight success requires a lots of through the night work. Your damned if you do and F**ked if you don't. Good luck to the begrudgers...who would only wish to be an overnight success!

I think people often tie "overnight success" in with "just got lucky". Neither is true for the Chris Brogans of the world. It takes A LOT of sacrifice, and passion. I've been working hard for 27 years to be an overnight success. Maybe someday I'll make it too.

Nicholas Z Cardot said in an earlier comment that "People often fail to see the amount of work and effort that go into a successful venture."

Exactly! And I wonder if part of that is due to people not recognizing certain work AS work?

You see a guy digging ditches in the hot sun -- yeah, he's working. But the media -- and anyone on the outside looking in -- don't see activities such as (seemingly) staring into space at your laptop as you’re thinking furiously, strategizing and planning and drafting the next blog entry; getting in touch w/ people; coordinating the logistics of an event; etc. as "real" work. Especially if you’re not in a cubicle reporting for duty.

So, those activities don't count. And thus, you're not working. Therefore when you reach a level that is generating media buss, you're an “overnight” success.

Kind of like the best-selling author whose "first" novel gets published and makes it on Oprah -- but no one talks about the 6 other novels in that author's files which were stillborn, but yet taught him his craft.

That's exactly the truth. You are right on. When you watch a play and everything is fun and amazing you never even see the stagehands working furiously behind the scenes to make sure that everything keeps rolling smoothly.

I found your blog when i searched for the top 10 advertising blogs. Found the AdAge Power 150. And the #1 was you. I was like, who is this guy? Loved your video this morning. Now I get it! I've been enjoying and sharing your work. Carry on!

Glad you stuck around. : )

Very eye opening to those who want things to happen like a McDonald's Drive Through. It's also extremely important that the 'success' we're after does not sacrifice our core values on the altar: family, friends, etc.

You are so right Chris. Most people think my time on the road in glamorous. They don't see that after I leave the meeting with them, I go back to my room to answer emails, write articles or solve other client's problems. And many day the travel is challenging to say the least. There are glamorous times, but you must work really hard to get to those times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

Great message, and like others mentioned, it goes along with what Malcolm Gladwell talks about in Outliers. When I was in college, I took it for granted that I'd get a great job, and when it didn't happen, it took a couple more years of school to not only prove to myself that I could do it, but to learn how much work was required to be successful. Now that I have that great job, people tell me I'm lucky that I get to travel around the world, etc; and sometimes it's hard not to snap back.

It makes me cringe when I hear friends and relatives who are in high school and college say the same things I said, and take the same things for granted. Guess it's true that youth is wasted on the young.

Chris,

#1 Your hair is wet.
#2 Is this your new "elevator" speech?

The Franchise King
Joel Libava

Working towards my own overnight success, one day at a time. :)

I don't know why every comment says "wonderful" "great" "inspirational."

I'm worried about you.

You're schedule is horrendous, you're sleep deprived and, based on the schedule you posted, you can't be spending much time with your wife and kids. At some point it will take a physical toll if it hasn't already. I don't think that's wonderful or great.

Actually, I kissed my wife and kids last night and spent some time with them before jumping on the plane. I had a few days back to back with them the day before that. I was graced by having a friend fly them out to Disneyland to spend time with me for a few days before a gig.

We're seeing each other.

And what if I work this hard for another 3 years and then can devote months at a time to my family. Still a bad gig? I say no.

Chris,

It reminds me of the music business. People thought it was so glamorous because all they saw was the crowds, the lights and the dancing hippie chicks. But after they left the venue, they missed the exhaustion, the packing up of a ton of equipment, the venue manager who decides to pay you in beer (after the contract was signed months before) the unloading of the equipment after a long drive dodging drunks on the freeway, the tireless promotion, publicity appearances, rehearsals, etc.

Enzoology is the same. Lots of rewarding stuff - equal amounts of hard work.

Next time we have lunch together, we're not having salads. We are having big, greasy bacon cheeseburgers with fries. We deserve it.