We were lucky to catch up with Robert Manni recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My most meaningful project is my debut novel, THE GUYS’ GUY’S GUIDE TO LOVE. After over one hundred rejections of my first unpublished novel, what once was a dream became a reality. The importance of publishing the book was two-fold. First, it taught me to never give up on a dream you worked hard for and was passionate about. In this case, the editing and rewriting process took far longer than crafting the story. But it was worth it, as I wrote a fun novel that men and women relate to and enjoy. My Amazon and Publisher’s Weekly reviews have been fantastic. In fact, THE GUYS’ GUY’S GUIDE TO LOVE has been called “the men’s successor to “Sex and the City”, which is incredible praise for a debut novel
The other reason this book is so important is it became the source material for my rapidly growing “Guy’s Guy” brand which now includes my blog, “On Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Happiness”, Guy’s Guy Radio, a twice-weekly prime time KCAA radio show in So Cal, and Guy’s Guy TV, my YouTube and Rumble channels. Because my unique brand helps men…and women be at their best so everyone wins, I’ve become an in-demand guest across media platforms. These appearances drive traffic to my Guy’s Guy content and grows the audience. It’s been a win, win, win, as every new building block of the brand fits and to expands the brand’s footprint. Best of all, the Guy’s Guy brand is designed to help readers, listeners, and viewers live their best lives while being entertained by the 650 thought leaders I’ve interviewed to date.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Prior to focusing on building my personal brand, I worked in marketing and advertising in New York City (president of an ad agency) representing some of the world’s most popular brands. It was a terrific experience. My key to success was maintaining a laser focus on my clients’ brand’s needs. Every brand has issues, and it takes objectivity and creative instincts to effectively address the many challenges. I loved the work, and especially helping clients’ businesses flourish.
Over time, I yearned to build my own personal brand to help people live their best lives. I’d dreamt of writing a fun, yet poignant novel, so in my spare time I began writing my first book. Although I did not secure a deal for it, the experience validated my ability to tell a story, create characters, and complete a novel which its no minor task. Writing a novel requires patience, passion, and creativity.
Fortunately, my second novel, THE GUYS’ GUY’S GUIDE TO LOVE, was published to rave reviews. Since it’s release, I’ve continuously grown my “Guy’s Guy” brand by consistently adding new content across media on radio, podcast, YouTube, blogs, guest appearances, etc.
The “Guy’s Guy” brand is built on men’s integrity. Yes, it does exist! Today is a crossroads for men. They need to re-emancipate themselves, while recognizing women and their achievements. There has never been a better time to be a Guy’s Guy!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
It would have been very easy to put my dream aside after receiving close to 100 rejection letters. Instead, I reviewed the agents’ notes and processed how the industry operates and areas needing improvement. My second attempt at crafting a novel went smoother, and although at first the rejections kept coming, the notes were more encouraging. I continued polishing my manuscript and finally landed a deal. The lesson is, if you are passionate and believe in what you are doing, keep going!
The same thing happened when I launched my Guy’s Guy Radio podcast. My broadcasting partner departed after three shows and I faced the decision of letting it go or forging ahead. I decided to keep going. I worked hard to land guests every week and recorded live shows from my cellphone. Over time, a few publicists discovered me and began sending potential guests. Initially, I accepted almost anyone with a story to tell as a way of sharpening my interviewing skills. That became a wise decision.
This led to my being invited as be a guest on other shows. As a result, I was offered a twice weekly prime-time hosting gig on NBC’s KCAA Radio in So Cal. Over the past few years, I’ve interviewed over 650 thought leaders from around the globe. Guy’s Guy Radio show is ranked in the top ten percentile on KCAA. The Guy’s Guy Radio podcast has been downloaded worldwide in over 100 countries. I’ve recently added Guy’s Guy TV on YouTube and Rumble, so the brand keeps growing, My lesson is never give up if you believe in what you are doing.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
There has never been a better time for being a guy. Today is a time when men can be whoever they want to be, but it’s also a time when it has never been less clear who men really are.
The Guy’s Guy brand sees humanity through a new lens, re-imagining the world so men, and women can live our best lives. The Guy’s Guy brand mission is to inform, inspire, and empower men, and women. Today’s men want to better themselves, but don’t feel as comfortable as women with self-improvement. Men need role models, and many feel lost because the traditional definitions of masculinity don’t reflect today’s culture.
Being a Guy’s Guy is part of living a meaningful, rewarding life. The Guy’s Guy brand credo is: When men and women can be at their best, everyone wins.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robertmanni.com, www.guysguyradio.com
- Instagram: @robertmanni
- Facebook: /RobertManniAuthor
- Linkedin: /robert-manni-
- Twitter: @RobertManni
- Youtube: bit.ly/guysguytv