Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Russell Crooms. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Russell, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today
If I were to start over today, or if I could speak to the version of myself that first started a business, here’s what I would say:
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of validating a business idea before launching. Doing the hard work upfront—through thorough research and planning—can save you from many potential pitfalls down the road.
First, ensure you properly research your idea. This includes figuring out how to start with the least amount of upfront capital. Also, test your idea early. Ask yourself, Can I make a small, easily testable version of this product? If the answer is yes, then go for it, but don’t stop there. Get feedback. Reach out to people in your future target market and gather as much input as possible.
Next, carefully calculate the true cost of your venture. Consider all aspects—marketing, expansion, product creation, supply, and legal fees. These factors must be accounted for to avoid unexpected obstacles.
This isn’t meant to discourage anyone from starting a business, but rather to emphasize the importance of proper preparation. Taking the time to do thorough research and planning will help you launch your business with confidence and reduce the risk of running into major challenges later on.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those unfamiliar with my work, I’d love to share a bit about my journey and the exciting projects I’m currently working on.
I’m the founder of Nerdgenic, an entertainment website that provides news and updates on popular video games, catering to a community of passionate gamers and pop culture enthusiasts. Nerdgenic has allowed me to channel my creativity and love for content creation while connecting with an audience that shares my interests.
In addition to Nerdgenic, I’m in the process of launching a new software development agency focused on creating applications that provide real value to society. Our first major project, Grocery Savvy, is set to launch in early 2025. It will be the start of a series of smart and innovative projects that aim to make everyday tasks easier and more efficient for users.
My journey as an entrepreneur and content creator has been one of growth and discovery. It took me some time to fully embrace my entrepreneurial spirit, despite always being a creative and hard-working individual. What ultimately pushed me to pursue my own ventures was the realization that the traditional 9 to 5 grind, no matter how much passion I poured into it, would not necessarily reward me in the way I believed my efforts deserved. After years of dedicating late nights and weekends to company projects, I decided to take my skills to the open market, where I could truly test my abilities and receive the recognition I sought.
What sets me apart is my commitment to creating meaningful products and content that serve my audience and clients. Whether it’s providing entertainment and insights through Nerdgenic or building smart applications that solve real-world problems, my focus is on delivering value. I’m most proud of the impact these projects have on people’s lives and the innovation that fuels them.
As for what I want potential clients and followers to know: I’m not just focused on building businesses, I’m dedicated to creating solutions that matter. My work is driven by the desire to make a positive difference, whether through entertainment or technology.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
When it comes to books that have significantly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset, a few stand out.
10X by Grant Cardone had a huge impact on how I set and approach my goals. The concept of thinking 10 times bigger helped me not only stretch my ambitions but also accept when goals fall short, knowing that the effort itself moves you forward.
Sell or Be Sold, also by Grant Cardone, is a must-read for anyone who needs to sell, which, in reality, is all of us. It taught me the importance of mastering the sales process and providing customers with the right information to make informed decisions.
Another influential book is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. It was the first entrepreneurial book I read, and it resonated deeply with me. It awakened a drive I already had and spurred me on to explore more in the realm of business and personal finance.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle of learning to code turned into my full-time career. It all started when I was working on a business venture and encountered multiple issues with the website. I didn’t have the resources to hire someone, so I decided to learn coding myself to fix the problems. While that particular venture didn’t succeed, the skills I gained in coding opened up new possibilities.
As the job market became more challenging, I saw an opportunity to create something of my own. That’s when I decided to start my software development agency. What began as a way to solve a personal problem turned into a full-time career, allowing me to focus on creating innovative solutions that can bring value to society.
Scaling the business has been a steady process of refining my skills and focusing on solving real-world problems through technology. Looking back, I realize that the initial drive to learn something new has shaped the path of my career in ways I never anticipated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nerdgenic.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-crooms-7b635855/
Image Credits
Credit should go to myself, Russell Crooms