Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tony Kariotis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I believe calculated risks are a must. I can sit here and say yes risks are worth taking, but in the moment, we all know they are something you can lose sleepover. I’d love to say I’ve taken all these risks, but for the most part, there are plenty I passed on, but a few that worked themselves out.
One risk I love to take is to announce a project and its arrival date prior to working on it. This puts me on the clock. As a self-employed entrepreneur, I don’t have a boss putting the clock on me. So I have to do it myself.
For instance, when I am thinking of shooting a new film, publishing a new book, or releasing a new service, I will draw up a pretty poster, give it its title, set a release date and share it online. Once its up, its up, I HAVE to deliver! I can’t be embarrassed and not deliver.
I do this with a lot of things that I may delay otherwise, this works great with my podcast, the fun part of the podcast is the interview, the post-production… isn’t! So I put it out there, now I have to stay up late if I put it aside to make sure we meet the release 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
I am a Greek American that decided to try and find a way to make a career out of traveling to his homeland Greece. With the explosion of social media, I decided to give it a shot but bringing Greece to the forefront through social media, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and a website.
Using my history in design, photography, videography, I felt this risk was one worth taking. I always loved storytelling, so I decided to tie all these together to create a digital hub for Greece travel and Greek culture.
The company offer ways to learn and discover Greece through digital means: A film series, a podcast, photography, films, for those that love traveling, I do a four months tour around Greece and I broadcast most of it through social media for my audience. Where am I island hopping today? What am I eating? What am I discovering?
The best thing is, these services I mentioned so far are all absolutely free.
The company also offers some paid products, we offer a catalog of tours and activities where someone traveling to Greece can book right in their pocket (for example: a sailing sunset tour, or the perfect wine tour). We offer a custom Greek travel itinerary builder, photo books, decor photography, and advertising opportunities for companies that want to get their name in front of a large audience with an interest in Greece travel and culture.
The company also offers some paid services, we help Greeks of the diaspora acquire their citizenship, and non-Greeks acquire a Digital Nomad Visa or a Golden Visa which allow them to live in Greece longer than a standard travel visa.
This hub I call Greece Media. (Known on Instagram as @greece)
My social media that I bring a 1st person perspective of travels and building Greece Media is my personal IG: @iamgreece.
On Instagram, I show the views through photos, videos and livestreams while touring.
On TikTok, I show Greek culture through comedy skits I make and travel videos.
On Twitter, I show a mix of photography and some random thoughts that I blurt out.
On Facebook is a simulcast of Instagram, as well as links to our services.
What led to me to decide to do all this?
Well, I’ve always been tied to the Greek community in America. Volunteering in my church community as a youth worked and youth basketball coach. This taught me how to build community. How to build a program. How to build trust. How to be a leader. I’ve been involved in community work this 2007.
I’m also a weekly voice on a Greek radio station in the US that is broadcasted worldwide.
In my foundation work, I’ve built the largest Greek-American basketball tournament in the country, what started off in 2009 as a 1st Annual memorial tournament for my father, has now turned into the premiere Greek-American basketball tournament. Hosting 30 teams for a 5 day basketball tournament. Proceeds go to the high school seniors that are heading off to college. Since 2009 we have handed out over 35 scholarships. It’s called the Teddy K Classic.
Being so deeply involved in all things Greek in America is what gave me the confidence knowing that going all in on Greece Media is a risk worth taking. I knew I’d have the Greeks back if push came to shove!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I would have to say the 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris. I don’t do everything the book says, but it helped put a lot of things related to my career and life into perspective.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Be authentic. Show love. Give off a positive vibe. Provide value. Be consistent. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to post something that you really want to share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.greece-media.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgreece
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamgreece.tony
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-kariotis/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/iamgreece
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamgreece
- Other: My company Greece Medias instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/greece