In today’s interview episode, we talk to Rich Simmonds. He’s tagged as The Disruptive Influencer. Rich is an Author, Disruptor and Challenger of the Status Quo; and recognized as one of the Top 20 Digital Marketing Influencers in the world. He is a dynamic facilitator capable of asking the different and sometimes difficult questions that truly challenge conventional thinking.
To him, in order for communication to be effective, communication needs to be simplified.
- What separates you from your competition?
One word - consistency. Success is determined by commitment and if you can be more consistent than your competition you will outwork them every time even if they are smarter than you. Disruption only disrupts the competition and helps them to get better, whereas consistency displaces your competition.
- What problem are you trying to solve?
I am constantly trying to help people simplify their communication so that they are more effective. Effective and consistent communication will make you the leader of your industry.
- What sort of research have you done? Do you have any available data?
Life is a constant process of change and learning. I don't think that really qualifies as research, but I am constantly learning and I believe that enables me to share and learn with the people with whom I interact.
- What’s an interesting trend you’ve observed in your industry?
In my industry of Digital Marketing where things are so dynamic, the leaders continuously adjust and change while others get stuck in the 'what works' rut. My observation is that our best ideas of three years ago are now our heaviest baggage.
- What are you most proud of?
I have managed to change completely in the last 5 years, it has been really difficult and hard, but I have learnt and accomplished so much. I never thought I could have written two books and they were published 5 years ago. I have also managed to consistently be listed amongst the Top 50 Digital Influencers in the world and currently I am in the Top 20. I am proud of what I have managed to achieve, my only wish is that my parents could have seen what I have accomplished.
- What kind of books do you read? What’s the best book you’ve read this year?
I read a lot more online these days than actual books. The best book I try to read every year is Re-Imagine by Tom Peters; it is a true classic, it always opens my mind and challenges the way I think.
- Who are your role models or mentors?
Tom Peters, Seth Godin and Gary Vaynerchuk - I love people who boldly challenge the status quo.
- When you’re considering partnering with another person or business, what factors are deal-breakers for you?
Inconsistency is the deal breaker, we need consistency for trust and it is the one factor that builds relationships.
- How do you keep your employees (or team members) keen and motivated?
I let the people I work with bring their own creativity into the things they do, that way they work for themselves. That way they are always proud of what they do, it's about them and never about me. Perhaps, I am just lucky to have such good team members and be in this dynamic, constantly changing industry.
- What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
I am a Disruptor and it is risky to tell people you will be disrupting them. Risks are just part of my life - I embrace and grow from the criticism I receive.
