Brett Farmiloe, Founder & CEO, Featured

This interview is with Brett Farmiloe, founder and CEO of Featured.com. Featured is a knowledge sharing platform that connects subject matter experts with publishers to create thought leadership content.

Welcome to GIGS Magazine, Brett! Could you please tell our readers a bit about yourself and your journey as an entrepreneur?

Thank you for having me! My entrepreneurial journey began with Pursue the Passion, a career education startup where my friends and I traveled cross-country to interview people about finding passion in their work. This experience taught me the value of meaningful work and sharing expertise. I then founded Markitors, a digital marketing agency for small businesses, which I successfully ran for ten years before it was acquired. Currently, I lead Featured, a platform connecting experts with top publishers to create impactful Q&A content, helping unlock the potential of human knowledge. Along the way, I've had the pleasure of contributing to major publications and even helped launch a charitable coffee company with Hugh Jackman.

What were some of the key milestones or turning points that led you to where you are in your career today?

There have been several key milestones in my career. The first major turning point was launching Pursue the Passion, which opened my eyes to the importance of passion in work and sharing expertise. Another significant milestone was founding Markitors and growing it into a successful digital marketing agency, which was eventually acquired. This experience solidified my understanding of digital marketing and small business needs. Launching Featured was another critical step, as it allowed me to leverage my expertise to connect subject-matter experts with publishers, creating valuable content. Additionally, collaborating with Hugh Jackman on a charitable coffee company and giving over 100 keynote speeches, including a TEDx talk, have been pivotal moments that have shaped my journey and broadened my impact.

Many of our readers are freelancers and gig workers exploring the exciting world of entrepreneurship. From your experience, what is one crucial piece of advice you'd give to someone just starting out?

One crucial piece of advice I'd give to freelancers and gig workers just starting out is to focus on building meaningful relationships. Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about creating genuine connections that can lead to valuable opportunities. Invest time in understanding your clients' needs, providing exceptional service, and continuously improving your skills. By building a strong reputation and a reliable network, you'll find more opportunities coming your way, and your entrepreneurial journey will be much more rewarding.

Building a strong network is often cited as crucial for entrepreneurial success. How did you go about building your professional network, and what role did it play in your journey?

Building my professional network has been instrumental in my journey. It started with the cross-country road trips for 'Pursue the Passion,' where I met and interviewed a diverse range of professionals about their careers. This experience taught me the value of listening and learning from others. As I transitioned to founding Markitors, I actively engaged in industry events, joined professional groups, and leveraged social media platforms to connect with like-minded individuals. Collaboration played a key role too; working with Hugh Jackman on a charitable coffee company, for example, opened doors to new opportunities and partnerships. Throughout my career, these connections have provided support, mentorship, and opportunities that have been essential to my success.

Entrepreneurship often involves navigating uncertainty and taking risks. Can you share an experience where you stepped outside of your comfort zone and what you learned from it?

One of the most notable times I stepped outside my comfort zone was during the early days of Pursue the Passion. We embarked on cross-country road trips with no guaranteed outcomes, relying on our determination and resourcefulness to make it work. This experience taught me the importance of embracing uncertainty and being adaptable. Another significant risk was eating Hot Pockets for a month to bootstrap a startup. While unconventional, it demonstrated my commitment and willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed. From these experiences, I learned that stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to personal growth, new opportunities, and valuable lessons that shape your entrepreneurial journey.

Work-life balance can be a challenge for entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities. What strategies have you found effective in maintaining a healthy balance?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur can be challenging, but I've found a few strategies that work well. First, I prioritize time management by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring I allocate time for both. This includes scheduling breaks and leisure activities just as I would business meetings. Second, I delegate tasks and build a reliable team to share the workload, which allows me to focus on high-impact activities and avoid burnout. Lastly, I make it a point to engage in activities that recharge me, such as spending time with family, traveling, or pursuing hobbies. These strategies help me stay energized and maintain a healthy balance between my professional and personal life.

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, impacting how entrepreneurs do business. What are some of the biggest opportunities or challenges you see in today's digital age for aspiring entrepreneurs?

In today's digital age, one of the biggest opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs is the ability to reach a global audience with minimal barriers. The internet has democratized access to information and markets, allowing even small businesses to compete on a larger scale. Social media platforms, digital marketing tools, and e-commerce solutions provide cost-effective ways to grow and scale a business.

However, with these opportunities come significant challenges. The digital landscape is highly competitive and constantly changing, requiring entrepreneurs to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns also pose risks that need to be managed diligently. Additionally, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, making it crucial to focus on what truly matters for your business. By staying adaptable, continuously learning, and leveraging digital tools effectively, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities the digital age presents.

Looking back on your entrepreneurial journey, what would you say is the most valuable lesson you've learned that you'd like to share with our readers?

The most valuable lesson I've learned in my entrepreneurial journey is the importance of resilience and adaptability. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt, but it's how you respond to these obstacles that defines your success. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and don't be afraid to pivot when necessary. Every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth and understanding. Stay committed to your vision, be open to feedback, and keep pushing forward. Resilience and adaptability are key traits that will help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and ultimately lead you to success.

What's next for you in your entrepreneurial endeavors, and what advice would you give to our readers about pursuing their own passions?

Next in my entrepreneurial journey, I'm focused on expanding Featured to connect even more experts with top publishers, unlocking a greater potential of human knowledge. We're continuously innovating our platform to enhance the user experience and provide even more value to our community. As for advice, I would encourage your readers to pursue their passions with relentless curiosity and determination. Don't be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Build a strong network of support, continuously learn and adapt, and stay true to your vision. Remember, the journey itself is just as important as the destination, so embrace every moment and keep pushing forward.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for having me! I'd like to add that the journey of entrepreneurship is incredibly rewarding but also challenging. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and can provide guidance along the way. Don't underestimate the power of community and collaboration. Lastly, always remember why you started. Keeping your passion and purpose at the forefront will help you stay motivated and resilient through any challenge. Best of luck to all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there!