Mars Dorian is someone you should know. He’s got a great philosophy of how to go for your dreams, and get out of your own way. Mars writes at “The World Needs You” and shows digital crusaders how to build a powerful online presence and kick-ass small business.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you realized you wanted something different for your life.
My past has always been dominated by creativity – I started writing stories when I was 8 and switched to drawing at about 12. In my high school years, I was drawing comics like a burning maniac and even earned some decent moolah from it – getting published in different newspapers. Right after school I traveled and worked around the world – Japan, Australia, Mexico and the States.
Exciting and KICK-ASS times, but when I finally came home, I had to get a real job – shit!
As an artist and creator, how has owning your own business allowed you freedom of expression (that you might not have found in other jobs)?
I don’t have any other options, I never had. When I was working for other people, I felt miserable. Idiotic, self-absorbed bosses that didn’t know crap about doing awesome stuff – meh!
At one point I said to hell with it – I’M going to start my own shit. Working for myself means that I fully express myself – all the crazy ideas and style that I had to tone down while working for others – terrible! Since my self-employment, I got FULLY cherish and foster my creativity, allowing me to do things I like never before.
There’s a lot of great information on your site about building an authentic brand. Please share some tips with the readers on how they can find their niche and brand themselves accordingly.
These are the 2 most important things:
Number 1: It all starts with your core – the bom bom beating heart at the core of what you do. You have to find your “why” – why do you do what you do ? What’s your purpose ? Find out what makes you tick, and formulate that into an inspirational message/tagline/mission statement that will attract your “right” audience.
Number 2: The next major step would be: Master your motif ! And that’s basically finding a unique theme to your online presence and brand ! For example, Chris Guillebeau is all about adventure, traveling and living on your own terms. His whole presence has that adventures, almost Indiana Jones type of flavor – both in terms of design and writing style. Think about a unique theme that you can use for your own presence, and brand everything you do with that kind of motif!
You have a great online presence and a lot of active commenters. What have you done to build your blog?
I brought my full personality into the blog – and showed my most, awesome self. I believe that if you want to make any impact, you have to be over-the-top in one way or another.
The other thing is my interaction: I encourage personal questions, talk to my core readers and try to personally welcome every new subscriber to my email list. So, full personal infusion and hardcore interaction are my major tools for building a thriving community.
Working with clients that are based in different locations (or working while you travel) can pose unique challenges. What are some of the things you’ve learned?
That you should pay special attention to time zones. I got clients from all over the world, and when I started out, I was scheduling sessions according to my preferred times, neglecting the fact that my perfect time could mean midnight for someone else. I now make sure that we find a mutual setting that’s good for both us. To keep track of this, I use Tungle.me.
I really like your stance and philosophy that every person can “impact the world awesomely”. Can you share some of your thoughts on how business owners can make a positive impact?
Hell yeah. The reason I say that is because it makes business much easier and way more fun. Most entrepreneurs are stuck with themselves – they always think: what’s in for me ? Why is business so tough ? Why isn’t it working out ? Bad questions that I asked myself as well.
But once I shifted my focus from “me” to the “world” – it became a joyous game. The thought of impacting the world with your business, and enhancing it through your existence will vaporize self-doubt and self-pity, because you act from a place that screams: “The world needs You!”
Final thoughts, favorite quote, & any recommended reading or links?
Yeah – check out this incredible Ted talk by Simon Sinek.
It’s about finding the purpose of your business – your “why”. I have watched that video at least 16+ times to remember the reason why I do what I do. Also, if you want to get in touch with me, you can follow me on Twitter. I tweet valuable and entertaining stuff about building your own creative little biz!
Thanks so much, Mars for this compelling and fun interview! If you all have questions for Mars, please leave them below!! And here’s some questions to get you thinking…
How do you want to help the world?
How can you infuse more of yourself into your business and branding?
What are some ways you are impacting the world awesomely?
