Rand Fishkin is an icon in the online marketing world which, if you’re reading this, you probably already know.
In January, Rand was generous enough to let me interview him to get some more context behind an email he wrote to Moz customers that said:
“I know you likely encountered some bugs and hiccups, and I wanted to express apologies for those issues and gratitude for being an early adopter. We’re already making big improvements based on your feedback.”
I knew he was a thoughtful, multi-dimensional, talented guy, but I had no idea just how remarkably honest and open he is about … everything.
I’ve distilled our 20 minute interview down to 2 minutes that touches on a huge variety of topics. Rand is remarkably frank about his self-deprecation, how his marriage is what sustains him through the tough times, comparing his commitment to building a long-term business to other entrepreneurs’ quick wins and how the huge Internet players are taking data from little guys and selling it to the largest advertisers.
One point in particular, which comes at the end of the video, really stuck with me this year.
The great products have a single architect behind them. The ones that have struggled have many fingers in the pot.
My take-away: don’t hide behind others’ opinions. Be a leader.
In January, I’ll post Rand’s 1-year-later follow-up take.