In this gripping episode of Hustle and Flowchart, we delve into the remarkable journey of Eric Jorgenson, the mastermind behind “The Almanac of Naval Ravikant.” Eric, now the CEO of Scribe Media, shares an extraordinary tale of revival from chaos, rebuilding trust and redefining how books are crafted and self-made authors are created. If you've ever considered writing a book or are intrigued by pathways to personal and professional transformation, this episode is a goldmine. Buckle up as we explore Eric's world, where opportunities are seized, and traditional publishing norms are shattered, all while drawing inspiration from the wisdom of Naval Ravikant.
https://youtu.be/n37ZvKCBNf0
Eric's Role at Scribe Media
Eric Jorgenson serves as CEO of Scribe Media, where he juggles different projects. He admits that managing these tasks is challenging but focuses on synergies rather than distractions. Opportunity well handled, he says, leads to more opportunity.
The Story of Scribe
Scribe Media was co-founded by Tucker Max and Zach Obront. Tucker, a well-known author, originally used his talents to help others navigate the confusing publishing world. Scribe grew rapidly, but when the original founders left, mismanagement led to bankruptcy. Eric, having published his first book with Scribe, found himself caught up in the chaos. He felt a responsibility to save the company that helped him so much.
Trust Building Post-Bankruptcy
Eric emphasizes that trust can't be asked for, only earned. The focus for Scribe is now to do stellar work and let that speak for itself. He believes in rebuilding trust by doing what you say you will do, consistently. This isn't about asking for trust, but rather earning it through actions and reliability.
The Model of Scribe Media
Scribe Media takes the opposite approach of traditional publishing. Unlike big publishers that offer advances and retain most rights and royalties, Scribe charges a flat rate. Authors make the creative decisions, keep all rights, and retain all royalties. This means more royalties for the author in the long run, especially if you sell many books, like David Goggins. Instead of relying on media appearances, books now are sold primarily on platforms like Amazon, highlighting the significance of authors owning their work.
The Importance of Books in a Digital World
A book can act as a powerful marketing tool. It allows professionals to demonstrate their expertise and connect with potential clients. For instance, Paul Franco used his book to reach a niche audience, leading directly to business opportunities. A well-written book goes beyond mere sales. It offers credibility and establishes authority.
AI in Book Writing
AI can assist in the initial stages of writing but isn't perfect for long-form prose. Scribe helps authors by interviewing them, pulling out stories and key points to capture the book’s essence. While AI can pose as a support tool, Eric believes that human touch is still pivotal for creating truly impactful content. AI offers options like proofreading and brainstorming and can accelerate the drafting process.
Naval Ravikant's Influence
Naval's perspectives deeply influence Eric. He appreciates Naval’s view that happiness is a skill rather than just a choice. Eric has adopted these nuggets into his daily life, like appreciating simple moments. However, he also notes areas where he might diverge from Naval, particularly around the responsibilities we hold towards other people's happiness.
The CEO Journey and Personal Fulfillment
Eric has held multiple titles, including author and investor, and has learned to focus on being continuously “in motion.” There’s no finish line, only a state of being content and peaceful amidst activity. He wishes to become better at balancing productivity and peace, aiming for a fulfilling life journey rather than just reaching a destination.
In this episode, Eric shared his journey, his role in saving Scribe Media, and the considerable impact of having a book written. Whether you're considering writing a book or developing personal philosophies, this episode offered rich insights into how books can serve as both professional tools and personal reflections. For those looking to better understand the business and personal satisfaction, Eric’s path provides a lot to learn from.
Connect with Eric Jorgenson
- Scribe Media
- Eric Jorgenson's website
- Eric's Twitter (X)
- The Almanac of Naval Ravikant
- Naval Ravikants's Twitter (X)
- David Goggins' Books
Two Other Episodes You Should Check Out
- Smart Author Media: A Unique Way to Help Authors Scale with Chris Benetti
- Kamal Ravikant – How To Love Yourself Like Your Life Depended On It
Connect with Joe Fier
- What if you could have a FREE personal mentor on-demand?! With Joe's Hustle & Flowchart AI clone, you can tap into the knowledge from over 600 episodes any time! Whether you need advice on scaling, marketing, or productivity, my AI clone is here to help.
- Want us to build your clone for you? We’ll handle setup, testing, and integration so you can launch fast. Head to HustleandFlowchart.com/interest to get started!
- Hubspot has launched a whole new suite of AI Tools, check them on the Hubspot.com
- Check out other podcasts on the HubSpot Podcast Network
- We want to hear from you. Send us the One Thing you want to hear on the show.
- Connect with Joe on LinkedIn and Instagram
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel
- Contact Joe: joe@hustleandflowchart.com
Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Hustle & Flowchart Podcast!
If the information in these conversations and interviews have helped you in your business journey, please head over to iTunes (or wherever you listen), subscribe to the show, and leave me an honest review.
Your reviews and feedback will not only help me continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help me reach even more amazing entrepreneurs just like you!
