Cool Stuff Media, Inc. - Interview with Cameron Johnson

Interview with Cameron Johnson

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Interview with Cameron Johnson

Learn more about Cameron at www.cameronjohnson.com

Quick takes about Cameron:

Started his first company at age 9
At age15 he was an advisory board member for a large Tokyo based company
By age 21 he had started 12 successful businesses
Runner-up on the hit reality show, Oprah’s Big Give
Has been featured in over 200 newspapers, magazines and television stations worldwide
Speaks to audiences around the world
Author of the book, You Call The Shots
Now consults with Fortune 500 companies

Please give us a little background information about yourself. Where do you live? How old are you? What inspires you?

I'm originally from Roanoke, Virginia but am now living in Los Angeles, California. I'm 24 and what inspires and motivates me is the same thing that inspired me when I began this journey... creating something out of nothing. I enjoy the challenge of creating something that didn’t previously exist. The startup phase has always been the most exciting for me and I love being able to have the freedom to live life the way I want, and try to help as many other people along the way.

You’re famous for a number of things, such as starting your own business at 9 years-old, authoring a book at 15 titled, 15-Year-Old CEO, starting 12 successful business before turning 21, and of course, appearing on the TV show, Oprah’s Big Give. What inspired you to start doing such amazing things at such a young age?

I'm not sure there is one thing that really inspired me, other than simply not knowing what couldn't be done. In other words, having access to a computer and the internet enabled me to start my businesses, and had it not been for those resources - I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today. But the thing is, most people have money-making, opportunity-creating resources that they are not aware of.

The Internet enables people of any age, race, location, experience, and education level to compete on an equal platform. It’s truly an amazing resource. It is now a global marketplace and I love seeing more and more young people getting their start on the Internet. And more and more entrepreneurs are starting at a younger age. Why? Simply because they can. Too many wait around thinking they need more education, more experience, more money or whatever… but if I thought that way, I wouldn’t have started any of my companies—in fact, I would still be in school getting my “education.” The best way to get ahead is just to get started. Don’t take “no” for an answer—even if it’s coming from yourself.

At age eight, I wrote a letter to Donald Trump with a special request. I had seen the movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and since my family was taking a trip to New York City I wanted to see if I could tour of the hotel suite at The Plaza where the movie was filmed.

Mr. Trump didn’t write back to me personally, but when we arrived at the hotel the receptionist informed us that we would actually be staying in the same suite where Home Alone 2 was filmed and he organized a private tour of FAO Schwarz which was also in the movie. And to think that all of this happened just because I wrote a letter! Here I was, a random eight-year-old kid from Virginia, but simply because I was proactive, my family and I had an unforgettable experience. That taught me at an early age about the power of taking action and asking others to be part of your dreams.

When did you realize you were an Entrepreneur? Was it something you were aware of at the time of starting your first business or was it something you became aware of later?

I think being a so-called “entrepreneur” is simply looking at life in a certain way—it’s making a habit of searching for opportunities and making something out of them, that’s all. Anyone can do it. There are a lot of people who come up to me and say, “I would love to do what you do, but I’m not an entrepreneur.” Look, it’s not something you catch sporadically and it’s not something you “qualify for,” but rather… an attitude.

When I was very young, I was simply looking for ways to make money—whether it was when I was 7 years old selling vegetables door to door, or when I started my business printing cards at 9—I just saw opportunities to make money and have fun doing it. I realized after experiencing some success with my printing business that entrepreneurship was a real passion of mine.

Over the following years I started several different businesses—and had a blast doing it. As a freshman in high school, one of my companies was bringing in sales of more than $15,000 a day. I couldn’t believe it. I’ve been fortunate enough to make my first million before graduating from high school and buy my own house by age twenty. At twenty-three, I’ve now put away enough in savings and other investments that I could practically retire today … if I wanted to. But of course, that is the last thing on earth I’d want to do.

Since my printing business, I have started a dozen businesses and I have learned some great insights from each one. I’ve also been able to serve other people in the process by offering them something valuable. It always needs to be a fair exchange—that’s how successful businesses are sustained.

What is a typical day in the life of Cameron Johnson?

This is difficult for me to answer because what I love most about my life is that every day is different. Some days I'm traveling, some days I'm consulting others, some days I'm on working at the TV studio, and some days I'm relaxing at the beach. Every day is different. But what has been really important for me is doing what I love while creating a lifestyle that allows me to follow my passion and find success on my own terms. I've never been one to do the same thing day-in, day-out. Honestly, the thought of working a 9-5 job scares me, but it also motivates me to discover what I DO love and then figure out a way to do it from home, or my office, or as I’m traveling, or my favorite… while I’m hanging out at the pool. Despite what other people tell you, it is possible. You just have to be creative and work hard.

We’ve all heard of the show Oprah’s Big Give. I know you’ve been in many headlines as a result of being a contestant on the show. What is it like to be part of the show?

Oprah's Big Give was Oprah Winfrey's first ever primetime television program. It was extremely revolutionary because instead of contestants competing to win something, and fighting each other in order to win, the show was all about competing to give and help others. Each contestant had to come up with clever ways to give our time and money in ways that would help the most people—and we travelled across the United States doing it. It was very impactful, emotional, and life-changing at the same time. I was honored to be a part of it and it has definitely been one of my proudest accomplishments.

I love your quote, "True prosperity isn't something you take from the world: it's something you share with the world." What does this mean to you?

I think, as humans, we all have responsibilities. One of the greatest feelings, and one of the greatest forms of accomplishment, is being able to give back and help others. A good friend of mine, Joe Polish, says "Life gives to the givers and takes from the takers." It's a simple quote but it's very powerful—and I’ve seen this to be very true in my own life and by observing others. I enjoy sharing everything with the world and true prosperity isn't the nice car or the mansion, it's being able to sleep each night peacefully. Giving back gives you a sense of peacefulness and accomplishment.

Your latest book is titled, "You Call The Shots.” What is the book about and what is the core message you would like reader to take from it?

I wrote You Call the Shots to share all of the different lessons I learned from my experiences through starting businesses and experiencing life. So many young people are excited and enthused about entrepreneurship but they often don't know where to begin. I really wanted to write something that could hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams and realize the power of simply taking an idea and getting started. The subtitle of the book is the real message: "Succeed Your Way - and Live the Life You Want - with the 19 Essential Secrets of Entrepreneurship"... it's all about succeeding on your own terms.

If you could build a time machine and go back to the time when you were first making a name for yourself, what advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself never be afraid to reach out to others and, to try new things—especially at young age when you can afford to take bigger business risks. I would tell myself not to worry about failing and not to care what someone else thinks about my performance or my results. I would focus on doing my best and helping others—and be confident in knowing that the rest will follow.

Do you think that entrepreneurialism is something that is in your blood or something that is learned?

It's a question open for debate. I was introduced to entrepreneurship at a very early age, but I don't think I was necessarily born with the ability. I think it’s a matter of cultivation. For me, I think it was my passion to create/build something and my interest in making money that eventually forged my entrepreneurial abilities. Regardless of how you’re raised, however, I do believe that anyone can find their passion at any age. Starting a business can be learned... but the lifestyle or boldness of being an entrepreneur...? Well, I think that's a way of life.

Who do you look up to? Who is your role model?

I look up to successful entrepreneurs who have created a life for themselves on their terms. They've created jobs for others, they've been able to give back in big ways, and they create value for everyone they come in contact with. A few individuals would be Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Donald Trump, Michael Dell, among others.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best piece of advice I’ve been given is to “Put yourself out there.” It sounds simple because it is. Literally, go do something and take the first step. Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese once said, “Everyone who's ever taken a shower has an idea. It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off and does something about it who makes a difference.”

Don't question yourself or make excuses, just get started. Start small, focus on doing good for others, give your best, and the rest will reveal itself.

Also, know your competition better than they know themselves and pay attention to every detail and every dollar. Awareness and knowledge allows us to make the best decisiosn possible. And in the end, it’s the ongoing decisions we make that determine our success—no matter what we’re doing.

Do you have any favorite business related or personal development books that you would recommend to other entrepreneurs?

First, I'd recommend my own (there’s a shameless plug for You Call the Shots) Actually, at the back of my book I give the readers a list of my favorite books. My favorites tend to be business biographies and success stories (Michael Dell, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, etc.) and then the rest are specific to marketing, time management, etc. The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss is a great book as well as David Bach's books on personal finance.

What are your future (personal and/or business) plans?

Stay tuned. It’s an ongoing process that’s always unfolding. I believe goals are just dreams taken seriously. “Dream big, start small,” - that's how I try and live my life everyday. My lifetime goal is to leave the world a better place than I found it—and also have a seriously good time while doing so.

You can learn more about Cameron at www.cameronjohnson.com

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I hope you found this interesting. Thank you for spending this time with Cameron and me. Much success to you,

- Kent Healy

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