Interview — Steve Scott (Adventurer, Runner, Blogger, Entrepreneur)

 
 14 Dec 2010 @ 8:00 
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Steve Scott by the Mediterranean in Italy

Image credit: © Steve Scott All rights reserved.

I first came across Steve Scott’s blog a couple of months ago. At the time he was travelling through Europe and paying for it from his online businesses.  This was someone I had to meet, and I sincerely hope that one day I will (there’s a whopping great ocean between us that makes it a little hard to get there just yet).  Anyway, a few days ago I shot off an email to him with a bunch of questions (I really am a nosey bugger) to find out a little bit about the man behind the man.

I thought briefly, very briefly, of prefacing each question and answer here with “FIRSTNAME: “… will the real Steve please stand up!  Don’t worry, I didn’t do it, so your sanity will remain intact. :-)

Hi Steve! Welcome to Steve Youngs dot Com, it’s an honour to have you here for this interview. I know that you are currently living in the United States, can you tell us where you grew up as a child?

Thanks for having me here Steve! It’s great you’re forcing me to think a little with these questions. I hope I’m up to the challenge.

I was born, raised and have spent most of my life in the Red Bank area of New Jersey. To put it in cultural terms, this is a few minute drive from The Jersey Shore.

Since I personally hate the MTV show which features the Jersey Shore, I like to mention that a lot of the movies made by Kevin Smith revolve around the Red Bank area. These movies do a better job of showcasing the area where I was raised.

I love living by the ocean – Even when it’s freezing cold (like right now.)

What is your fondest memory from your childhood that you’d care to share with us?

One memory in particular is when my father woke up me and my brother early in the morning. He told us to pack a few things and be ready to go in an hour because we we’re going on a vacation. Then we hopped in a car, and he wouldn’t tell us where we going.

To be honest, I forget where we actually went. But since then I’ve always looked at traveling as a big adventure where you never quite know what the next day will bring.

Do you have any phobias?

Definitely a fear of public speaking. With that said, this is something I’m going to address in 2011. I’m joining Toastmasters, making a bunch of podcasts and will start a weekly video series.

I honestly believe the best way to overcome a phobia/fear is to tackle it head on!

You have just come back from a seven-month trip through Europe. I can’t even begin to imagine what that was like, but the one thing I want to know is: How did you overcome the language barrier?

At the risk of giving a typical “American” answer, I found that most people spoke English. But I always learned the essentials in every language (“please”, “thank you”, “do you speak English”, and “one beer please.”)

Also, you’d be surprised at how well you can communicate in grunts and gestures.

To be honest, I’ll probably never do another 7 month trip again – Unless it was a “mini-vacation” where I can settle in one place and absorb the language/culture.

Now that you have the benefit of hindsight, if you were to go on that trip again, what three things would you NOT do?

  1. I wouldn’t do another long trip. Instead I’d like to do a shorter trip of 1 to 2 months. This is enough of an escape without getting tired of packing/unpacking every couple of days.
  2. I’d go to less countries and focus on one country – Hopefully seeing stuff that’s a bit off the tourist path.
  3. I wouldn’t start a blog right before I left. In hindsight I would have been a lot more relaxed if I didn’t have this crazy mindset that I had to post each day.

I’m sure that you have seven months of truly amazing memories and adventures, but I bet there were plenty of scary times too. What was the scariest moment from your trip?

Hiking in the Swiss Alps! It was an easy hike for most of the day, but I miscalculated how long it would take to come down the mountain. I got to one rough patch that was literally a 1000 ft drop on a very narrow path – Plus the temperature was falling and the sun was doing down.

Obviously, I made it out. But there were a few hours where I thought something really bad was going to happen.

You strike me as a very motivated and driven person, have you always been that way? Is it in your DNA, or do you need to work at it?

Actually, I’m kind of lazy. I first started my Internet business because I wanted to sit at home, play video games and goof off. I’ve definitely changed a lot since then, but I think it came from finally founding something that I actually love (my blog.)

What pumps you up and gets you going?

Setting and going after goals. People who know me always laugh because I’m constantly making lists of I want to do. I’ve found that I honestly enjoy creating challenges and pushing myself to accomplish them. I think I’d be the laziest person alive if I didn’t constantly set new goals. It’s what keeps me motivated and happy to get out of bed every morning.

Who inspires you?

This changes on a regular basis. For a long time it was Tim Ferriss. But after literally living the “4 Hour Workweek” for seven months, I’ve come to realize that I actually like working. Traveling is still a love, but I’ve come to realize that the vagabonding lifestyle is no longer a long-term goal.

So with that said, the person who inspires me most is Gary Vaynerchuk. I know this is pretty typical answer, but I’m amazed by his simple philosophy to work really hard and become the best at what you do. Right now, I’m doing my best to follow his example and turn my blog into something that really helps people create their own “Internet Lifestyle.” Maybe I’ll fall short. But I’m going to make damn sure I give it my all!

What will they write on your tombstone?

“I Ate WHAT?!?!?”

Haha!  Excellent!  Thank you very much, Steve, for giving us a little look into who this Steve Scott guy is.  And if you ever do make it “down under”, the beer’s on me.  Well, the first round, at least. :-)

Now that the “official” interview is over, I’d like to open up a bit of Q&A.  If you have any questions for Steve, just put them in the comments below.  Go on, don’t be shy, he doesn’t bite. :-)

Till next time…

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Posted By: Steve Youngs
Last Edit: 11 Dec 2010 @ 11:28

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Responses to this post » (39 Total)

 
  1. Steve Youngs says:
    2010/12/14 at 8:06 am

    Steve!

    It was absolutely awesome having you here for this interview, mate. Thank you so much for that. And thank you, too, for giving us a little peek into your life.

    Great stuff!

    Kindest regards, and many thanks!
    Steve.
    Steve Youngs wrote: Interview — Steve Scott Adventurer- Runner- Blogger- EntrepreneurMy Profile

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  2. Ryan Renfrew from LifestyleDesign says:
    2010/12/14 at 9:44 am

    Good interview guys, thanks for sharing.
    Ryan Renfrew @LifestyleDesign wrote: The No Bullshit Secrets To Stratospheric Success Part 3- The Law Of InfluenceMy Profile

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  3. Steve from Lifestyle Design says:
    2010/12/14 at 11:46 pm

    Thanks for the interview Steve. I had a blast! :)
    Steve@Lifestyle Design wrote: 11 Article Marketing Lessons YOU can Learn from an Account with 2-338-985 ViewsMy Profile

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  4. Patricia from lavenderuses says:
    2010/12/15 at 12:50 am

    Wow, Steve Scott is one of my fav bloggers. He is so generous with all the information he shares with us. He’s definitely walking the walk and I respect that when he shares how to do things on the net; he is sharing from his own experience. also, he does great MVPs

    Now that I’ve talked about you Steve S to Aussie Steve, I have a question. Haha I know you won’t be surprised at that as I’m always asking quesitons but thats cos I still have heaps to learn ;-)

    What has been the biggest hurdle for you to overcome to become a successful blogger? Second part of the question: How did you overcome it?

    Finally, thanks for sharing some more of yourself Steve. I enjoyed the interview.

    Patricia Perth Australia
    Patricia@lavenderuses wrote: Are You a Tweetheart-Commenter…or both!My Profile

    Twitter:

    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/15 at 1:46 am

      Hi Patricia!

      Yep, Steve’s great! And that American Steve isn’t too bad either. :-P

      Thanks for stopping by, Patricia. A pleasure, as always to have you here.

      Kind regards,
      Steve

      Twitter:

  5. Steve from Internet Lifestyle says:
    2010/12/15 at 7:58 am

    Aussie Steve.

    That rocks…Should be your name from here on out ;)

    Thanks for the kind words Patricia!

    To answer your question:

    First off I think I have had some success, but I am not sure if I am yet, “successful”

    My blog numbers are progressing nicely and I am happy with them. I am making some regular sales, but still less than I “pay” out each month since I outsource some things.

    With those exceptions stated, I would say the biggest hurdle is time. I am a pretty organized guy, but there is a lot of things to do to be successful on a blog. (as I am sure you see if following the blog traffic series)

    Since I made the decision to try to post daily for a year, time is always an obstacle. I have given myself a few extra tasks now that I am back from my trip…so it may be MORE of an obstacle now than it was before I left.

    As for overcoming it.

    Well, time is an ongoing struggle but:

    1. Automating and streamlining where possible
    2. Outsourcing where possible
    3. Making good plans and “todo” lists

    Thanks for the “bonus” question Patricia. :)
    Steve@Internet Lifestyle wrote: Get More Blog Traffic Blueprint Week 4My Profile

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    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/15 at 10:02 am

      You said:

      Aussie Steve.
      That rocks…Should be your name from here on out

      Haha! Perhaps. However, a quick Google search tells me otherwise…

      “aussie steve” returns approx 3,000,000 results, of which I’m not in any so would have an uphill battle to gain exposure.

      “steve youngs” returns approx 550,000 results. I don’t know how many of the total number of results are me, but I hold 8 of the 10 spots on the first page! (the 2 spots I don’t hold are for some American footballer, and his name is “Young” not “Youngs”)

      And besides, after 44 years, I’ve sorta gotten used to it, if I changed to something else now it could be another 44 years before I was happy. :-)
      Steve Youngs wrote: 9 Ways Your Kids Can Help Your BloggingMy Profile

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  6. Fernando says:
    2010/12/15 at 8:43 am

    Thanks for sharing this interview! :)
    Fernando wrote: The Real Steps To Make A Profitable Niche Site – 02My Profile

  7. Edwin says:
    2010/12/15 at 9:54 am

    Hi Steve. Cool interview.

    What would I like to ask him?

    Hmmm what did you eat?
    Edwin wrote: How To Make An Image TransparentMy Profile

  8. Peggy Baron from WrittenWordChallenge says:
    2010/12/15 at 11:36 pm

    Hi Steve,
    I enjoy reading about what makes others tick, and this interview was no exception. So thanks!

    I was going to be extremely jealous about 7 months in Europe, but I think I’d prefer 1-2 months staying put and diving deeper into the culture too.

    I agree with Steve about Gary Vaynerchuk!

    Thanks,
    Peggy

    Twitter:

    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/16 at 12:25 am

      Hi Peggy!

      Welcome to one of my little pieces of the Internet. It’s wonderful to have you here.

      What I’m jealous of more is not the travelling around Europe (even though that would be awesome too), but the freedom his online businesses give him to be able to do what he wants, when he wants.

      And I’m totally with you about Gary as well. I also find this Steve Scott fella pretty inspiring too. :-)

      Thanks for taking the time to stop and comment, Peggy. I’m very pleased to meet you, hope I see you back here again soon.

      Kind regards,
      Steve

      Twitter:

      • Peggy Baron from WrittenWordChallenge says:
        2010/12/17 at 2:49 am

        Yes! It’s all about freedom for me too!

        Last year I bought a seasons ski pass so I could ski whenever I wanted to. That was symbolic of my new freedom to work my own hours on the Internet. :)

        Cheers,
        Peggy

        Twitter:

        • Steve Youngs says:
          2010/12/17 at 9:33 am

          Now there’s something I’d like to do before I kick the bucket… see snow. I’m not sure why, everyone I’ve ever asked about it tells me the same thing, that it is cold and wet. So I don’t really see the appeal. It must just be a curiosity thing for me. :-)

          Twitter:

          • Peggy Baron from WrittenWordChallenge says:
            2010/12/17 at 10:15 am

            You’ve never seen snow? Wow. Yes, it’s cold and wet, but it’s so much more than that. It’s beautiful! It sparkles in the sun and it blankets everything around you and hides any imperfections in the landscape, rendering it perfect.

            It’s nice to watch big fat flakes of snow fall; it gives you a peaceful feeling. And there’s nothing better than watching it snow outside while you’re snug and warm with a cup of hot chocolate spiked with peppermin schnapps. :)

            I always know when I’m waking to snow on the ground because everything outside sounds quiet and muffled outside.

            Disclaimer – I live where the snow is friendly and the skies are sunny right after a snowfall. I don’t live in nasty blizzard, biting cold country.

            Peggy :D

            Twitter:

  9. Sire says:
    2010/12/16 at 7:53 am

    A nice interview to both you Steves. You asked all the good questions Aussie Steve leading up to the more serious ones which I’m sure made our Yankee Steve feel more comfortable.

    Reckon I must have been living in a shell because I’ve never heard of the guy. But that’s going to be short lived because I’m going to follow him up.

    Thanks for the interview.
    Sire wrote: Top 5 Reasons Why No-One Is Advertising On Your BlogMy Profile

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    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/16 at 9:38 am

      I heard a rumour once that somebody hadn’t heard of me! Of course I dismissed it out of hand as it was obviously nonsense. :-)

      As for the Steve I interviewed here, he’s awesome, mate. Well worth your time to check out his blog.

      Thanks for stopping by, mate. Great to see you again!

      Kind regards,
      Steve

      Twitter:

  10. Tristan from Blogging Tips says:
    2010/12/16 at 3:30 pm

    Great read! Steve Scott is a stud, so it was fun to read more about him.

    It’s funny… I’m a lazy person, too! I was first drawn to having an internet business so that I could rock climb all day :D

    (And thanks for telling me about adding KeywordLuv! I just added your site to the still-small-and-mostly-trafficless-but-will-hopefully-be-bigger-in-the-future KeywordLuv.com)
    Tristan@Blogging Tips wrote: The Life of a Full Time Blogger’s Girlfriend and Tips for Significant OthersMy Profile

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    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/16 at 3:42 pm

      What is it with all you ultra-focused, uber-motivated workaholics? You’re not fooling us you know when you try to tell us you’re lazy. We’re not buying it. :-)

      And thanks a million for the fame and glory of being on your KeywordLuv site, mate. I think that’s cool (regardless of how much traffic it does or doesn’t get).

      Twitter:

  11. Kimi says:
    2010/12/16 at 5:29 pm

    Oh i love and enjoyed the interview.

    I am kinda new visitor of Steve Scott’s blog but love the content so i visit regularly too.

    I could not believe he was in Swiss alp :-) I have never been there LOL; i hate cold weather, but cold weather in near ocean, that would be great.

    Frozen water always amazes me.

    Thanks Steve, for interviewing the other Steve :-D

    Ps. I use 22 inches monitor, somehow your layout is messed up, especially in comment template, is it only me? :(

    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/16 at 6:34 pm

      Hi Kimi!

      Ps. I use 22 inches monitor, somehow your layout is messed up, especially in comment template, is it only me?

      I have a 22 inch monitor as well, but don’t see any problems. If you could send me a screenshot I may be able to get to the bottom of it for you.

      I’m really glad that you enjoyed the interview, Kimi. And I owe you double thanks for commenting even though you are having problems with my site. You’re awesome!

      Kind regards,
      Steve

      Twitter:

      • Kimi says:
        2010/12/16 at 7:03 pm

        Steve,

        Thank you so much for your kindness. I took screenshot for your site in my screen → http://goo.gl/xMknc

        As in the pic, i can not see your sharebars, because it is hidden in the left.

        Would be grateful if you send me the screenshot, i wonder if it happens only to me..

        Clean your cache first :-P

        Thank you Steve.
        Kimi wrote: Wp security scan- scan wordpress files securityMy Profile

        • Steve Youngs says:
          2010/12/16 at 7:35 pm

          Oh OK, I know exactly what is happening here. Go to the top of any page here, and in the top right of the header area (the rectangle that has “Steve Youngs dot Com” in it) there is a small resize button, which you can click to change the size of the main content area. It has 3 settings (small, medium, and large) and defaults to the largest your browser window can display. Successive clicks on that resize button cycles through the 3 sizes. I use the smallest.

          Now that I think about it, I should probably hack the theme so it either doesn’t use the largest size, or defaults to the smallest.

          Let me know if you still have problems, Kimi.

          Kind regards,
          Steve

          Twitter:

        • Steve Youngs says:
          2010/12/16 at 8:38 pm

          It should be fixed now for new visitors and for visitors who delete their cookies. It’ll default to the smallest size now. You can still change to the middle or large size and it will be remembered (via cookie).

          Thanks very much for helping me with this, Kimi.

          Twitter:

          • Kimi says:
            2010/12/16 at 10:21 pm

            Steve,

            It is fixed! I did not know that there was a button to minimize the layout..

            Yay, now it looks great and very enjoyable!

            My pleasure, Steve,

            Cheers!

            Kimi.
            Kimi wrote: Justhost vs hostgator review — honest blog’s experienceMy Profile

            • Steve Youngs says:
              2010/12/17 at 9:20 am

              Ah, great to hear, Kimi!

              Here, have some more enjoyment… this theme is “user customisable”. Bottom left hand corner of the page there is a round orb thingy. It’s a menu, and in there you can access boring things like categories, tags, RSS, but there is also a further sub-menu where you can “Change Theme…”! Check it out, there are 5 other themes for you. Technically these aren’t themes in the truest sense, it just changes background and colour scheme.

              Whichever one you choose is automatically saved so you get the same look next time you visit.

              One of these days I really should write a thorough review of the theme I use here. :-)

              Kind regards,
              Steve

              Twitter:

  12. Praveen from Techperk says:
    2010/12/16 at 10:55 pm

    very good interview :) i wish him the very success in future
    Praveen@Techperk wrote: 12 Ways to Get More Comments on Your PostsMy Profile

    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/17 at 9:22 am

      Hi Praveen!

      Great to see another new face in my comments! Welcome, mate!

      Glad you enjoyed the interview, Praveen. Hope I see you back here again, soon.

      Kind regards,
      Steve

      Twitter:

  13. William Tha Great says:
    2010/12/17 at 3:01 pm

    Hey,

    Thanks for the awesome interview dude!

    This was quite interesting to read. You should continue to add interviews into your mix of post. I am new here but this was a good article to read so you better believe I’ll be back soon!

    Thanks again!

    God bless,
    William Veasley
    William Tha Great wrote: Ultimate Guide to Skyrocket ProductivityMy Profile

    • Steve Youngs says:
      2010/12/17 at 3:34 pm

      Hey William!

      Welcome to one of my little bits of this Internet thingy, mate. Great to have you here!

      I’m really happy that you enjoyed this interview, William, and yeah, I have more interviews planned for the future. Not sure when the next one will be though, but there will definitely be more. :-)

      Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment, mate. You’re very welcome to pop back any time!

      Kind regards,
      Steve

      Twitter:

  14. Matthew Needham from Business Growth Advice says:
    2011/01/08 at 1:15 am

    Great interview with Steve and it’s a good angle about focusing on the lifestyle/person rather than how he makes his online income

    Best wishes, Matthew

    Twitter:

  15. Maria Pavel from CNA Training says:
    2011/03/29 at 5:18 pm

    My dream is to be where Steve is now. That’s why people like him are my idols, because they get to live their dream.
    Maria Pavel@CNA Training wrote: CNA Training In GeorgiaMy Profile

    • Steve Youngs says:
      2011/03/30 at 10:21 am

      For a second there I thought you were talking about me… I went all giddy and light-headed there for a minute. LOL

      I agree with you, though, Maria. Steve is certainly living what would appear to be an enviable life.

      Twitter:

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