Why “HUSTLE” is Still the Most Important Word, EVER.
Three years ago today I decided I wanted to work at VaynerMedia.
As a 20 year-old college student who should have been in class, I can vividly remember stumbling upon and watching my first GV video. I sat through 15 minutes of some lunatic ranting about passion, social media, and hustle; before the video was over I started Googling this guy the same way I did Frank Lucas or George Jung after seeing American Gangster or Blow for the first time.
I can remember serendipitously being in line at a FedEx Kinko’s a few days later and seeing his book “Crush It” on the shelf. I read that book cover to cover and dove into “Thank You Economy” shortly after. Those books would be the only books I read in 4.5 years of college.
With a spark, thus began my journey to work at VaynerMedia…
Two years of college remained, I had a blank resume, and a goal in mind, so I went to work. I began to apply myself, joining PR and Advertising clubs for exposure, becoming a campus tour guide to improve my public speaking, getting an internship at a small ad agency for experience. For someone who was kicked out of all campus residential buildings on their first day of college, this was a massive shift in behavior.
In my last semester of college I went abroad to Spain in what would be the most formative time in my life. Once I returned it took me a few weeks to shake the European hangover but when I did, I was ready to step back up to the plate. I searched the VaynerMedia website for a job, ANY job, I could fulfill. Because all of the summer interns had started before I got back from Spain, there was only one internship position available, “The Photo Intern”.
Shoutout to @Steve_Campbell ;)
With a digital portfolio I pieced together of abroad pictures, a fresh suit and tie, and a few wise words from Dad, I went into NYC on what had to be the hottest day of the summer. Dripping in sweat, I was ready to convince whoever sat across the table from me that I wanted this more than anyone and I’d be willing to do anything to get it.
Lucky for me, it worked.
After 6 months working as an intern and learning enough about photography (Shoutout to the Wolff)to become a vital part of a growing studio, I was hired and began my career at a place I vowed to work at 2 years prior.
I wrote this because it’s good to reflect on all of the little things that happen in between the peaks and valleys. Getting what you want or to where you want is never a straight road and doesn’t happen overnight. While I may have tweeted or said aloud a 1,000 other things that never came to complete fruition I truly believe if you wake up everyday 100% convinced in yourself and ready to hustle every minute you’re awake, you’ll get there…eventually.
