GigSesh Expert Profile: Vincent Dignan
Most people in the tech industry have heard of growth hacking, but what exactly does it mean? Are we hacking the internet to grow our brand? Are we growing awareness using unconventional marketing techniques? Sort of, but there’s more to it explains GigSesh Expert Vincent Dignan. From literally hacking the #SXSW hashtag to raising entire funding rounds for startups, Dignan has created a name for himself in the growth hacking and marketing industries. We wanted to learn more from Dignan about what growth hacking really means and how he has built a successful personal brand.
GS: Who coined the term “growth hacking”? And how do you define it?
VD: The phrase “growth hacker” was coined by Sean Ellis in 2010. I define it as “Getting a lot of shit done with very few resources.” It’s the reason Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram etc. can grow massive without traditional marketing spend. It excites me because anyone can create something now; the entire world is online all the time so things can spread fast and change lives.
GS: As someone who has successfully built a personal brand, what are 3 tips you would give to anyone working to do the same?
VD: Start public speaking: Best way to get early customers, 10x better than networking. When you public speak, the room HAS to listen to you. Make your personal Facebook your professional Facebook: People share things on FB they wouldn’t anywhere else (their kids, their dogs, etc). Everyone from the top CEO to the youngest intern is on Facebook all day, it’s a great way of getting in front of people. Your FB friends can be your “1000 true fans”, the people who will buy whatever you’re selling before anyone else. Dress well: This is so underrated. Most people in business follow a formula and are just another face. It’s the easiest way to stand out and court attention, which makes everything else so much easier.
GS: Tell us about some work that is inspiring you at the moment.
VD: I love James Altucher’s writing. He has pioneered vulnerability and brutal honesty in internet marketing, business, finance and writing. I’m also loving “The score takes care of itself” right now, an incredible book about leadership, from the American Football coach who turned the worst team in the league into Super Bowl Champions in just 24 months.
GS: When you were first starting your career as a growth hacker, what was some of the best advice you received from career mentors?
VD: I started my career in growth hacking running an online magazine (Planet Ivy). I only knew one person in publishing, Meesh Bryant. She told me “Focus 100% on getting traffic. If you do that, everyone will want to work with you.” So we did that, and got to 300,000 visits a month within six months. This made it a no-brainer for investors to give us our seed round, as we had displayed we had something people liked.
An accomplished growth hacker, Dignan is a charismatic public speaker and controversial writer. For more information about his growth hacking and marketing techniques, check out his book HERE. Want a more intimate conversation with Dignan to get career advice and insider tips? Sign up for GigSesh to schedule a call today!
