Syed Balkhi, Founder of Awesome Motive, is incredibly humble even though he has been recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by the United Nations. In this interview, we get to learn from his decades of experience building and acquiring tech companies.

Syed is on a mission to level the playing field for small businesses. 20+ million websites use his software to grow and compete with the big guys. 100+ million people read his blog posts every year to grow their website traffic, sales, and conversions! As an entrepreneur turned investor, Syed has created and acquired dozens of software companies that have made the WordPress platform more accessible to millions of users.

Your customers are talking-are you listening?

Syed is passionate about making technology easier, more accessible, and more fun. In order to fulfill his mission and make creative products, he devotes time to reading and considering Facebook posts from users who have struggles and concerns. When he notices a trend in user concerns, he works with his teams to create solutions, ultimately releasing products and updates that his audience loves. 

Want to make great things? Go talk to your friends!

Despite decades in the software industry, Syed approaches his work with curiosity and open-mindedness. Before he launches something, he often asks his friends whether they see any blind spots or areas for improvement. By relying on feedback and support from the people closest to him, Syed knows that he will release programs and plugins that meet the needs of his consumers.

How can you be more consistent?

One of Syed’s favorite ingredients for growth: Consistency! Despite his accomplishments, Syed insists that it is consistent hard work and small daily actions that have actually created the biggest impact on his journey. 

By consistently showing up to meet the needs of his user base, Syed Balkhi has set an inspiring example for us as entrepreneurs to follow. 

Quotes

“Every single investment and acquisition has been user-driven.”

“The WordPress community is awesome. We’re all committed to empowering businesses to succeed.”

“I read a LOT about the struggles that users are having with WordPress. I am actively reading about the struggles people are having there. You cannot build a product to solve a problem that you do not understand.”

“When you know who you are and who you are not, it makes it very easy to say no to things that don’t align with your values…and yes to things that do!”

“Being proactive and market-leading…that is the secret sauce. And consistency!”

“We talk to our customers more than most companies would, in terms of gathering feedback. Then we build better solutions!”

“Persistence is a great substitute for talent. I am average at just about everything, but I work harder. And I’m okay with delayed gratification. If you’re persistent for a long time, people might eventually say that you’re doing great things!”

Links mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Resources

Syed Balkhi is active daily on Twitter with inspiring ideas and quotes. 

Follow Syed’s personal Instagram for daily inspiration and encouragement.

Learn more about Syed and his portfolio on his website. 

Check out his company, Awesome Motive, on their website. PLUS: Awesome Motive is Hiring! Apply for a 100% remote position on their hiring page. 

Check out The Balkhi Foundation and the work they’re doing to fund education on their website!

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