Tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests.
My name is Michael Brooks, and I am the CEO and founder of goLance (company), an award-winning online freelance marketplace with more than $82 million in payouts (and growing). I work from anywhere without a physical office and rely entirely upon global freelance talent. I have helped businesses succeed by developing superior electronic payment platforms and generating optimal growth through digital marketing. I have been a speaker at major global conferences on freelancing, remote work, digital currency, CRM automation, e-commerce, and other topics.
I am also an author. In my latest book, REMOTE iT!, I discuss a variety of other ways to motivate remote workers and additional topics to help entrepreneurs build a booming business in a virtual world.
Interesting! What was your latest Hackernoon Top story about?
In my latest Hacker Noon Top Story, I debunked one of the most popular business motivation myths. I am sure that our readers will appreciate a unique approach to one of many stories we usually take for granted. Right before this story, I finished a series of stories that I am very proud of: “The Freud Trilogy in the New Remote Work World.” The feedback surpassed my expectations. It seems that I am not the only one who asks questions who would notable historical figures react to our new remote world.
Do you usually write on similar topics? If not, what do you usually write about?
I write a lot about freelancing, remote work, entrepreneurship, and startups. I am a proud Hacker Noon Contributor and Noonies2020 Award Winner. I am also one of the top contributors and the most viewed writers in the most popular Quora Spaces about entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs, and startups. I recently reached a huge milestone when my content hit more than 3M all-time views on Quora.
Great! What is your usual writing routine like (if you have one?)
Robert Penn Warren once wrote that “you don't choose a story, it chooses you.” I couldn’t agree more. I would like to add that we aren’t talking about the topic, but more importantly about the time. I used to travel a lot, now I am jumping from one conference call to another. I am very busy and super focused around the clock that is ticking in different time zones all over the world. However, when a story finds me, I surrender and find time to write it. You have to grab that moment and don’t let it go because if you hesitate or delay it, your story will be lost forever.
Being a writer in tech can be a challenge. It’s not often our main role, but an addition to another one. What is the biggest challenge you have when it comes to writing?
Nowadays, it is really challenging to find time to write. More than once I felt like Doctor Strange, and I wish I could get the famous Time Stone for a couple of days.
What is the next thing you hope to achieve in your career?
The freelance industry, which I’ve been a part of for more than a decade, is both “beauty and the beast.” It’s rewarding and fulfilling to be able to communicate and work with people from all over the world. On the other side, you have to constantly innovate, improve, and adapt your platform and services. It’s not about staying in the “game” and ahead of your competitors, but accepting the responsibility for real people and their lives we’re influencing and improving. Somebody has to keep the freelance wheels turning, so we can make sure every remote worker stands a fair chance of success regardless of background, location, etc.
Wow, that’s admirable. Now, something more casual: What is your guilty pleasure of choice?
I like to keep getting back to the books that changed my thinking on my life path. For example,
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter, and especially “On the Wings of Eagles” by Ken Follet, which is an excellent book. It’s an amazing story about the power of leadership and it’s about one of my greatest heroes, Ross Perot.
Do you have a non-tech-related hobby? If yes, what is it?
It doesn’t “technically” qualify as a hobby, but I try to get outside of what I’m doing—take a break—and enjoy the human experience. This could involve taking a walk, listening to someone else and trying to understand what they’re going through, or helping someone.
What can the Hacker Noon community expect to read from you next?
I’m honored to be nominated as the contributor of the year in the business, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, and COVID-19 categories. Yes, I’m talking about the Noonies2021 Awards. I plan to justify my nominations in each of these categories with interesting and memorable stories.
Thanks for taking time to join our “Meet the writer” series. It was a pleasure. Do you have any closing words?
Keep a yellow notepad with you at all times. If you get an idea, jot it down. Never forget your lists. Take out your lists and go through them daily to make sure you accomplish what’s important. I keep a notepad next to my bed. You never know when an idea for a new business or a new Hacker Noon story is going to pay a surprise visit.