Paul Nute is an Internet marketing entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in developing and growing internet marketing companies. He has employed over 100 people and has serviced over a thousand clients. He graduated from Pepperdine University in 1997 with a Major in Philosophy and a minor in creative writing. He worked as Director of Partnership Programs at Business Partners of the West in New York, NY where be built many business relationships and expanded his network.
It was there that Paul created two affiliate programs that started to average $900,000 a month which funded his next venture. He eventually went on to start his own company OpenFloodgate LLC in New York, NY. His new company took off in the first six months after signing Monster.com as a client. He eventually sold this company and has helped start and grow several other internet companies. Paul Nute is usually back and forth between New York and Florida where he enjoys the sunshine and ocean.
1. What led you to start your own business?
As a kid I always wanted to own my own business. At the time, I was not sure what type of business I would eventually end up owning by I always felt that starting my own business and helping others was my calling. I funded my tuition at Pepperdine University through entrepreneurial ventures. I learned a lot during this time and after graduating college I started working in the internet marketing space. I worked on networking and growing relationships with clients that have now grown into large companies in the online space.
2. What is your best Marketing strategy?
Networking and relationship building has always been the most effective and profitable marketing strategy for me. There is no better form of marketing than word of mouth and referrals. I have always prided myself in building relationships with my clients and producing quality results, which has in turn resulted in long lasting business relationships and new business.
3. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love fishing and traveling. I have a place in Florida where I can fish in the Keys anytime I want. I am blessed to have a wife, Heidi, that also loves fishing and she has encouraged me to participate in fishing competitions. I love being out on the water with her as it’s relaxing and provides time away from the computer and allows us to connect with nature.
4. What piece of advice would you give an entrepreneur just starting?
Never give up and follow your heart and passion. Starting a business is not an easy there will be plenty of ups and downs but if your heart is in the right place and it is something that you are passionate about it will make it that much easier to succeed. Also have a business plan in place, not everything will always go as planned but don’t let failure be a deterrent – stay consistent and don’t be afraid to take risks.
5. What tips do you have to stay productive and focused?
I never was a morning person as a kid, but now I feel that I am more productive during the day if I wake up early in the morning. I usually like to go for a walk in the morning, which helps clear my head and gives me some alone time to prioritize things that I need to get done. At night I create a list of things that I need to get done the next day. It is important to remember that certain things will pop up during the day that might throw off your to do list, don’t let this discourage you or stress you out. Take one item at a time and you will make your way through it.