Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Stuart Draper, and I’m the founder and CEO of Stukent, Inc. Stukent develops internet marketing courseware through real-world simulations, digital textbooks, video mentoring sessions and more. Here’s my full LinkedIn bio:
Stuart Draper is the co-author of Digital Marketing Essentials, the bestselling text in higher education of its kind. He has experience doing internet marketing for companies that range from mom and pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. He successfully bootstrapped GetFoundFirst.com (acquired December 2015) and is now working on Stukent.com, a digital courseware company that provides the world’s #1 digital marketing simulation, the world’s first social media marketing simulation, and a variety of other texts, videos, and projects. In 2018, Stukent became the #268 fastest growing company in the US and was featured in Inc. Magazine on the Inc. 500 list.
Stuart’s work has taken him all over the globe. He has been to Romania, Mexico, China, Puerto Rico, Germany, and India to speak to audiences ranging from ten to north of 1,500 people about entrepreneurship and digital marketing that will be used by over 100,000 students this year.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
Inbox Zero. I use my email like a to-do list. I try to only open an email once and either respond or archive. I have also set up my email so that I can choose to send and auto-archive. It is an awesome optional feature in Gmail.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
My typical day is a morning routine of checking phone, then meditation and reading, usually in the bathroom. Some of my best inspiration comes when I am in the bathroom. Then a workout. I listen to audio books while I workout. I get to the office at 8ish. Usually, no meetings till 9 so that is when I prep for meetings and catch up on email and Slack.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Hiring administrative assistants that help me keep my priorities and calendar in line.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
I am not a very focused person in general. In meetings when I am having a hard time focusing I stand up behind my chair. When I have tons of ideas and I’m juggling a lot, I try to get everything out of my brain and on to paper, usually by having my assistant make notes as I download all of the ideas.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
I use Google Assistant ALL the time. I say “Okay Google” and set reminders in my phone. A bonus tip is the Bluetooth in my truck. I make calls and return calls while I drive.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
I’m religious, so for me, the book that has had the greatest impact on me is The Book of Mormon. It has helped me in every aspect of my life, both personal and professional.
But, I’m guessing you want a business book.
Zero to One by Peter Thiel because it helps you see the bigger picture of what is possible.
Second would be Shoe Dog. It is the story of Phil Knight, the founder of Nike. Stories of entrepreneurs inspire, and we can learn a lot from them.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Picture where you want to be in 5 and 10 years. Ask yourself how your first job(s) out of school will pave the way to be where you want to be in 5 and 10 years.
Ignore the “do what you love” and “follow your passion” advice. It isn’t inherently wrong, but the fact is, you have to do a lot of things you don’t like and usually have to start your career doing things you don’t love before you get to do what you actually love.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“To be a great Champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”
– Muhammad Ali
