Neil Patel Accolades
Chances are if you listen to marketing podcasts, “Marketing School” with Neil Patel and Eric Siu is at the top of your list. It’s my number one favorite show. Beyond his role as a podcasting icon, Neil is co-founder of Crazy Egg, Hello Bar, and KISSmetrics and he also helps companies like Amazon, NBC, GM, HP, and Viacom grow their business.
The Wall Street Journal refers to Neil as a top influencer on the web and Forbes says he’s one of the top 10 online marketers. The accolades don’t stop there. Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 MOST BRILLIANT companies in the world.
Recognition and Awards
Neil was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Obama and one of the top 100 entrepreneurs under the age of 35 by the United Nations. He was also awarded Congressional Recognition from the United States House of Representatives.
And, yes, Neil Patel is a busy man with a family and full schedule that requires him to travel for business. I interviewed him bright and early one morning a few weeks ago via Zoom. He resides in California with his wife and daughter.
Welcome to Neil Patel, my first guest in the Everything, Everywhere, Travel Guest series.
The Perfect Getaway
As you know, our podcast is about travel. But first, how’s life in California today?
California is great. It’s sunny and it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. It’s a nice place to be.
Let’s talk about travel, Neil. In one of your marketing school episodes you and your co-host, Eric Siu, talked about your work schedules. I’m wondering if you allow time from your hectic schedule to get away and relax. Or is work always a part of your life?
Neil Patel: Work is always a part of my life and even when I’m relaxing, I still work because if I don’t work I’m not able to relax. I need to get a bare minimum of work done each day. I do set aside time to spend with my family and travel but not really much with vacations. A lot of times I’ll have to go to countries like Indonesia and random places like that or places in Europe like Germany, London, or Paris. A lot of times, depending on where I’m going, I’ll consider taking my family as well and we’ll try to do some family activities as well as doing my work-related stuff.
Your answer brings me to my next question. What is your idea of the perfect getaway or vacation?
Neil Patel: My idea of the perfect getaway is to stay at home, watch TV, and relax with the family. You’re probably wondering, WAIT! That’s not a getaway but I’ve been on the road so much, and I’ve been to so many different countries that sometimes being at home is really relaxing. There were times when I was on the road for literally 40-plus weeks out of the year.
I imagine you get tired of it (travel).
Neil Patel: Definitely, it’s exhausting. It takes a lot out of you. That’s why staying at home is quite nice.
I read you were born in London and your parents moved to Orange County, California when you were about two-years-old. Was traveling a part of your life as a child and young adult?
Neil Patel: When I was younger, we didn’t really travel much. My parents didn’t have a ton of money so travel really wasn’t a part of my life as a child or even when I was a teenager.
Overall, how would you say travel has affected your life?
Neil Patel: Travel has affected my life in a good way, which has opened me up to new cultures and experiences. I’ve learned a lot just from traveling about in the world and how different things work.
Where are some of your favorite places you’ve visited?
Neil Patel: I like New York City although that’s just in the United States. I like going back to India. I’m of Indian descent so that helps. I love going back to the U.K. France is amazing. If I had to pick one, I’d probably say Oslo or Italy. Those would be my top two choices.
This brings me to my main question. Is there a particular trip or adventure you’ve recently taken that has changed or altered your life?
Not recently but there was one in the past years going back four or five years ago. I went to Brazil and it really opened my eyes. I really was in awe. There are so many people all over the world and there’s so much opportunity. Going to Brazil didn’t make me think I could only do this in Brazil but it opened up my eyes to business. I don’t know why it was so much more on that trip. It could be because there are different people from parts of the world but it made me realize I need to start doing more overseas. I’ve been to all these countries, so why not start working with a lot of the companies there. There are so many talented people and so much to learn from being in different countries.
Was that trip for business or pleasure?
Neil Patel: It was business but I tried to make some fun out of it. Business and some sightseeing and some tours but it was literally almost all work.
What were some of the sites you visited while you were there and what would you say about that country overall?
Neil Patel: In Brazil, there are a few things I ended up seeing. First off, there’s this place called Ouro Preto. There’s also this city with a lot of artwork. It was an art scene but also a big farming town and they have a lot of museums. The farming town was pretty close to Belo. Those are the two main things I saw on my first trip.
Outside of work, what are some of your other interests? Outside of digital marketing?
Neil Patel: Hanging out with friends and family. I love watching basketball games. I love walking and talking with my wife. Catching up with her…And going to the library quite often with my daughter. It’s fun as well for me.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about your Brazil trip or any other one you’ve taken that have affected your life.
Neil Patel: If you’re going to travel, I’d say be open-minded and try to experience the country as the locals would. I think a lot of people are very close-minded and they’re stuck in their ways when traveling. You can understand the culture and the community if you’re open-minded.
What is your favorite culture you’ve visited? You mentioned Italy.
Neil Patel: For Italy, the culture is amazing but my favorite part about it was walking around.
What is one travel tip or advice you give my readers?
Neil Patel: If you’re going to travel, experience things as a local. If you do, you’ll have a better understanding of the culture versus doing the touristy type of stuff.
End of Interview
Heartfelt thanks to Neil for his time and interest in the Everything, Everywhere, Travel Guest series. Excerpts from his podcast will be available next week.
Visit Neil’s website to learn more about the digital marketing services he offers.
Did you enjoy the interview? Leave a comment here.
Learn how to interview with a course I’ve created that’s loaded with essential interviewing skills and tips.
Recommend someone for an upcoming travel story.
Are you looking for the perfect destination getaway? Click here for airline promotions and travel information from Qatar Airways.
Hot Electronic Product Recommendations
If this interview with Neil Patel makes you want to start your own blog and online store, look at SiteGround’s hosting plans. I couldn’t be happier with their service and plans.
