DISQUS

John / Emyst · 11 months ago

Wow you nailed it again....

Susan · 11 months ago

Gary, Excellent gv.com!!! You are an 'A list' Celebrity in my book!!!!! Starting my own blog soon, so will need your input...thanks again!!!!! :)

bryanphillips · 11 months ago

You hit it out of the park again.

Jospeh Ratliff · 11 months ago

Gary V,

Great topic...but I might have called yourself a "Triple 'V' List" celebrity...LOL.

Thanks for the insights Gary.

Jason Farris · 11 months ago

bah.. way better than a triple z celeb

In fact I would say you are the #1 triple W celeb (www. that is) *I know but cheese is always solid w/wine right? :-)

Thanks for the Friday Motivation Gary!

Bradley Robb · 11 months ago

Like the internet play on Warhol's phrase, "in the future, everyone will be famous to fifteen people."

Dale Adams · 11 months ago

There is so much opportunity out there. You just have to be creative and do most of it yourself these days. Once you do that I think you have a better idea of what it takes to get your project/business going. Of course then you can decide on whether or not you need funding. It's all about the leg work and hustle these days and whether your serious or not. That's what separates the lifestylers from the Hustlers.

Frank Katalenas · 11 months ago

Gary
I totally agree with your statement. You sayed far fewer know you then we think should known you. I was at the Mashable meetup in Manhatten last night 1/14/09. I asked five people about you, only one knew your name. Comming from Mashable pepole that shocked me. Your a local around the NYC area.

John T. Mims, APR · 11 months ago

Perhaps we are looking at the long tail of fame. Nice vid!

hungriestghost · 11 months ago

I think it was Warhol who said, "in the future everyone will have 15 minutes of fame."

Justin · 11 months ago

Dude you're up there on my list of celebs.

Especially since you are out there hustling and working to help your fans. I don't see Heidi and Spencer doing that, ugh I can't believe I just mentioned them. You bring more to the table than a crap load of "celebs" out there.

You get the picture, don't stop ever!

Justin
(The Hockey Card Show)

Mark · 11 months ago

Great updated spin on being a "big fish in a small pond". Dominating area by being able to laser focus on your target market is what the net now allows people to do. Great post as usual.
Been talking about comments you made comparing results of your billboard ad to the tweet offering free shipping. Execellent example of the great ROI marketers can achieve in the online/community based world.

Woody Crenshaw · 11 months ago

Gary,

You don't even know what Zzzzz's are. You're always full of fire and energy.

No, you aren't a ZZZ List Celeb if you've been on Ellen and Conan. Everyone wants to be Gary Vaynerchuk ;-) Heck, you get to drink wine any time of day as your job.

Once again, nice quick and to the point post. That's what I like about you. I will be starting a daily health show on Monday, inspired by your ASW keynote speech. Holla!

I'll let you know soon enough.

Toronto Condo Dude · 11 months ago

It's all about the Long Tail baby!!

Target the long tail celebrities and get them on board. Success will follow.

Andrea · 11 months ago

First time I ever heard of you...liked what you had to say and am not following you on twitter. Psyched to hear what else you've got to say, but am wondering if you may need me to come over and help you organize your office - WHEW, that's a lot of stuff :-)

Andrea · 11 months ago

Oh geeesh - what i meant to say is that I am nOW following you on twitter...I have Friday fingers, sorry.

Dan Fontaine · 11 months ago

Keep 'em coming GV. I think that there are layers of "celebrity". Are you hounded by the paparazzi? No, but EVERYONE in this community knows you and people like you. So in that sense, everyone has a chance in their particular circle to be on the A list.

Tara 'missrogue' Hunt · 11 months ago

Brilliant as ever, Gary. Being a ZZZ list celebrity, myself, I appreciate the ability to influence while staying grounded enough to be accessible. You keep rockin!

Food Woolf · 11 months ago

Thank you for the insight, the pep talk and the inspiration to become a food blogging Z-lister. You're my internet hero!

Derrick Schommer · 11 months ago

Honestly, if many of us can find a way to be popular enough to demand advertising and make some bank on it yet not be popular enough to be in the spotlight, hounded by reporters and have to cover our faces at the grocery store, then we're doing better than them.

Considering so many high profile celebrities go into 'rehab' for simply trying to deal with life in a world where average standards are not good enough and messing up one meager life moment gets you on front page news of Star and all the other bogus rags... why would anyone want to be A-list?

If quad-z list means you've got 90k+ viewers, a little niche to call your own and the ability to make enough money to support your (growing) family then I'm all for it. Where do I sign? ;-)

Antonio Diaz · 11 months ago

Well, I wouldnt say you're a ZZZ list celebrity. Maybe in the outside world, but in the online world, it is a whole different playing field. You got your Brad Pitts and your Jessica Albas in the outside, but here on the internet, its starting to blow up with people like you, Gary, or people like Kevin Rose. A better label would be online celebrity for your type of breed :)

Rick B · 11 months ago

A ZZZ-list celebrity, but not a very good speller.

Just bustin 'em, Gary. Love the humility.

catherine. · 11 months ago

you're not a celeb, you just have a lot of friends! keep it up gv



<3

howardkang · 11 months ago

Celebrities don't value human relationship as much as you do. You're an A-list Class Act, my friend.

Dario Salvelli · 11 months ago

I see u at Le Web live..u have great energy! ;)

frankiecarl · 11 months ago

Agree. Celebs are bs and get seduced by the attention and in the end become boring. Stay triple Z baby!

Mike · 11 months ago

It's all about the Z......... list! But come on your on at least the Vee list, ok that's my funny for the day.

You know since I found your site I've enjoyed every post you've done. even if you are a jets fan, go Pats! :D, I check my RSS feed like a crack head. Got my fix for the weekend!

John - Spa, Salon Marketing Gu · 11 months ago

Great vid Gary... so true. Too many niche apportunities to count.

Cheers,
John

Nalin Mittal · 11 months ago

Can I coin the term "Long-tail Celebrity"?? Because to someone in some niche we can all be celebrities.

JT Chandler · 11 months ago

I wonder what niche I should be look'n at pardner.

Clint Miller · 11 months ago

Gary....Ive said it before and I will say it again...

ZZZ list or not...youre a effin genius!

Jeff Jackson · 11 months ago

Dude you are selling yourself short. you are at least a ZZ Celebrity. I mean you have been on real tv and everything.

katrinah · 11 months ago

Haha! Triple Z Celebrities: love that! Thanks again for another positive and inspiring video, Gary. It's true: there are many opportunities, even in this down economy. Time to think creatively! : )

Deborah Smith · 11 months ago

I'm just so freakin' happy that you say "nich" not "neeeesh" Blah.

bob wan kim · 11 months ago

GV, perfect clarification of history. Ford becomes suv, sedan, sports cars, trucks. Nike becomes tennis, hiking, running, cycling... Facebook will become a million tiny "NICHE" facebooks. Twitter is already doing it with twitterfit. M i Rite? - @journik

Donalyn · 11 months ago

You are so right - tons of niche opps out there if you know how to go after them. And you do G - I've learned a lot from you and found success with some of your ideas. thanks!

Fubiz · 11 months ago

So true.

Olli · 11 months ago

Great content... again.. I totally agree with you.. all the new ways to communicate directly with people (twitter, video etc.) is creating a whole new breed of minor-celebrities. What I think is the most exciting thing in this evolution of communication, is that these minor-celebrities are not anymore bound to be local or even national.. they have an ability to communicate with people all around the earth. I myself live in Finland. Would I've been able to follow a wine guy from New Jersey this direct five or ten years ago? Probably not.

Tranq Jones · 11 months ago

there's a lot of advantages to being a z-list celebrity... the biggest being, your life isn't 'consumed by celebrity' and you can maintain a true connection with your audience (the people who matter!)

It's all about staying connected to people in a way that allows you to still have genuine interaction. It would be hard for Madonna or Tom Cruise to do that. Z-celebrity means you can create a true community, instead of a perch for people to gawk.

Congrats by the way, Gary... I think you will be an A-list Dad!!

Freddie Taylor · 11 months ago

Damn Gary,

You are the man and apparently I like triple Z list Celebs because you are my favorite. Keep the goodness coming, my man!

Sam With Traffic Is King · 11 months ago

Well maybe the triple Z list will replace the A listers. Good post bro! You mention opportunity in a bad econmony. You will see the Warren Buffets of the world emerge and gobble distress assets or think of new innovative ways of doing business. Let's see what happens in the weeks to come.

Marvin Towler · 11 months ago

Gary, we met back in 1999 when I was working at Sparrow Wines in Hoboken. Our Skurnick Rep. Anthony put together a wine-tasting one Sunday... Anyway, having worked at Acker Merrall & with Sparrow... I gotta tell ya, you have kicked the living Sh*t out of those guys!!! I am no longer in the wine biz, however I follow your social media acumen. Keep it comin'!!!

Marvin

Andy Brown · 11 months ago

C'mon Gary give it a year and you will be in HELLO!

Keep them coming ...

Cheers

Andy

Keith Nowak · 11 months ago

I think the concept of stretched eyeballs and an ultrafragmented audience cannot be understated. There are a number of new and exciting channels and platforms, such as ZZZ list celebrities, that can be used for engaging with users/consumers and by not taking advantage of all of them brands will be missing significant portions of their target audience. One channel that I believe has a tremendous amount of untapped potential in this area is IM given the ton of users and the total lack of clutter. At imercive (www.imercive.com) we build apps that allow brands to establish a presence on IM which can be used for whatever purposes best fit their needs. There are a number of opportunities that exist today for moving beyond stale brand monologues and creating true connections with users/consumers and I definitely think the more the merrier approach should be liberally applied when choosing which platforms to use.

oscarfalcon · 11 months ago

Awesome thoughts here, and I like the moniker "triple Zee", maybe someone should start a blog or website tracking these ZZZ for companies in order to point to those niche markets. Great inspirational Vid.

Sonny Gill · 11 months ago

Great points man.

You should have a video just for that last line. That definitely hit home.

Xavierism · 11 months ago

I always feel recharged and ready to take on the world every time I listen to you speak. Another valued lesson...

Enjoy the weekend!

*CHEERS*

Kevin DaSilva · 11 months ago

Gary,

Bro you might a "Triple ZZZ" in a "general/worldwide" point of view...

...but to us you are definitely "A List"

Which is really all we need to be is A List to our own crowds...

Congrats on your "MiniVee"!

Kevin

Nathan Hangen · 11 months ago

Quit being so good, you are making the rest of us look like the suck!

Sue · 11 months ago

Not to be a wiseass, but if you really don't want to be called an internet celebrity, then you may want to change the text under "Gary Who?" on this website where it says "Gary Vaynerchuk has captured national attention as a businessman and Internet celebrity".

Just a thought...

Lee · 11 months ago

Celebrity or not--you are authentic which makes you far more valuable in my book!

Chase Conway · 11 months ago

Some how you always hit it on the head. The new A-lister will be the people who reach out to their customers/fans/community, and don't stop hustling.

suikagirl1 · 11 months ago

Keeping it real, honest and transparent is how you're motivating other so beautifully... keep rockin' the inspiration, my friend!

(and, I must say... I had to giggle when I noticed your "Gary Who" bio lists you as someone who's 'captured national attention as.... an internet celebrity.' Perhaps it should say 'internet 'V-list' celebrity...')

<3

DuongSheahan · 11 months ago

Gary,

I love your philosophy, (Wine Libray's Secret: as heard on Big Idea Interview: "Love the people") That's what it's about---invest in people and your product will succeed. It's about character, authenticity, genuineness...and that's what I've been seeing as I've watched videos, interviews and learning from you. To thine own self be true and the rest is history.

howlr5 · 11 months ago

Gary,

I am glad that 90% of people do not know GV. When you get too wildly popular you might not be able to stay in control of your brand as everyone will want a piece of your action. Stay real Gary and in my opinion you are a superstar.

Chetz Yusof · 11 months ago

Gary,

Great video man! Everytime I'm confused abt what I'm gonna do or write on my blog, I just watch your videos to remind me that I just need to be myself. There's reason why God made us the way we are.

Thanks Gary.

Chetz Yusof
http://www.chetztv.com

Aaron · 11 months ago

Like Hugh Macleod said...become a micro brand!!

Kevin McIntosh · 11 months ago

Excellent point, Gary. Reinforces Seth Godin's Tribes concept.

David Dadekian · 11 months ago

In my personal list (and I'm sure many more personal lists out there) you are higher on the list than many a B-list celebrity, and especially some A-listers like Paris or Britney. Who makes the lists?

Kelly Olexa · 11 months ago

GV!

Yet another great VLOG and as usual, very well said. I'm not big into labels, but what I do know is that you are known, loved, admired, followed and respected (IMHO) because you are GENUINE. It is easy to see that you haven't invented some gimmick hoping to make bank quickly. You are a passionate individual, who, as you've become more well-known, has remained caring, passionate, giving and most importantly, humble in your personality. I've always said that being grateful and humble is a KEY to true success. I focus on staying that way regardless of success or failure.

I certainly count it as a blessing to have found you and have your continued impact on my life. You rock. You inspire. And yes, I too would like to help you organize your office LOL.

;-)

Kelly O

Laura · 11 months ago

Isn't it great? Dan Kern from acne.org is another one on the Z list who has used the web/video to inspire change.

Laura Roeder · 11 months ago

This is such perfect timing with the post I just published on problogger about you!

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2009/01/19/h...

I have ALWAYS told people you are triple Z list, haha! Seriously it's really funny how nervous people are about approaching folks like and and Chris Brogan. We are all just people. :)

Rick · 11 months ago

I want to be on the Z list!

What do you use to make your videos? Built in laptop camera? Flip Mino?

twitter.com/Rick_Smith

Michelle · 11 months ago

You've got it totally right Gary. If you want to really crack it in your niche then you need to be heading for the Z lists, not the A lists.

Not many of us feel comfortable approaching A lists celebrities for a chat. Being a Z list celebrity makes you approachable, and I think in these times that's the way it needs to roll. Transparency and approachability rules.

Daniel Richard · 11 months ago

You are a triple-Z list celebrity? Nooooo!

Redmeat · 11 months ago

But you call yourself a Celebrity...it is right there to the right of your latest videos....under the headline GARY WHO?

Eric Johnson · 11 months ago

even I know who you are.

zach even - esh · 11 months ago

u da man GV

in the world of the internet, niche celebrities rule, and this is where it counts

kill it beast!

--z--

Steve Fisher · 11 months ago

Gary, I live in Moscow, Russia and really enjoy your pod cast videos. They are incredibly real, informative, enjoyable and all the better because it's evident you really enjoy what you do! Best of luck to you, please keep it up. You make my snowy days really bright (and every Sat.night we're having some good wines)

Milos · 11 months ago

No need for even being placed on a particular list. You are good at what you do, people recognize it and seek you out.

Also, you do know how to spread yourself across different opportunities from online to a huge billboard facing NJ Turnpike North traffic (saw it yesterday). ;)

Kneale Mann · 11 months ago

Triple Z celebs will have a better chance to last a lot longer within their space. As usual, you nailed it!

rikin · 11 months ago

@Milos saw the billboard between exit 12 and 13 too. I'm sure if most people got a whiff of the smell in that part of the parkway it wouldn't satisfy their palette.

You're a celebrity in this field though and even I've name dropped you on my blog a couple of times as someone to folow.

Bloggers School · 11 months ago

Gary You are the common guys hero meeting you at Blogworld Hearing your keynote sent chills down my spine. Who knows Hollywood may need you to A list some day. I have a feeling you would say no.

Digital Hollywood knowledge for fame.

Elizabeth George · 11 months ago

Like your approach - compelling and relevant. I'll enjoy following your tweets.

Rebecca Rachmany · 11 months ago

Agreed that a lot of people will be z-list celebs, but most won't be able to monetize it. In fact, many won't really care that they can't monetize it. People have a natural desire to be popular which is even stronger than their desire to be rich.

Regarding the monetizing and advertising opportunities, both on the web and on television, marketers have a long way to go in providing useful metrics. Saying that iJustine is a good place to advertise candy is making an assumption based on content. We have yet to see convincing metrics that break down psychographic and demographic behaviors into useful figures for targeted content and advertising.

Sheri Smith · 11 months ago

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http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/13118/108
(there might be a little delay before the interview starts, we asked their techs to please “fix” that.)

What we are doing CANNOT be successful – UNLESS people find out about it…
Please help us spread the word! Pass this around (bcc of course).
The odds of winning this home are greater than ANY state lottery!

There is a bounty for those who put the contest link (www.WinHawaiianHome.com) on their MySpace or facebook page –
you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE weekend at the castle! (just email us the link!)

Bob Chaplin · 11 months ago

Gary - I look forward to meeting you for an interview at The Boston Wine Expo this coming weekend (for The New England Wine Gazette)
regards Bob

Neil Matthews · 11 months ago

The net is sooo big and connecting so many people, there is abundance for everyone.

You don't need to be massive everywhere, jsut big enough in your niche to matter.

Stacy · 11 months ago

Just wanted to let you know I mentioned you in my first blog - posted today here: http://ycwjournal.wordpress.com/ Comments welcome. You are an inspiration!

Jason · 10 months ago

Gary--

Ya can't call yourself a ZZZ celebrity until the text on this page is changed:

"Gary Vaynerchuk has captured national attention as a businessman and Internet celebrity."

;)

Kristen · 10 months ago

great insight GV. and huzzah for niche markets!

Fong AKA ConnectionZ · 10 months ago

Just in case you all didn't know Gary V's biggest dream...

http://www.promotemydream.com/_Gary-Vs-Dream/vi...

The sooner you can help Gary achieve his dream, sooner you'll be triple "Z" list - and don't forget to mention "ConnectionZ" to Gary when approaching him about how you can help =)

ConnectionZ, hosted on www.promotemydream.com, is the world's first & only video blog, platform and social network promoting dreams and aspirations to the world.
What is the biggest dream of YOUR life?

Feel free to email fongyen.lin [at]promotemydream.com if you have any ideas

P.S. Amazing "random thought"

Stephan Noack · 10 months ago

It's funny that you say you aren't a celebrity - but your blog states that you "captured national attention as a businessman and Internet celebrity. Gary’s fame can be attributed to his pioneering, multi-faceted approach to personal branding and business building."

You're a celebrity in our eyes Gary. Thanks for the good vid.

Jake-Matthews · 6 months ago

way to go Gary. you are so right about niches. rule your niche and you don't need to worry about celeb. same time, have fun at what you are doing. if you can't have fun, you might as well pack it in, no matter how much celeb you have.

have a great weekend and thanks for the saturday morning inspiration! passing it along

nickck · 6 months ago

i think the Z list will start to disappear when advertisers start to come on side more, then more eyes will start to get focused and the numbers will grow.

michael · 6 months ago

please dump the 30 second commercial before your video

Aileen Bordman · 5 months ago

Z list go figure - Aileen Bordman