Introducing Nate Bagley, SEM Wizard and Startup Princess Site Manager

As you’ve probably noticed it’s not everyday that we feature a guy on Startup Princess, let alone a Wizard.  In fact, this is our first interview ever with a guy and probably one of the few we’ll ever do. Why the exception? Well, the answer is Nate Bagley.  He’s our new site manager and he’s awesome. Really. He’s smart and charming. I’m grateful he’s managing our site in his spare time (he’s a senior in college at UVU) because he’s brought a whole new level of organization to things and expanded my view of how to keep things running here more smoothly. Hurray for genius. Hurray for Nate’s uber social networking skills too or else I’d never have met him in the first place. Thanks Twitter. This tweet from May still makes me laugh; I saved it in my favorites: “One time I hugged a puppy. It licked my face. It felt almost as good as being followed by @startupprincess #FollowFriday her for warmfuzzies”.

Speaking of Twitter…Nate is quite the celebrity on Twitter locally and beyond. He just won a Utah Social Media Award for Best Use of Twitter, the only individual to win the honor (the other two were Mozy and SL Tribune). It was great to see him accept his award, he zigzagged through the audience and high-fived Fairy Godmother Rachael Herrscher of Today’s Mama who also won an award that night.  

If you don’t already know Nate, follow him on Twitter and you’ll also fall in love with him and if you’re single- you’re going to want to marry him…seriously. Look at his Bucket List- kissing in the rain? how romantic is that? And the other thing is that Nate is extremely lucky. His roommate Seth Jenks said he has a Leprechaun in his pocket and I’d have to agree. Here’s how he got to Blogworld and how he won hotel stay at the Hilton…and it doesn’t end there, he’s constantly winning stuff.  So single ladies, I have a little plan: you think Nate is the man of your dreams and want to meet him in real life, just leave a comment here and say you want to meet him and if I feel that you’re worthy of my newly adopted brother then I’ll even pay for the date. If there’s a lot of you then we’ll rent out an entire theater for you all to see New Moon.

Enjoy getting to know Nate Bagley!

Professional Background: I’ve been working in the internet marketing industry for over 3 years. I have been incredibly fortunate to become proficient in the search marketing trifecta consisting of paid search (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO) and social media.

I worked for OrangeSoda for nearly two years. During this time I was put in charge of the creation of their PPC training manual, worked on the SEO team and was the Social Media Coordinator. So yeah… I know stuff.

Currently am an SEM consultant attempting to put myself through my last semester and a half of college, and to buy enough Mac and Cheese and Top Ramen to avoid withering away.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: My dad. Still do. If I can be half the man he is, I’ll be satisfied.

Blog? My personal blog is The Big Bags. That’s where I got my start. I have a marketing blog called AtomFly, but I don’t update it very often because I’m busy with homework and the ladies… yeah… that’s right. The ladies.

What inspires you? Fear of being lonely and poor inspires me. But mostly lonely. I can handle poor. But really, I just have a passion for being creative and original. I love taking an idea from my head and seeing it take form. There’s nothing more exciting to me… except for maybe kissing a girl on the lips.

How long have you been in business? Since my mother birthed me in 1984. I exited the womb with a mouse in hand (my mom had a weird pregnancy cravings).

Current Business Challenge? It’s been said that I put the “nate” in “procrastinate.” Yeah… corny joke, I know. But it’s true. I think the biggest challenge I face, though, is paying myself what I’m worth. I am too much of a ‘Yes Man.’

What are you doing about it? Trying to prioritize my work schedule so that I’m more profitable… and I’m telling people no. Seriously. I might not even finish the rest of this interview. Who am I kidding, yes I will.

Favorite motivational quote: In one way or another, I live by this mantra: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Seuss

What do you do to relax? I love to read and write. When I’m stressed I read really nerdy books like Twilight, and write dramatic blog posts that confuse all two of my readers.

What do you want to change most about your world? I want balance. I don’t want to be that guy who gets consumed by any single thing. I want to have a healthy balance.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud of my parents. It sounds kind of backwards to say that, but they are amazing examples of loyalty, hard work and selflessness. When you realize that your parents are just normal human beings, accomplishments like being in love for over 25 years and raising a litter of kids with values, goals and drive becomes quite an inspiration.

If I’m supposed to be proud of one of my own accomplishments, it would be the fact that I am finally becoming the best at something. I’ve been a Jack of All Trades, Master of None for my whole life. Internet marketing is one thing I’m determine to be really great at.

What advice would you like to offer Startup Princesses? Treat everyone like they’re important. You never know who has the knowledge or influence to help you in your future.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Twitter. Hands down. Play to your strengths. Social media worked wonders for a social guy.

-Thanks, Nate! Great interview. Way to woo the ladies. Who’ll be first in line?

*I’m taking a few liberties, as being the blog manager grants me administrative access to any and all content on this website.  Some ladies (or possibly men disguised as ladies) in the comments have asked about my ambitions and what the future holds in store for me.

To put it briefly, I plan to graduate in April of 2010 and pursue a career in internet marketing. I’ve had some great job offers, and depending on how I feel come graduation day, I may stay in UT, or move… wherever I feel I should go.

Since this is more of a career oriented website, I’ll leave it at that. If you want me to answer personal questions, feel free to hit up my blog or Twitter (both linked above). I’m pretty much an open book…

-Nate