The latest episode finds us jet setting across the Atlantic and over the Alps to the land of the nonaligned in Switzerland to catch up with Joe from Eurorevenue.com.
Joe gives us the lowdown on the similarities and differences between the U.S. and European markets, Snoop Dogg in the summer, and why Eurorevenue.com is just like a 'family business.'
Tripp Daniels: Do you foresee any specific trends or changes in the Internet biz in the next year or two? Especially where your business model is concerned?
Joe: The adult Internet is by far the most innovative and vibrant industry where I've had the pleasure to work. It's hard to tell what we'll be facing over the next few months, let alone the coming year or two when you consider the pace that changes are taking place or being forced upon us. The new 2257 regulations are a good example. As far as EuroRevenue.Com is concerned, our outlook is more than positive. EuroRevenue.Com is growing at awesome rates every month, and our strong line of niche products and websites will almost guarantee a prosperous future.
Is there a technology solution you'd love to see materialize tomorrow?
Yes, many. But one thing that I believe we need more than SMS, MMS, VOD, DRM, or anything else is a global system to protect minors from accessing adult content. If we manage to keep children away from adult content, we'll be safe from any accusations and regulations that we have to deal with today. This must become our major goal and will be the only way for our industry to come to good terms with governments, other regulating bodies around the globe, and also the general public.
What's the best part about being based in Zurich, Switzerland?
I chose to live and work in Switzerland because it is a very open-minded and liberal country with straightforward laws that are easy to live by. Switzerland is a neutral country and hasn't seen a war since the times of Napoleon and is home to more international organizations like the Red Cross or the UNESCO than any other country.
This really creates a sense of democracy and security, which I enjoy very much in times of war and global terror. Switzerland has recently become a member of the "Schengen" countries, which means hassle-free traveling from and to the rest of Europe but is not actually a part of the EU, which means they are not bound by EU banking and tax laws. This is why Switzerland is considered a tax haven. They are also offering significant tax benefits to medium- and high-profile corporations who choose to move their business to Switzerland. Apart from all that, Zurich is a beautiful city with great food and always worth a visit.
How would you compare the adult Internet industry in the U.S. vs. the industry in Europe?
With very few exceptions, like EuroRevenue.Com and a few others, the adult Internet in Europe is still in its infancy stage. The adult Internet as we all know it was born in the U.S., and Europe's attempt to catch up has been very much handicapped by language barriers and a severe lack of a cross-border webmaster interaction. French webmasters know nothing about Spanish webmasters, and vice versa. Europe's adult Internet trade shows are a joke compared to Internext & Co.
Europe has a great potential, also, for U.S. webmasters. Europe is … a market, which is not nearly as saturated as in the states, and European laws make it a lot easier to run an adult business.
My guess is that within three years from now, the European market will be what the U.S. market used to be three years ago. With the EU expanding further east, the market will constantly grow.
Is there a CEO at a mainstream or adult company that you admire for his or her business insight or what he or she has achieved?
My all time favorite entrepreneur / CEO is Englishman Richard Branson who built the "Virgin" brand and group of companies. The Virgin Atlantic airline, Virgin Records, Virgin Trains, Virgin Brides and about 150 other Virgin brands and companies made a smart guy from the English countryside Britain's wealthiest business man. I have read his autobiography and I admire him for his entrepreneurial spirit and his achievements.
The best (career/business) advice you ever received was?
I didn't personally receive this advice; but Richard Branson, when asked for the secret of his unparalleled success once said: "Always compare yourself to people who've achieved more than you have. Then find out why and do it better."
Looking back to when you started in this business, is there anything you would have done differently?
No. I am a person of no regrets because I think there is nothing to gain from them. I've made my share of mistakes and I will probably continue to do so, but I have always tried to learn from my mistakes. So far, it has worked out for me. I honestly think that one learns a lot more from failure than from success.
Office fashion: Armani suit or flip-flops and shorts?
Flip-flops and shorts of course.
What CD are you listening to in the car these days?
Snoop Dogg's new album "Rhythm & Gangsta" cannot be beaten this summer. Other than that I've been a great fan of Queen since I was 10 years old.
Have any advice for future business leaders out there?
I will tell you the answer once I consider myself a business leader and high profile enough to give such advice. Until then, we'll all work hard and make tons of money in this great industry
Where do you see Euro Revenue three years from now?
Everything that EuroRevenue.Com represents today resulted from three years of hard work, countless nights with no sleep, a fair amount of luck, and teaming up with the right partners. I run EuroRevenue.com like a family business, and I consider my staff, my partners, and my affiliates to be a part of that family.
Together, we will continue to make EuroRevenue.com more attractive, improve the program and sites, add new features, and explore new revenue streams as they become available. I can't say where EuroRevenue.com will be in three years, but I can say what it will be: a strong name and reliable partner for webmasters and content producers alike, offering them unlimited income opportunities.
