BEN ARMENT

JOSH: What inspired you to start STORY back in 2009, and what is the goal of this two day conference?

BEN: I launched STORY in 1989 and couldn’t do anything with it for 10 years. My hope was to create an event that fueled the creative class – filmmakers, writers, artists, designers, photographers. I wanted to inspire them, equip them and empower them to bring their audacious projects to life, but I just didn’t have the experiences or connections to make it work. Finally, in 2009, after some incredible life experiences, I launched STORY at the gorgeous Paramount Theater in Chicago for 1,400 people. We’re hosting our fourth gathering in September 2012.

JOSH: What’s the biggest career mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?

BEN: I went an entire year being afraid of getting fired instead of taking the kind of risks that would get me promoted. I said yes to every project, withheld my own ideas for fear of criticism, and went along with bad ideas. I learned that there is no more security at a “stable job” than pursuing your own dream. Sure, you could fail at your own dreams. But you could also get fired, downsized or “strategically repositioned” at your “stable job.”

JOSH: What practical advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in a dead-end-job and wants to live their dreams and make a living doing such?

BEN: I would tell them to never say no to their own dreams. When you pursue a dream, everyone has a job. Your job is to act courageously, think outrageously and dream audaciously. It’s not your job to say no to your own ideas. There are plenty of other people who will offer to do that.

JOSH: What’s the concept of 1,000 true fans?

BEN: Kevin Kelley, the co-founder of Wired magazine, created a principle called “1,000 True Fans.” He says that anyone producing works of art needs to acquire only 1,000 true fans to make a living. This goes for artists as well as it does for entrepreneurs, advocates and authors. In other words, you can cultivate your own community to support your dream, whether it’s self-publishing novels, designing clothes or making music.