Gary Vaynerchuk, or GaryVee, is a name that stands for hard work, new ideas, and being the best at everything online. Before he became a well-known figure in digital marketing and social media, Gary was deeply involved in the world of wine. He turned his family’s small liquor store into a huge online store. So, what made GaryVee give up the wine business and jump into digital media?

Let’s look at the reasons, mindset, and key events that led to one of the most talked-about career changes in recent business history.

From the Wine Library to the World Stage

Gary Vaynerchuk’s first business was his family’s wine shop in New Jersey. He started Wine Library TV, a daily video blog, in 2006 because he was good at business and loved talking to customers. His charming, straightforward wine reviews quickly gained a large following and helped Wine Library’s sales go from $3 million to $60 million.

But Gary wanted more than just to work in the wine business. He saw something that a lot of people didn’t: the huge, untapped potential of social media and digital media. Some people weren’t sure, but Gary was sure that attention was the real currency of the digital age.

Why GaryVee Left

1. Going after the next big chance
   Gary knew that things were changing in the world. YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter were changing the way people talked to each other, shopped, and watched videos. He thought that the same storytelling skills that helped him sell wine could be used to build brands, not just his own.
2. The Appeal of Size and Effect
   The wine business was profitable, but it was also niche and limited by location and stock. Digital media, on the other hand, could reach anyone, anywhere. Gary saw a chance to change the way people talk about business in the digital age, help entrepreneurs, and have an impact on millions of people.
3. Creating the Media Company of the Future
   Gary and his brother AJ started VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, in 2009. He wanted to start a new type of media company that was based on social-first thinking, scaling content, and really knowing how to get people’s attention.
4. New challenges and personal growth
   GaryVee loves change, challenges, and being uncomfortable. Not only was leaving the wine business a smart move, it was also a personal growth. He often talks about how important it is to be aware of yourself in order to know when it’s time to move on and find new interests.

Lessons for Business Owners

GaryVee’s move from wine to digital media teaches us a lot:

• Adapt or Get Left Behind: The world changes quickly. It is very important to be able to spot trends early and be willing to change your plans.
• Use Your Skills in New Areas: Gary moved his ability to tell stories and build brands from wine to digital media. If you have the vision, you can move your skills from one job to another.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go: Just because you’re successful in one area doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Sometimes the most important changes come from taking risks.

The Legacy of GaryVee’s Leap

GaryVee is now a global leader in ideas, an investor, and a digital pioneer. His rise from working in the aisles of Wine Library to running VaynerMedia is more than just a business story; it’s also about seeing opportunities, accepting change, and making a big difference.

If you’re an entrepreneur thinking about what to do next, remember GaryVee’s story: sometimes, the only way to achieve outstanding success is to leave behind what you know.