# College Student's Viral Encounter with Elon Musk: A Business Insight
Written on
Chapter 1: The David vs. Goliath Scenario
In an unexpected twist, a college student has outmaneuvered one of the world’s most influential billionaires. Jack Sweeney, a student at the University of Central Florida, has created a Twitter account named ElonJet, which tracks Elon Musk’s private jet movements in real-time. This innovative bot cross-references FAA flight plans with data on Musk’s aircraft, enabling Sweeney to share Elon’s whereabouts with the public.
As anticipated, this initiative gained traction among those curious about Musk's locations. However, the billionaire was less than pleased to have his privacy compromised.
Data as a Valuable Commodity
In 2006, data scientist Clive Humby famously stated that “data is the new oil.” By 2017, The Economist echoed this sentiment, recognizing data's significance as a valuable resource. Companies like Facebook and Google have amassed vast amounts of consumer data, demonstrating the power of information, which can empower individuals like Sweeney to capitalize on it.
Understanding the Risks
Musk's concern stemmed from the potential security threats posed by his newfound visibility. Sweeney essentially developed a “Find My Elon” system, broadcasting Musk's movements to the world. As a prominent Twitter user, Musk had previously leveraged the platform for business promotion, particularly for Tesla, which famously spends minimal on advertising.
In stark contrast, traditional automakers like Hyundai and Ford spend significantly more on marketing for each vehicle sold. Musk's social media influence is evident, but now the power dynamic had shifted.
Chapter 2: The Negotiation Game
Faced with this predicament, Musk sought to shut down Sweeney’s account. He reached out privately, requesting the removal of the account due to security concerns. While Musk's approach aimed to appeal to Sweeney's sense of responsibility, it lacked a personal touch.
Sweeney, despite idolizing Musk, responded coolly after a seven-hour delay, humorously suggesting a Model 3 as compensation. This cheeky reply shifted the focus back to Musk, implying that a counteroffer was expected.
Musk, while trying to negotiate, offered $5,000, a sum that seemed trivial compared to his immense wealth. This approach failed to resonate with Sweeney, who instead proposed $50,000 and an internship.
In his response, Musk could have capitalized on a prime PR opportunity by supporting Sweeney’s education and offering a position at Tesla or SpaceX. The media coverage would have been overwhelmingly positive, enhancing Musk's image while also recognizing Sweeney's talents. Instead, Musk chose to block Sweeney and disregard the offer.
The Fallout
This decision backfired, as Sweeney shared their exchange publicly, attracting significant media attention and increasing the followers of the ElonJet account by nearly 300,000.
While Musk sought to silence the account, Sweeney’s ingenuity led to a job offer from Stratos Jet Charters, showcasing how social media can be a powerful tool for career advancement.
The Power of Social Media
The story of Ryan Graves, who secured a position at Uber after tweeting the founder, demonstrates the potential of social media in shaping career paths. Graves's early involvement with Uber contributed to his eventual billionaire status.
Elon Musk's Misstep
Despite Musk's business acumen, he faltered in this instance by failing to capitalize on a mutually beneficial opportunity. Instead of negotiating effectively, he allowed a college student to gain the upper hand.
In a twist of fate, Sweeney now possesses a compelling narrative for his resume, while Musk continues to contend with the implications of Sweeney’s account.
Sweeney 1, Musk 0
Sweeney has taken further steps by creating accounts to track other influential figures, demonstrating his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit.
In a savvy move, he launched Ground Control, a website to monetize his service, effectively safeguarding against potential complaints that could jeopardize his Twitter presence. This strategic decision showcases how Sweeney has turned a unique opportunity into a budding business venture, marking a noteworthy beginning to his entrepreneurial journey.
As a final note, if you enjoyed this story and want more updates, consider joining my free mailing list for the latest insights. If you haven’t signed up for Medium yet, you can support writers like myself by joining the platform.
This video offers an eye-opening perspective on the education system and how it shapes young minds, featuring insights that resonate with Sweeney's journey.