00:00

And when you see a big company, like one eight hundred Flowers or Heineken, so a company that has millions of customers, when they say one or two lines like that,

And when you see a big company, like one eight hundred Flowers or Heineken, so a company that has millions of customers, when they say one or two lines like that,

00:08

That gets me really interesting.

That gets me really interesting.

00:18

Alright. We're live. Sean is not here. So I'm gonna do a

Alright. We're live. Sean is not here. So I'm gonna do a

00:23

question and answer session. I tweeted out that I'm gonna be doing this. And we have a bunch of questions. Jonathan's gonna be reading, the first ones. What are they? Which where do you wanna start?

question and answer session. I tweeted out that I'm gonna be doing this. And we have a bunch of questions. Jonathan's gonna be reading, the first ones. What are they? Which where do you wanna start?

00:35

Alright. This one is from jimbo slice at j gilly three.

Alright. This one is from jimbo slice at j gilly three.

00:39

He goes, would love to learn how to develop ideas for businesses to start in how to test said ideas.

He goes, would love to learn how to develop ideas for businesses to start in how to test said ideas.

00:46

So, basically, because

So, basically, because

00:48

of this podcast, I have to research cool companies,

of this podcast, I have to research cool companies,

00:52

but

but

00:53

What a lot of people don't know is I've been doing research on companies before I worked on this podcast before I started this podcast and is how I created the hustle. We ended up selling the hustle for tens of billions of dollars, and this is how I created Hampton, which is gonna be a huge company. I think And I've done a bunch of other little projects based off this research model.

What a lot of people don't know is I've been doing research on companies before I worked on this podcast before I started this podcast and is how I created the hustle. We ended up selling the hustle for tens of billions of dollars, and this is how I created Hampton, which is gonna be a huge company. I think And I've done a bunch of other little projects based off this research model.

01:12

I'll do a quick plug. Basically, if you go to ideation boot camp dot co,

I'll do a quick plug. Basically, if you go to ideation boot camp dot co,

01:16

everyone kept asking me about this process. So I, like, made it into a course. You can go and buy it. If you want, I'll just kinda give you a little preview now. I've got this way of researching where I look for

everyone kept asking me about this process. So I, like, made it into a course. You can go and buy it. If you want, I'll just kinda give you a little preview now. I've got this way of researching where I look for

01:29

five or six different things. And it's almost like the way that I compare it to a song. So there's a song called,

five or six different things. And it's almost like the way that I compare it to a song. So there's a song called,

01:36

you know, like a guns n roses song, like, welcome to Paradise. Is that what it's called? Sweet child of mind. That's what I'm thinking. Sweet child of mind. Swach album Mine has this amazing guitar solo,

you know, like a guns n roses song, like, welcome to Paradise. Is that what it's called? Sweet child of mind. That's what I'm thinking. Sweet child of mind. Swach album Mine has this amazing guitar solo,

01:46

in that song. And the

in that song. And the

01:48

the band said that someone asked them how they write songs. They're like, well, sometimes, like, which sweet child of mine, I heard this, amazing guitar riff that slash was tinkering with. And I wrote lyrics around it, and then we created the bridge and the hook and whatever. Other times, I've got this really cool one liner, this lyric. We're gonna turn it into the song. I do the same thing with business. And so those little hooks that I look for are the first thing is demand.

the band said that someone asked them how they write songs. They're like, well, sometimes, like, which sweet child of mine, I heard this, amazing guitar riff that slash was tinkering with. And I wrote lyrics around it, and then we created the bridge and the hook and whatever. Other times, I've got this really cool one liner, this lyric. We're gonna turn it into the song. I do the same thing with business. And so those little hooks that I look for are the first thing is demand.

02:12

So I'm constantly seeking out what problems people have.

So I'm constantly seeking out what problems people have.

02:16

The second thing is I'm constantly looking at, how many people share that particular problem. And I'm gonna give examples of all this. The third thing I look at is who are the leaders in that space? So what's succeeding and why? The fourth thing I look at is of the leaders in the people in the space, what shortcoming do they have?

The second thing is I'm constantly looking at, how many people share that particular problem. And I'm gonna give examples of all this. The third thing I look at is who are the leaders in that space? So what's succeeding and why? The fourth thing I look at is of the leaders in the people in the space, what shortcoming do they have?

02:35

Next, I look at which business models are most effective.

Next, I look at which business models are most effective.

02:39

And then finally, I look at what problems aren't being solved. And I'm gonna give you an example of this. And so I have all these tools that I use. And so, like,

And then finally, I look at what problems aren't being solved. And I'm gonna give you an example of this. And so I have all these tools that I use. And so, like,

02:49

here's, here's an example.

here's, here's an example.

02:51

So there's there's this company called one eight hundred Flowers, and,

So there's there's this company called one eight hundred Flowers, and,

02:56

it's a phone service where you call and you order flowers. And I was just like, probably buying

it's a phone service where you call and you order flowers. And I was just like, probably buying

03:02

Valentine Day flowers on their website one time.

Valentine Day flowers on their website one time.

03:05

And I noticed that their traffic, I used this tool similar web. I use that all the time. It's a plugin. It's free. They have a paid version. The free version's totally fine. They have this plugin where it tells you a guesstimate of what the traffic is from a website. And one eight hundred flowers as predicted, it had, like, pretty great traffic. Like, it was, like, five million people a month coming into the website. And then in February, it, like, peaked to be really, really big.

And I noticed that their traffic, I used this tool similar web. I use that all the time. It's a plugin. It's free. They have a paid version. The free version's totally fine. They have this plugin where it tells you a guesstimate of what the traffic is from a website. And one eight hundred flowers as predicted, it had, like, pretty great traffic. Like, it was, like, five million people a month coming into the website. And then in February, it, like, peaked to be really, really big.

03:30

That's easy to guess because it was Valentine's Day. But, basically,

That's easy to guess because it was Valentine's Day. But, basically,

03:34

It was that told me that, wow, a lot of people are using one eight hundred flowers on a regular basis, and it peaks in February. And it also,

It was that told me that, wow, a lot of people are using one eight hundred flowers on a regular basis, and it peaks in February. And it also,

03:42

had a big jump in,

had a big jump in,

03:45

whenever mother's day is, May or June.

whenever mother's day is, May or June.

03:47

And so I was like, alright. That's interesting.

And so I was like, alright. That's interesting.

03:49

I kind of knew that, but let me read a little bit more about this. And so I use another tool called annual reports dot com, and I love reading annual reports because it teaches me about the company. So an annual report, if a company is public,

I kind of knew that, but let me read a little bit more about this. And so I use another tool called annual reports dot com, and I love reading annual reports because it teaches me about the company. So an annual report, if a company is public,

04:03

They have to release this quarterly report where they talk about

They have to release this quarterly report where they talk about

04:07

their earnings and all these interesting things about the company.

their earnings and all these interesting things about the company.

04:10

And a lot of time, they appear boring, but I'm reading them to find insight. And I found this one insight that said,

And a lot of time, they appear boring, but I'm reading them to find insight. And I found this one insight that said,

04:18

We are noticing that the the succulent plant is a very particular plant. We are noticing that

We are noticing that the the succulent plant is a very particular plant. We are noticing that

04:25

Among our millennial consumers, it's the fastest growing trend.

Among our millennial consumers, it's the fastest growing trend.

04:29

I also did this with Heineken, the company Heineken, they in their annual report, they said,

I also did this with Heineken, the company Heineken, they in their annual report, they said,

04:35

Heineken zero, so which is like a non alcohol version.

Heineken zero, so which is like a non alcohol version.

04:40

They are, it's our fastest growing segment. It's still really small, but it's fast growing. And when you see a big company like one eight hundred Flowers or Heineken, so a company that has millions of customers, when they say one or two lines like that.

They are, it's our fastest growing segment. It's still really small, but it's fast growing. And when you see a big company like one eight hundred Flowers or Heineken, so a company that has millions of customers, when they say one or two lines like that.

04:54

That gets me really interested. When they say something's fast growing, I'm like, oh, I'm intrigued. And so I'll read these reports just for looking for one or two lines. Let's say that. Or I'll use I'll go to, like, every website I go to if it's, like, really weird looking,

That gets me really interested. When they say something's fast growing, I'm like, oh, I'm intrigued. And so I'll read these reports just for looking for one or two lines. Let's say that. Or I'll use I'll go to, like, every website I go to if it's, like, really weird looking,

05:07

and it grabs my attention. I go to a similar web, but look at what their traffic is because I'm looking for these one little tidbits that catch my attention. And in this case, for the one eight hundred flowers, it they said succulents were were growing. And so I'll look at

and it grabs my attention. I go to a similar web, but look at what their traffic is because I'm looking for these one little tidbits that catch my attention. And in this case, for the one eight hundred flowers, it they said succulents were were growing. And so I'll look at

05:21

you know, what they say. And and and then I try to find shortcomings. So with one eight hundred flowers, they said that

you know, what they say. And and and then I try to find shortcomings. So with one eight hundred flowers, they said that

05:27

their shortcomings are

their shortcomings are

05:29

they,

they,

05:30

that most of their revenue comes from holidays. And so they're trying to get revenue and business between the holidays to make their business more steady. They also said that I believe this was a few years ago. They said that most of their profit

that most of their revenue comes from holidays. And so they're trying to get revenue and business between the holidays to make their business more steady. They also said that I believe this was a few years ago. They said that most of their profit

05:43

comes from not the flowers, but from vases. So that has the biggest margins.

comes from not the flowers, but from vases. So that has the biggest margins.

05:48

And they also said,

And they also said,

05:50

that they're trying to think of ways to get people to buy more accessories like vases, chocolates, and things like that. And then, that kinda, like, gave me this idea of, like, okay, one eight hundred Flowers is a big business because the revenue is huge and it gets tons of traffic. I know that. So that's, like, proving me that there's demand and a big audience.

that they're trying to think of ways to get people to buy more accessories like vases, chocolates, and things like that. And then, that kinda, like, gave me this idea of, like, okay, one eight hundred Flowers is a big business because the revenue is huge and it gets tons of traffic. I know that. So that's, like, proving me that there's demand and a big audience.

06:07

I know that they're succeeding at least to some point because they're a publicly traded company and they're very profitable I know their shortcomings or the problems that they're trying to solve for are that they,

I know that they're succeeding at least to some point because they're a publicly traded company and they're very profitable I know their shortcomings or the problems that they're trying to solve for are that they,

06:16

can't get people to buy stuff on a regular basis and they want people to buy more vases. So what other problems are consumers not being,

can't get people to buy stuff on a regular basis and they want people to buy more vases. So what other problems are consumers not being,

06:24

not

not

06:25

do consumers have that aren't being solved and where is one eight hundred flowers failing? Well, in my head, I was like, well, if you could figure out a way to get people to buy regularly with different vases, how can I do that? And so I wrote this report

do consumers have that aren't being solved and where is one eight hundred flowers failing? Well, in my head, I was like, well, if you could figure out a way to get people to buy regularly with different vases, how can I do that? And so I wrote this report

06:37

For trends, trends dot co, and then someone eventually launched a company where they created the succulent plant that you like smack on the wall, And it it's, like, has this, like, hydroponic system, chronic system where it, like, like, watered itself. And then there is another company that launched, and they and they created the coolest. It was a succulent plant, and some of them launched these companies based off our that report I wrote. Another company created this,

For trends, trends dot co, and then someone eventually launched a company where they created the succulent plant that you like smack on the wall, And it it's, like, has this, like, hydroponic system, chronic system where it, like, like, watered itself. And then there is another company that launched, and they and they created the coolest. It was a succulent plant, and some of them launched these companies based off our that report I wrote. Another company created this,

07:01

business where they had these, like, amazing pots and vases. Why or they had, like, artists on there. So, like, free to call it was on one, or they would create, like, really funny

business where they had these, like, amazing pots and vases. Why or they had, like, artists on there. So, like, free to call it was on one, or they would create, like, really funny

07:10

pots and plants. Like, some of the pots were, like, state themed. So, like, an organ plant, like, had, like, an organ flag on the vase, like, things like that. And that was their way of solving it. And a bunch of these companies, a few of them went on to raise millions and millions of dollars. I think there's Bloomscape, and I forget the other one. But

pots and plants. Like, some of the pots were, like, state themed. So, like, an organ plant, like, had, like, an organ flag on the vase, like, things like that. And that was their way of solving it. And a bunch of these companies, a few of them went on to raise millions and millions of dollars. I think there's Bloomscape, and I forget the other one. But

07:31

It basically came from this, like, research methodology of finding demand, finding the audience, looking at the leaders, the shortcomings, and it's this, like, cycle that I use. And I try to find, like, one hook or one line for each of those things that get me it. So I use similar web a ton to do that. So I look at where someone's getting a lot of traffic or how much traffic's getting. There's just another amazing thing called company's house It's a so, basically, if you're based in the UK and you're a company that does at least ten million in revenue, you have to file your,

It basically came from this, like, research methodology of finding demand, finding the audience, looking at the leaders, the shortcomings, and it's this, like, cycle that I use. And I try to find, like, one hook or one line for each of those things that get me it. So I use similar web a ton to do that. So I look at where someone's getting a lot of traffic or how much traffic's getting. There's just another amazing thing called company's house It's a so, basically, if you're based in the UK and you're a company that does at least ten million in revenue, you have to file your,

08:02

your

your

08:04

financials. And so if I find a cool company that uses the word Ltd, I guess that means, like, limited company.

financials. And so if I find a cool company that uses the word Ltd, I guess that means, like, limited company.

08:10

If I find a company that does something like that has that on their site. I immediately go to company's house. So, for example, I found this amazing website that basically basically was reviewing

If I find a company that does something like that has that on their site. I immediately go to company's house. So, for example, I found this amazing website that basically basically was reviewing

08:21

VPN. You know what a VPN is? It's like a a thing that hides, like, where you are when you're using the web. And they have, like, twelve million

VPN. You know what a VPN is? It's like a a thing that hides, like, where you are when you're using the web. And they have, like, twelve million

08:28

visitors to their site. And I was like, oh, that's interesting. And the company was called, like, something company name Ltd. So I go, alright. I'm gonna go straight to company's house and see what the revenue is. Their revenue was like eighteen million, and their profit was like sixteen million. And so that told me that, a, there's demand for people who want to,

visitors to their site. And I was like, oh, that's interesting. And the company was called, like, something company name Ltd. So I go, alright. I'm gonna go straight to company's house and see what the revenue is. Their revenue was like eighteen million, and their profit was like sixteen million. And so that told me that, a, there's demand for people who want to,

08:48

get reviews for VPN that shocks me. I didn't realize that market was that big. B, it shows me that that business model of affiliate, so they made money through affiliate. So they would write a review on a,

get reviews for VPN that shocks me. I didn't realize that market was that big. B, it shows me that that business model of affiliate, so they made money through affiliate. So they would write a review on a,

08:59

They would write a review on a VPN. If someone bought it, they got a little cut back. That business model super fascinating. So in my head, I'm like, oh, wow. What other tech products are

They would write a review on a VPN. If someone bought it, they got a little cut back. That business model super fascinating. So in my head, I'm like, oh, wow. What other tech products are

09:09

have this big, affiliate fees, and can I create content for them? That business model was really fascinating.

have this big, affiliate fees, and can I create content for them? That business model was really fascinating.

09:14

And, c, I learned that they were the leader in the space. And so, like, that just, like, opened up my mind to, like, a different business model and a different niche. And I didn't do anything with that, but I thought to myself, man, I wonder if I could do this for payroll software. I wonder how many people are having payroll software problems. I bet you I can get a big affiliate fee with that. I bet you I could rank on search for that. And then I never end up doing it because I wasn't passionate about it. But, anyway, I go through all these different examples and of, like, these different tools that I used to research on Adi Asia Boot Camp. It's ideation boot camp dot co, But that's, like, a very

And, c, I learned that they were the leader in the space. And so, like, that just, like, opened up my mind to, like, a different business model and a different niche. And I didn't do anything with that, but I thought to myself, man, I wonder if I could do this for payroll software. I wonder how many people are having payroll software problems. I bet you I can get a big affiliate fee with that. I bet you I could rank on search for that. And then I never end up doing it because I wasn't passionate about it. But, anyway, I go through all these different examples and of, like, these different tools that I used to research on Adi Asia Boot Camp. It's ideation boot camp dot co, But that's, like, a very

09:46

scattered

scattered

09:47

example of how I do that. Alright. This one is from Mike Teravella.

example of how I do that. Alright. This one is from Mike Teravella.

09:51

He asks

He asks

09:53

About the evolution of your health journey while being an entrepreneur, he goes. I've been lifting to get back in shape and just curious of lessons or future roadblocks to watch out for. So this is around fitness and health. So let me give you guys some background. So I was an exceptional high athlete. I was one of the best in the state of Missouri where I'm from at the two hundred meter and four hundred meter dash, and then I went to a division one school where I was a scholarship athlete for two years, and then I quit and I got into business.

About the evolution of your health journey while being an entrepreneur, he goes. I've been lifting to get back in shape and just curious of lessons or future roadblocks to watch out for. So this is around fitness and health. So let me give you guys some background. So I was an exceptional high athlete. I was one of the best in the state of Missouri where I'm from at the two hundred meter and four hundred meter dash, and then I went to a division one school where I was a scholarship athlete for two years, and then I quit and I got into business.

10:23

And between the ages of twenty to about twenty eight, I was fat. I was pretty lumpy, and I was pretty disgusting. Now is a good time to put the my before picture

And between the ages of twenty to about twenty eight, I was fat. I was pretty lumpy, and I was pretty disgusting. Now is a good time to put the my before picture

10:34

So if you're on,

So if you're on,

10:36

listen to this on audio, you can go ahead and see you can go to our YouTube and see those pictures, but I got pretty fat. And I got disgusting. And then about three or four years ago, I said, this is it. I'm gonna get my act together, and I'm gonna become a fitness model. That's what I said. It was a joke. I'm not actually that, but it was a joke, and I did it. I got pretty fit. And so I basically created this rule at General Matthews. He's this, general in America. He's got this great line that says, figure out your flat ass rules and stick to them. And the reason being, and I stole this from Ryan Holiday, who's inspiration to me. He said the person who decides every day,

listen to this on audio, you can go ahead and see you can go to our YouTube and see those pictures, but I got pretty fat. And I got disgusting. And then about three or four years ago, I said, this is it. I'm gonna get my act together, and I'm gonna become a fitness model. That's what I said. It was a joke. I'm not actually that, but it was a joke, and I did it. I got pretty fit. And so I basically created this rule at General Matthews. He's this, general in America. He's got this great line that says, figure out your flat ass rules and stick to them. And the reason being, and I stole this from Ryan Holiday, who's inspiration to me. He said the person who decides every day,

11:11

what choices they have to make for each decision, that person will be exhausted and burnt out. And so about when I was twenty nine, twenty eight years old, I made the decision that I will never, ever, ever miss a workout.

what choices they have to make for each decision, that person will be exhausted and burnt out. And so about when I was twenty nine, twenty eight years old, I made the decision that I will never, ever, ever miss a workout.

11:23

And so at first, I basically created programming for myself, which means I created own schedule, my own lifts, and, like, how much I should lift. I did that on my own for a little while. And then I hired a trainer. His name is Jesse O'Brien at central athlete. Go to central athlete dot com, you could see him. I'm not affiliated. I'm just a fan. And he created all my training for me, and I meet with him monthly. And I do the workouts remotely But, basically, I don't miss a single workout. And I have, I work out five days a week,

And so at first, I basically created programming for myself, which means I created own schedule, my own lifts, and, like, how much I should lift. I did that on my own for a little while. And then I hired a trainer. His name is Jesse O'Brien at central athlete. Go to central athlete dot com, you could see him. I'm not affiliated. I'm just a fan. And he created all my training for me, and I meet with him monthly. And I do the workouts remotely But, basically, I don't miss a single workout. And I have, I work out five days a week,

11:50

and I so that's five days times fifty two. I think that's two hundred sixty workouts.

and I so that's five days times fifty two. I think that's two hundred sixty workouts.

11:55

In the last two years, three years, I've probably have missed five to ten a year. And that's usually only because of sickness or, like, if someone dies and I have to take a flight to a funeral,

In the last two years, three years, I've probably have missed five to ten a year. And that's usually only because of sickness or, like, if someone dies and I have to take a flight to a funeral,

12:06

but basically

but basically

12:07

ninety five percent of the time I don't miss. And so I believe big, big, big, and big time into

ninety five percent of the time I don't miss. And so I believe big, big, big, and big time into

12:14

consistency. So I don't miss the second thing that I do and by the way, that, like, that I'm fairly extreme about it. So for example,

consistency. So I don't miss the second thing that I do and by the way, that, like, that I'm fairly extreme about it. So for example,

12:23

I drive a ton. So, like, when I go and I take tons of road trips, when I take a road trip and I can't get my workout in the morning before I leave, I pull over on the side of the road and I tell Jesse, today's a travel day. I'm gonna be driving, and I bring, bands with me, and I pull over on truck stop. I got lots of pictures and videos of me sitting with my wife saying,

I drive a ton. So, like, when I go and I take tons of road trips, when I take a road trip and I can't get my workout in the morning before I leave, I pull over on the side of the road and I tell Jesse, today's a travel day. I'm gonna be driving, and I bring, bands with me, and I pull over on truck stop. I got lots of pictures and videos of me sitting with my wife saying,

12:39

I'm at this particular truck stop. I'm doing push ups, burpees, sprints, things like that. I will pull over on the side of the road for an hour and do it. I do not miss workouts.

I'm at this particular truck stop. I'm doing push ups, burpees, sprints, things like that. I will pull over on the side of the road for an hour and do it. I do not miss workouts.

12:47

The second thing that I do is I set very specific goals. So each quarter I have a new goal.

The second thing that I do is I set very specific goals. So each quarter I have a new goal.

12:52

So those goals have included, like, I wanted to bench press three hundred and thirty pounds, and I wanted to squat four hundred and thirty pounds. And I I'll take a quarter, sometimes two quarters to get there. The next time I've had a goal of doing a combine, and I wanted to score average for an NFL receiver,

So those goals have included, like, I wanted to bench press three hundred and thirty pounds, and I wanted to squat four hundred and thirty pounds. And I I'll take a quarter, sometimes two quarters to get there. The next time I've had a goal of doing a combine, and I wanted to score average for an NFL receiver,

13:08

which I think was like a four, five, forty, a thirty four inch vertical, a ten four broad jump, and then bench pressing two hundred and twenty five pounds times

which I think was like a four, five, forty, a thirty four inch vertical, a ten four broad jump, and then bench pressing two hundred and twenty five pounds times

13:18

sixteen times, I think. Whatever it was, I pick goals every quarter and I stick to them because I I need to have a goal. I don't always hit my goal. Sometimes I most of the time I do, but I but I I always have a goal that I'm trying to do.

sixteen times, I think. Whatever it was, I pick goals every quarter and I stick to them because I I need to have a goal. I don't always hit my goal. Sometimes I most of the time I do, but I but I I always have a goal that I'm trying to do.

13:29

For me right now and I imagine for the rest of my life, it's gonna all be centered around weight lifting. Because, a, I wanna live to, like, I'm a hundred and thirty, and there seems to be a strong correlation between living long and,

For me right now and I imagine for the rest of my life, it's gonna all be centered around weight lifting. Because, a, I wanna live to, like, I'm a hundred and thirty, and there seems to be a strong correlation between living long and,

13:41

having muscle, like, because it I can just not break my hip when I fall because my bones will be stronger and I can get up when I get her.

having muscle, like, because it I can just not break my hip when I fall because my bones will be stronger and I can get up when I get her.

13:49

And also be because I wanna look good naked. I'm vain. That's why I do it. So I lift a ton of weights, and I have a coach that tells me what to do. And I basically don't question them. I also use my body tutor no affiliation with them other than I've become friends with them, and that helps me with my dieting. So I spend roughly three hundred dollars a month on training, and I think two hundred fifty dollars a month on my body tutor. It's basically a nutritionist.

And also be because I wanna look good naked. I'm vain. That's why I do it. So I lift a ton of weights, and I have a coach that tells me what to do. And I basically don't question them. I also use my body tutor no affiliation with them other than I've become friends with them, and that helps me with my dieting. So I spend roughly three hundred dollars a month on training, and I think two hundred fifty dollars a month on my body tutor. It's basically a nutritionist.

14:12

They call me once a week, and they keep me on track.

They call me once a week, and they keep me on track.

14:15

And then finally, I write down everything I eat, and I write down every workout So I use an app where I track all of my workouts,

And then finally, I write down everything I eat, and I write down every workout So I use an app where I track all of my workouts,

14:23

because I wanna know what I did the previous week so I can improve, and then I track everything I eat because it's really easy for me to overeat. And so

because I wanna know what I did the previous week so I can improve, and then I track everything I eat because it's really easy for me to overeat. And so

14:31

tracking it helps me.

tracking it helps me.

14:33

This person asked,

This person asked,

14:37

what future roadblocks will be. Everyone I don't have a kid yet. I but we are pregnant. Everyone says that that will be a roadblock. I've been in a very fortunate situation where I've been able to hire some help, like a nightmare, some things like that. I have a feeling that it won't be a roadblock, but I it will be more challenging, but it's not gonna prevent me. Did I answer that question? Yeah. For sure. Alright. This one is from John Murphy at ecomm CEO. He asks

what future roadblocks will be. Everyone I don't have a kid yet. I but we are pregnant. Everyone says that that will be a roadblock. I've been in a very fortunate situation where I've been able to hire some help, like a nightmare, some things like that. I have a feeling that it won't be a roadblock, but I it will be more challenging, but it's not gonna prevent me. Did I answer that question? Yeah. For sure. Alright. This one is from John Murphy at ecomm CEO. He asks

15:01

When to embrace shiny object syndrome and when and how to keep it under control?

When to embrace shiny object syndrome and when and how to keep it under control?

15:06

This is a great question, and this is something that I think holds back ninety percent of people from really big success. So I constantly ask myself,

This is a great question, and this is something that I think holds back ninety percent of people from really big success. So I constantly ask myself,

15:14

what can I do this week, this month, this year?

what can I do this week, this month, this year?

15:19

What can I accomplish in a certain time period that will make every other task not important? And so there's this idea of, like, procrastination

What can I accomplish in a certain time period that will make every other task not important? And so there's this idea of, like, procrastination

15:27

Paul Graham wrote this great article. If you Google Paul Graham procrastination, he talks about there's actually good procrastination. There's bad procrastination. For procrastination,

Paul Graham wrote this great article. If you Google Paul Graham procrastination, he talks about there's actually good procrastination. There's bad procrastination. For procrastination,

15:35

the bad type is, you're just not gonna you just don't start working, but the good type is that it's like the idea of this crazy scientist who's a genius and he freaking shower or he forgets to wear two, matching socks. And the idea being is you can actually ignore most things as long as you're getting the big things right And so I ask myself all the time,

the bad type is, you're just not gonna you just don't start working, but the good type is that it's like the idea of this crazy scientist who's a genius and he freaking shower or he forgets to wear two, matching socks. And the idea being is you can actually ignore most things as long as you're getting the big things right And so I ask myself all the time,

15:55

what is that one thing that I want to accomplish? Most people, they try to jump from thing to thing to thing because something's not working or because they feel pressured into doing something. I actually think that you should do one thing for an extended period of time. The reason being is because

what is that one thing that I want to accomplish? Most people, they try to jump from thing to thing to thing because something's not working or because they feel pressured into doing something. I actually think that you should do one thing for an extended period of time. The reason being is because

16:11

every time I say yes to something, I'm ultimately saying no to something else. And that means I'm saying if I'm saying yes to a new project I'm saying no to either things like family time or I'm saying no to focusing on the thing that matters or I'm saying

every time I say yes to something, I'm ultimately saying no to something else. And that means I'm saying if I'm saying yes to a new project I'm saying no to either things like family time or I'm saying no to focusing on the thing that matters or I'm saying

16:26

no to having, like, I'm basically giving worry,

no to having, like, I'm basically giving worry,

16:30

or, worry time, and I'm giving,

or, worry time, and I'm giving,

16:33

space in my brain for something that isn't essential.

space in my brain for something that isn't essential.

16:36

And so saying no is really important. It's very uncomfortable, but I think it's necessary. I think most people do multiple things at one time because they are guilted into it because what they see online

And so saying no is really important. It's very uncomfortable, but I think it's necessary. I think most people do multiple things at one time because they are guilted into it because what they see online

16:47

and I try to remind myself that I don't care about another person's opinion more than I care about my own opinion

and I try to remind myself that I don't care about another person's opinion more than I care about my own opinion

16:54

And also, most people don't know what they're doing. And so I'm not gonna put too much judgment on

And also, most people don't know what they're doing. And so I'm not gonna put too much judgment on

17:00

their opinion because they don't have any idea what they're doing. I also try to remind myself that strong men.

their opinion because they don't have any idea what they're doing. I also try to remind myself that strong men.

17:07

They don't, like, give into fear, and I think a lot of people have shiny object syndrome because they're fearful that their main thing is not going to work. I try not to give into fear. Of course, I'm human. I do every once in a while, but I try my hardest not to do it. And so I think that

They don't, like, give into fear, and I think a lot of people have shiny object syndrome because they're fearful that their main thing is not going to work. I try not to give into fear. Of course, I'm human. I do every once in a while, but I try my hardest not to do it. And so I think that

17:21

When you're starting a business, because it's a business podcast, we'll talk about that.

When you're starting a business, because it's a business podcast, we'll talk about that.

17:26

I I have to ask myself, will I wish that I have stuck with this? In ten years while I look back and say, I wish I would have done this one thing. And if the answer is consistently yes, then I'm gonna stick to that one thing. That said, it's definitely an art to figure out what to say no to and when to bail on what's working.

I I have to ask myself, will I wish that I have stuck with this? In ten years while I look back and say, I wish I would have done this one thing. And if the answer is consistently yes, then I'm gonna stick to that one thing. That said, it's definitely an art to figure out what to say no to and when to bail on what's working.

17:43

But I've met a lot of successful people

But I've met a lot of successful people

17:47

And I have noticed

And I have noticed

17:49

that the people that have huge outside

that the people that have huge outside

17:52

outsized results

outsized results

17:54

And have massive, massive wealth, it typically comes from one thing. And then once they get incredibly successful, it peers as though they have a lot of things going on, but those lot of things are like five percent of the hundred percent when it comes to net worth creation.

And have massive, massive wealth, it typically comes from one thing. And then once they get incredibly successful, it peers as though they have a lot of things going on, but those lot of things are like five percent of the hundred percent when it comes to net worth creation.

18:11

So I have to remind myself on a regular basis that big results typically come from one thing. And the people who appear to be be to be doing a lot of things

So I have to remind myself on a regular basis that big results typically come from one thing. And the people who appear to be be to be doing a lot of things

18:21

They actually kind of are doing one thing. One of my good friends, Andrew Wilkinson, he owns a private equity company, or he owns a thing called tiny, where they buy businesses,

They actually kind of are doing one thing. One of my good friends, Andrew Wilkinson, he owns a private equity company, or he owns a thing called tiny, where they buy businesses,

18:29

And so he owns technically, like, forty businesses,

And so he owns technically, like, forty businesses,

18:32

but his one thing is buying companies or investing. And so you have to remind my I have to remind myself that's his one thing. And he's doing that well. And that's what makes everything else work. Additionally,

but his one thing is buying companies or investing. And so you have to remind my I have to remind myself that's his one thing. And he's doing that well. And that's what makes everything else work. Additionally,

18:43

he also had one agency Metalab for I think twelve years, and then he started investing into other companies. And so you have to make your one thing work. Otherwise, the rest of the stuff doesn't really work out. And so I think more people should focus

he also had one agency Metalab for I think twelve years, and then he started investing into other companies. And so you have to make your one thing work. Otherwise, the rest of the stuff doesn't really work out. And so I think more people should focus

18:56

Even though it's quite challenging and it doesn't appear as fun,

Even though it's quite challenging and it doesn't appear as fun,

19:00

I think it's better results.

I think it's better results.

19:02

Okay. This one is from Gabe Finema.

Okay. This one is from Gabe Finema.

19:05

At gabe underscore fin on Twitter. He asks

At gabe underscore fin on Twitter. He asks

19:08

how to be interesting. As a podcaster, you're essentially a professional entertainer.

how to be interesting. As a podcaster, you're essentially a professional entertainer.

19:13

What are the key skills you've learned over the years that allow you to be entertaining to listen to and talk to?

What are the key skills you've learned over the years that allow you to be entertaining to listen to and talk to?

19:19

This question is, I think, particularly interest thing for young men, single men, because when I was a single guy, when I was fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen well,

This question is, I think, particularly interest thing for young men, single men, because when I was a single guy, when I was fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen well,

19:29

basically until I was not single. All I cared about was meeting girls. And when I learned and I wasn't very good at it, arguably was never great at it, but I I improved The best thing for meeting a partner was to be an interesting person. I imagine this works for women as well, but I only know a man's perspective. It works awesome for men is to be interesting.

basically until I was not single. All I cared about was meeting girls. And when I learned and I wasn't very good at it, arguably was never great at it, but I I improved The best thing for meeting a partner was to be an interesting person. I imagine this works for women as well, but I only know a man's perspective. It works awesome for men is to be interesting.

19:49

I made a few points about how to be interesting, at least what I think, how to be interesting, because I like figure this out. I wasn't, like, good at this.

I made a few points about how to be interesting, at least what I think, how to be interesting, because I like figure this out. I wasn't, like, good at this.

19:58

The first thing is that you have to find something that interests you, and you have to turn it into a passion, even if it's not popular.

The first thing is that you have to find something that interests you, and you have to turn it into a passion, even if it's not popular.

20:06

The reason being is people like people who,

The reason being is people like people who,

20:09

are passionate about stuff and who are really great at explaining

are passionate about stuff and who are really great at explaining

20:13

why they're passionate about things, and they don't need to be popular things. So for a long time, I'm I I was really interested in denim.

why they're passionate about things, and they don't need to be popular things. So for a long time, I'm I I was really interested in denim.

20:20

That's like a hobby of mine. I love

That's like a hobby of mine. I love

20:22

jeans because jeans are part of American history, and I would like buy, like, five hundred or a thousand dollar jeans just to store them and keep them and only wear them occasionally because they're historical and important to me. I was really, really, really fascinated in that. And I noticed that when I would meet a girl, and I would say something like Hey, I'm going to this, swap meet. They have really cool denim. Just having something to do and, like, being passionate about it, it she was more attracted to me because of it. And then my male friends as well were like, oh, this sounds interesting. You just got me interested in this topic. I'll go with you and you could explain it to me and thus people were attracted to me. This works for business for meeting someone whatever. Right now, it's fitness. I'm super fascinated in fitness and having, like, a goal and having

jeans because jeans are part of American history, and I would like buy, like, five hundred or a thousand dollar jeans just to store them and keep them and only wear them occasionally because they're historical and important to me. I was really, really, really fascinated in that. And I noticed that when I would meet a girl, and I would say something like Hey, I'm going to this, swap meet. They have really cool denim. Just having something to do and, like, being passionate about it, it she was more attracted to me because of it. And then my male friends as well were like, oh, this sounds interesting. You just got me interested in this topic. I'll go with you and you could explain it to me and thus people were attracted to me. This works for business for meeting someone whatever. Right now, it's fitness. I'm super fascinated in fitness and having, like, a goal and having

21:04

something I care about. I've noticed people are drawn to me. The second one is when I con I consume a ton of information.

something I care about. I've noticed people are drawn to me. The second one is when I con I consume a ton of information.

21:11

So I listen to podcasts.

So I listen to podcasts.

21:12

I

I

21:14

Watch a lot of TV, like documentaries,

Watch a lot of TV, like documentaries,

21:17

I read a lot of books, and I read Wikipedia every night. I love Wikipedia. And when I'm consuming information,

I read a lot of books, and I read Wikipedia every night. I love Wikipedia. And when I'm consuming information,

21:23

I consume it from the perspective of I try to find a hook. So I'll hear, like, or I'll read something on Wikipedia, and I try to find a fascinating hook And I think in my brain, how can I retell this that can capture people's attention? And whenever I consume information, that's what I do. So for example, I just watched the documentary on Arnold Short sortsanager,

I consume it from the perspective of I try to find a hook. So I'll hear, like, or I'll read something on Wikipedia, and I try to find a fascinating hook And I think in my brain, how can I retell this that can capture people's attention? And whenever I consume information, that's what I do. So for example, I just watched the documentary on Arnold Short sortsanager,

21:42

and he has this great line where he calls the Shmi, which basically means bullshit. So, like, when he was talking about being the spokesperson for

and he has this great line where he calls the Shmi, which basically means bullshit. So, like, when he was talking about being the spokesperson for

21:50

supplement brands or whatever or, whining and dining people. He goes, I got the schmee. I know how to, like, grab people's attention. I'm just bullshit with him. I got to get the gap, and he told the story of me. And I remember hearing that line. I go, that's brilliant. The shmee. I'm gonna talk about that all the time. I love the shmee. And that was that one little line I took from that documentary, and I'm gonna retell that story all the time. I'm gonna talk all about the Schmidt. And so whenever I consume information, I'm just for a comedy show or anything. I just look for, like, lines or hooks of a story that I'm gonna retell to people constantly. I'm gonna steal it, basically. It's as if it's I consume information as if I have to write a book report at a at a at another time.

supplement brands or whatever or, whining and dining people. He goes, I got the schmee. I know how to, like, grab people's attention. I'm just bullshit with him. I got to get the gap, and he told the story of me. And I remember hearing that line. I go, that's brilliant. The shmee. I'm gonna talk about that all the time. I love the shmee. And that was that one little line I took from that documentary, and I'm gonna retell that story all the time. I'm gonna talk all about the Schmidt. And so whenever I consume information, I'm just for a comedy show or anything. I just look for, like, lines or hooks of a story that I'm gonna retell to people constantly. I'm gonna steal it, basically. It's as if it's I consume information as if I have to write a book report at a at a at another time.

22:27

The third thing is I ask people all the time, and I ask them this in a very non judgmental way. And a lot of people aren't used to being asked this. But I basically ask them all the time. Whenever they I'll ask them

The third thing is I ask people all the time, and I ask them this in a very non judgmental way. And a lot of people aren't used to being asked this. But I basically ask them all the time. Whenever they I'll ask them

22:38

about what they do for work or,

about what they do for work or,

22:40

where they're from or whatever,

where they're from or whatever,

22:42

and they'll say something, and they'll say an opinion. And I always ask them, why do you think that? And I always try to ask that because it gets people to open up And when I asked them all about themselves, there's this, great book,

and they'll say something, and they'll say an opinion. And I always ask them, why do you think that? And I always try to ask that because it gets people to open up And when I asked them all about themselves, there's this, great book,

22:54

called how to win friends and influence people. And Dale Carnegie wrote it in the nineteen twenties, and he says this tells a story about

called how to win friends and influence people. And Dale Carnegie wrote it in the nineteen twenties, and he says this tells a story about

23:01

this

this

23:02

kind of nobody young guy talking to this big shot executive and the nobody guy, the young guy, he asked a big shot executive all about himself, and the executive spends ninety five percent of the conversation talking all about himself, The young guy spends five percent of the conversation. At the end of the conversation, the executive goes, wow. You're a great conversationalist.

kind of nobody young guy talking to this big shot executive and the nobody guy, the young guy, he asked a big shot executive all about himself, and the executive spends ninety five percent of the conversation talking all about himself, The young guy spends five percent of the conversation. At the end of the conversation, the executive goes, wow. You're a great conversationalist.

23:21

And the truth is that that's because people love to talk about themselves. And so oftentimes when I'm with new people, I'll ask them questions like, why do you think that? Or why do you do that? Or questions like that, these open ended questions, and that gives them an opportunity to talk about themselves, and thus they think that I am more interesting because ultimately they find themselves probably more interesting than anyone else.

And the truth is that that's because people love to talk about themselves. And so oftentimes when I'm with new people, I'll ask them questions like, why do you think that? Or why do you do that? Or questions like that, these open ended questions, and that gives them an opportunity to talk about themselves, and thus they think that I am more interesting because ultimately they find themselves probably more interesting than anyone else.

23:40

Another thing is I have tried really hard to learn how to tell stories. My partner in this podcast, Sean Purry, he's one of the best storytellers,

Another thing is I have tried really hard to learn how to tell stories. My partner in this podcast, Sean Purry, he's one of the best storytellers,

23:48

I've seen.

I've seen.

23:50

I've tried to learn from him and I've tried to tell stories, and I'll retell the same stories, different groups of people as if I'm a comedian, and I like to see what hits and what doesn't. And sometimes I'll alter the story while keeping truth in there, but I'll also the story in the way I tell it in order to, c capture their attention.

I've tried to learn from him and I've tried to tell stories, and I'll retell the same stories, different groups of people as if I'm a comedian, and I like to see what hits and what doesn't. And sometimes I'll alter the story while keeping truth in there, but I'll also the story in the way I tell it in order to, c capture their attention.

24:05

The last two things are I am constantly trying to improve myself,

The last two things are I am constantly trying to improve myself,

24:09

which is great because

which is great because

24:11

to be interesting, you just make yourself better. So I'm constantly trying to improve myself, and I explain to people what I'm trying to do. So for example, if I'm trying fit, if I'm trying to read a certain amount of books, if I'm trying to, build a business, I'm always trying to improve myself, and I talk about that with people. Not and I'm not way, but I let them know, and they find that interesting I've found most of the time. And then finally, I say my opinion,

to be interesting, you just make yourself better. So I'm constantly trying to improve myself, and I explain to people what I'm trying to do. So for example, if I'm trying fit, if I'm trying to read a certain amount of books, if I'm trying to, build a business, I'm always trying to improve myself, and I talk about that with people. Not and I'm not way, but I let them know, and they find that interesting I've found most of the time. And then finally, I say my opinion,

24:33

and I usually research opinions that I have. So for example, it could be, like, political stuff. It could be health stuff. I, it could be in business. I try to come up with well thought out opinions, and I'm very,

and I usually research opinions that I have. So for example, it could be, like, political stuff. It could be health stuff. I, it could be in business. I try to come up with well thought out opinions, and I'm very,

24:46

not afraid to say that opinion.

not afraid to say that opinion.

24:48

And even if it rubs people the wrong way, I have found that

And even if it rubs people the wrong way, I have found that

24:52

when you explain your opinion and you stay firm on it,

when you explain your opinion and you stay firm on it,

24:55

it you people find you interesting because most people are vanilla and they don't have strong opinions. And so

it you people find you interesting because most people are vanilla and they don't have strong opinions. And so

25:02

That said, I'm still open minded. I think there's a phrase. What's that phrase? It's a strong beliefs loosely held. And so, I can be swayed for sure. But I I have strong opinions that I try to let people know about them. And then when I don't have an opinion or I haven't researched a topic, I try my hardest to say,

That said, I'm still open minded. I think there's a phrase. What's that phrase? It's a strong beliefs loosely held. And so, I can be swayed for sure. But I I have strong opinions that I try to let people know about them. And then when I don't have an opinion or I haven't researched a topic, I try my hardest to say,

25:18

I've not thought about that or I don't know. And so that's how I think you'd be interesting. When we have different podcast guests,

I've not thought about that or I don't know. And so that's how I think you'd be interesting. When we have different podcast guests,

25:26

come on,

come on,

25:27

even if they're not in my world at all.

even if they're not in my world at all.

25:30

Because I've, like, consumed so much information,

Because I've, like, consumed so much information,

25:33

I'm pretty good at relating to them. And that is just comes down to

I'm pretty good at relating to them. And that is just comes down to

25:38

I just read a ton of Wikipedia. And when they talk, I'll reference things in that field. Even if I don't know a ton about them, And then I'll ask them why they think that because I read on Wikipedia

I just read a ton of Wikipedia. And when they talk, I'll reference things in that field. Even if I don't know a ton about them, And then I'll ask them why they think that because I read on Wikipedia

25:49

that this, this, and this,

that this, this, and this,

25:51

is that true for you? Is is that

is that true for you? Is is that

25:55

is that one of the reasons why you think x, y, and z? And they'll say, no, actually, or yes, actually. And that's a great way to get them to talk more about it. And it gets me involved in the conversation.

is that one of the reasons why you think x, y, and z? And they'll say, no, actually, or yes, actually. And that's a great way to get them to talk more about it. And it gets me involved in the conversation.

26:07

Our software is the worst. Have you heard of HubSpot?

Our software is the worst. Have you heard of HubSpot?

26:10

See most CRMs are a cobbled together mess, but HubSpot is easy to adopt and actually looks gorgeous. I think I love our new CRM. Our software is the best. HubSpot.

See most CRMs are a cobbled together mess, but HubSpot is easy to adopt and actually looks gorgeous. I think I love our new CRM. Our software is the best. HubSpot.

26:21

Girlbetter.

Girlbetter.

26:23

Alright. So I back channeled a few questions. This one is from your buddy, neville medora at Neville Madora on Twitter,

Alright. So I back channeled a few questions. This one is from your buddy, neville medora at Neville Madora on Twitter,

26:30

and he wanted to hear a bit about your loyalty to your dog. Sid, he had a quote to share that I thought was pretty great. He goes, I remember Sam vividly saying, I hate when people give away their pets. When you sign up for a dog, you sign up for life. So Nevba wants to hear a bit about your relationship to Sid and just if you could elaborate on that quote a bit. Yeah. So, basically, I have this dog named Sid. I got him when I was twenty or twenty two or something. He's fourteen years old now, and I do crazy stuff with this dog. Like, for example, I live half the year, sometimes in New York, and sometimes I'll fly, sometimes I'll drive But if I fly, I hire a driver for him. So I basically hire someone to drive him from

and he wanted to hear a bit about your loyalty to your dog. Sid, he had a quote to share that I thought was pretty great. He goes, I remember Sam vividly saying, I hate when people give away their pets. When you sign up for a dog, you sign up for life. So Nevba wants to hear a bit about your relationship to Sid and just if you could elaborate on that quote a bit. Yeah. So, basically, I have this dog named Sid. I got him when I was twenty or twenty two or something. He's fourteen years old now, and I do crazy stuff with this dog. Like, for example, I live half the year, sometimes in New York, and sometimes I'll fly, sometimes I'll drive But if I fly, I hire a driver for him. So I basically hire someone to drive him from

27:13

Austin all the way up to New York.

Austin all the way up to New York.

27:17

And, like, I don't travel because of him,

And, like, I don't travel because of him,

27:19

overseas typically.

overseas typically.

27:21

And so the reason being is

And so the reason being is

27:24

I mentioned,

I mentioned,

27:25

having rules. Another

having rules. Another

27:27

rule in my book is responsibility

rule in my book is responsibility

27:30

and loyalty. So there's a few people in my life. My wife, my dog,

and loyalty. So there's a few people in my life. My wife, my dog,

27:35

my business partner, Joe, Sean's one of these folks,

my business partner, Joe, Sean's one of these folks,

27:38

Jordan, the CEO of Hampton.

Jordan, the CEO of Hampton.

27:41

I firmly believe that you never, ever, ever speak badly about them behind their back. You don't lie.

I firmly believe that you never, ever, ever speak badly about them behind their back. You don't lie.

27:48

You don't disrespect them publicly.

You don't disrespect them publicly.

27:50

You don't question them publicly, and I try my hardest not to do that even a little bit. The reason being is,

You don't question them publicly, and I try my hardest not to do that even a little bit. The reason being is,

27:55

I'm a firm belief in loyalty. And so,

I'm a firm belief in loyalty. And so,

27:58

there's I basically

there's I basically

28:00

have zero loyalty to most people, and then there's, like, eight people in my life. My life, who I, like, I can, like, write them down and cite them, I would do anything for them, and I expect them to do that for me.

have zero loyalty to most people, and then there's, like, eight people in my life. My life, who I, like, I can, like, write them down and cite them, I would do anything for them, and I expect them to do that for me.

28:13

The second reason is responsibility. So, like, when I have a meeting on my calendar,

The second reason is responsibility. So, like, when I have a meeting on my calendar,

28:17

I try my hardest never, ever, ever to be late. I try very hard to be early, I don't miss things. If I say I'm gonna do something, I do it. I'm a big firm believer, and you do what you say. And,

I try my hardest never, ever, ever to be late. I try very hard to be early, I don't miss things. If I say I'm gonna do something, I do it. I'm a big firm believer, and you do what you say. And,

28:29

following through. And so another rule is when you have a responsibility, you stick with it no matter what, when I got my dog, I said, I'm gonna raise them right. And,

following through. And so another rule is when you have a responsibility, you stick with it no matter what, when I got my dog, I said, I'm gonna raise them right. And,

28:39

I'm gonna, like, respect this, this, like, bond that we have. And so I'm crazy about that's a rule that I just don't break is loyalty and,

I'm gonna, like, respect this, this, like, bond that we have. And so I'm crazy about that's a rule that I just don't break is loyalty and,

28:47

rules.

rules.

28:48

Love it. Alright. This one is from Garrett,

Love it. Alright. This one is from Garrett,

28:52

his handles at g g s I I I. And he goes finding someone to build a company with or finding your first higher. So, basically, he's just asking how you hire people.

his handles at g g s I I I. And he goes finding someone to build a company with or finding your first higher. So, basically, he's just asking how you hire people.

29:04

So I'm not, like, a religious person, but there's this, thing from the Bible. I went to Catholic school in my whole life is, like, a line from the bible where, like, Jesus is trying to, like, get disciples. And he tells one of his disciples, Peter, and Paul. He goes, like, I think they're fishermen and he goes,

So I'm not, like, a religious person, but there's this, thing from the Bible. I went to Catholic school in my whole life is, like, a line from the bible where, like, Jesus is trying to, like, get disciples. And he tells one of his disciples, Peter, and Paul. He goes, like, I think they're fishermen and he goes,

29:19

Come join me and you are going to be Fishers of men.

Come join me and you are going to be Fishers of men.

29:23

And I love that line.

And I love that line.

29:25

That's an example, by the way, of being interesting. You just find, like, interesting lines and you, you know, you retell them. That that's a beautiful line. And the way that I'm able to,

That's an example, by the way, of being interesting. You just find, like, interesting lines and you, you know, you retell them. That that's a beautiful line. And the way that I'm able to,

29:36

hire good CEOs and hire great people. I mean, if you look at the hustle,

hire good CEOs and hire great people. I mean, if you look at the hustle,

29:42

I don't know how many people we had when we sold the company, maybe forty, we probably have hired

I don't know how many people we had when we sold the company, maybe forty, we probably have hired

29:47

sixty or seventy people.

sixty or seventy people.

29:49

A lot of them are really successful now. Like, we hired them when they were, like, twenty three and a lot of them maybe, like, fifteen or twenty of them have went on to start successful companies, help grow other successful companies have a name for themselves.

A lot of them are really successful now. Like, we hired them when they were, like, twenty three and a lot of them maybe, like, fifteen or twenty of them have went on to start successful companies, help grow other successful companies have a name for themselves.

30:02

And the reason they did that is I want it to be a collector of people. Fishers of men, that's a weird line. I call it collector of people. So I I worked really hard at collecting people. And so

And the reason they did that is I want it to be a collector of people. Fishers of men, that's a weird line. I call it collector of people. So I I worked really hard at collecting people. And so

30:13

When I find someone that's interesting to me,

When I find someone that's interesting to me,

30:17

I try to make a mental note of who they are and how I can use them. And

I try to make a mental note of who they are and how I can use them. And

30:22

the line that I tell them, and this is the line that I believe, which is, like, hey, do you wanna hang out? Like, let's say I meet someone.

the line that I tell them, and this is the line that I believe, which is, like, hey, do you wanna hang out? Like, let's say I meet someone.

30:29

I'll follow-up with them or I cold email someone. And I'll say, hey, look. The best case scenario here is that somehow we work together and we create magic the worst case scenario is that you have a new friend in the industry, and we'll just help one another. But our world is small, and I have a feeling that it's gonna be nice that we're gonna be on the same team in some capacity, whether just as friends or literally at the same company. So

I'll follow-up with them or I cold email someone. And I'll say, hey, look. The best case scenario here is that somehow we work together and we create magic the worst case scenario is that you have a new friend in the industry, and we'll just help one another. But our world is small, and I have a feeling that it's gonna be nice that we're gonna be on the same team in some capacity, whether just as friends or literally at the same company. So

30:52

take this phone call.

take this phone call.

30:54

And that's what I believe. And so,

And that's what I believe. And so,

30:56

for years so, like, for example,

for years so, like, for example,

30:59

for years, I would host events or create excuses to meet people. So for example, I had this thing called the anti MBA. It was my book club. I started it in San Francisco in thousand and twelve. And, basically, the way it worked is I would pick one book per month. We would read a quarter of the book each month, and then, we would meet up and talk about the book, and I would bring experts on that book's topic to come in and lead the conversation. So it's kinda like an MBA, but it was free. And I organized it, hence, the anti MBA

for years, I would host events or create excuses to meet people. So for example, I had this thing called the anti MBA. It was my book club. I started it in San Francisco in thousand and twelve. And, basically, the way it worked is I would pick one book per month. We would read a quarter of the book each month, and then, we would meet up and talk about the book, and I would bring experts on that book's topic to come in and lead the conversation. So it's kinda like an MBA, but it was free. And I organized it, hence, the anti MBA

31:27

a bunch of my great, great, great friends,

a bunch of my great, great, great friends,

31:29

Sean, and, at

Sean, and, at

31:31

perry, we we came in he chose orbit via this book club,

perry, we we came in he chose orbit via this book club,

31:35

see Ava, who, Kazinski, who's got a really successful PE firm now, came he was one of my first members. I posted ads on Craigslist for this book club. That's how it got popular, by the way. I posted an ad on meetup dot com and on Craigslist.

see Ava, who, Kazinski, who's got a really successful PE firm now, came he was one of my first members. I posted ads on Craigslist for this book club. That's how it got popular, by the way. I posted an ad on meetup dot com and on Craigslist.

31:49

And I would host this book club, like,

And I would host this book club, like,

31:51

want I think I did it for two years straight every week.

want I think I did it for two years straight every week.

31:55

And that is how I developed a network. And then from there, I hosted a conference called Hussle Con, and they idea was I'm not sure what I'm gonna do next after selling my previous company, but I'm gonna host this event called hustle Con. And in doing so, I imagine I'm gonna meet a handful of people who will in buyer me or partner with me in order to create my next

And that is how I developed a network. And then from there, I hosted a conference called Hussle Con, and they idea was I'm not sure what I'm gonna do next after selling my previous company, but I'm gonna host this event called hustle Con. And in doing so, I imagine I'm gonna meet a handful of people who will in buyer me or partner with me in order to create my next

32:12

thing.

thing.

32:13

And so I'm constantly I I do it less now. Now I I have jokingly have rule called No New Friends because I have a pretty good network now. But basically, I just collected people. And anytime I saw someone who was intriguing, did a really good job of getting to know them and then just filing my way in this bank, or I would check-in with them once in a while and get to know them,

And so I'm constantly I I do it less now. Now I I have jokingly have rule called No New Friends because I have a pretty good network now. But basically, I just collected people. And anytime I saw someone who was intriguing, did a really good job of getting to know them and then just filing my way in this bank, or I would check-in with them once in a while and get to know them,

32:33

and remind them who I was occasionally. And then when I had, like, an opportunity, like, I'm starting a new company, I would think, oh, I talked to this one person, this one time. I left a good impression on them, I hope. I can just holler at them. And so I do a really good job of collecting people and doing outreach.

and remind them who I was occasionally. And then when I had, like, an opportunity, like, I'm starting a new company, I would think, oh, I talked to this one person, this one time. I left a good impression on them, I hope. I can just holler at them. And so I do a really good job of collecting people and doing outreach.

32:50

Yeah. I mean, that's kinda like how it works. It's a lot easier now that you're popular and you have a podcast. It's way easier to do that. But when I was younger and didn't have a network, I hosted book clubs, conferences, meetups, and I was basically wanting to be the center of attention

Yeah. I mean, that's kinda like how it works. It's a lot easier now that you're popular and you have a podcast. It's way easier to do that. But when I was younger and didn't have a network, I hosted book clubs, conferences, meetups, and I was basically wanting to be the center of attention

33:03

not necessarily center of attention, but the center of a social circle,

not necessarily center of attention, but the center of a social circle,

33:06

and I was the connector, and that's how I would collect people. And I,

and I was the connector, and that's how I would collect people. And I,

33:10

when I see now, when I see people on LinkedIn or Twitter,

when I see now, when I see people on LinkedIn or Twitter,

33:13

and they write something cool. I DM them. And all I say was like, solve this post. This was awesome. And that's all I'll say.

and they write something cool. I DM them. And all I say was like, solve this post. This was awesome. And that's all I'll say.

33:20

And then when I reach out to them again, if I ever have a reason to, it kinda feel like they know me a little bit at least.

And then when I reach out to them again, if I ever have a reason to, it kinda feel like they know me a little bit at least.

33:28

And so I'm a collector of people.

And so I'm a collector of people.

33:31

Okay. This question is from Grant wilkinson

Okay. This question is from Grant wilkinson

33:34

at grant f wilkinson.

at grant f wilkinson.

33:36

If you're open to sharing about the behind the scenes of running a great community,

If you're open to sharing about the behind the scenes of running a great community,

33:41

there's some good stuff there. So I think Grant's referring to

there's some good stuff there. So I think Grant's referring to

33:44

your community building over at Hampton.

your community building over at Hampton.

33:47

So I've got this new company. It's about a year old. It's, joint hampton dot com. The URL is called Hampton. Basically, what it is is

So I've got this new company. It's about a year old. It's, joint hampton dot com. The URL is called Hampton. Basically, what it is is

33:54

It's for CEOs who have at least a million in revenue and you apply and then we interview and you get in. We put you in a group of eight founders who have similar size and types of businesses. You meet monthly, and then we host all these, events, retreats, and then we have digital community where you can hang out and talk to all the other members of which we have hundreds of them soon thousands.

It's for CEOs who have at least a million in revenue and you apply and then we interview and you get in. We put you in a group of eight founders who have similar size and types of businesses. You meet monthly, and then we host all these, events, retreats, and then we have digital community where you can hang out and talk to all the other members of which we have hundreds of them soon thousands.

34:15

I

I

34:16

I got pretty great at

I got pretty great at

34:18

making community because of the events that I hosted. I kind of understood, like, what motivated people, and then I created trends when we ran the hustle, which was, like, a digital community as well.

making community because of the events that I hosted. I kind of understood, like, what motivated people, and then I created trends when we ran the hustle, which was, like, a digital community as well.

34:28

And there's a few interesting things about community to make them great. The first is

And there's a few interesting things about community to make them great. The first is

34:34

you have to create FOMO, so a little bit of fear of missing out. And once they're in your community, they feel excited that they're finally in. And so we create FOMO, not even on purpose. We interview everyone and we turned out most people, so that helps.

you have to create FOMO, so a little bit of fear of missing out. And once they're in your community, they feel excited that they're finally in. And so we create FOMO, not even on purpose. We interview everyone and we turned out most people, so that helps.

34:48

So there needs to be a barrier to entry for building a good community, I think. There also has to be a way to create intimacy.

So there needs to be a barrier to entry for building a good community, I think. There also has to be a way to create intimacy.

34:55

And so there's lots of tactical ways that you could do that where you have multiple communities within a community and, like, you can only join one

And so there's lots of tactical ways that you could do that where you have multiple communities within a community and, like, you can only join one

35:03

channel and not the other channels. And the reason you do that is because I think that around, like, two hundred fifty, five hundred people, things get a little bit wonky in terms of not being able to know everyone. And so you wanna do you need to do a good job of making things intimate. The way you do that is to keep small. Another way that you do that is you set norms and standards behind introductions.

channel and not the other channels. And the reason you do that is because I think that around, like, two hundred fifty, five hundred people, things get a little bit wonky in terms of not being able to know everyone. And so you wanna do you need to do a good job of making things intimate. The way you do that is to keep small. Another way that you do that is you set norms and standards behind introductions.

35:22

And so at Hampton, we do a really good job of saying,

And so at Hampton, we do a really good job of saying,

35:26

Look at Hampton.

Look at Hampton.

35:28

We want you to brag about who you are because

We want you to brag about who you are because

35:31

with most most of the times when you run a company, it's not cool when you're talking to people that say, like, oh, I run this company. We do this much in revenue, this much in profit, this many employees. It's not that cool. It's a little tacky.

with most most of the times when you run a company, it's not cool when you're talking to people that say, like, oh, I run this company. We do this much in revenue, this much in profit, this many employees. It's not that cool. It's a little tacky.

35:42

In this community, we set lots of, like, strange norms of which one of them is it's okay to brag. And it's cool to brag because Now I can learn if you actually know what you're talking about and I could ask you advice. I can actually learn,

In this community, we set lots of, like, strange norms of which one of them is it's okay to brag. And it's cool to brag because Now I can learn if you actually know what you're talking about and I could ask you advice. I can actually learn,

35:55

about your business, I can apply some of it. And so it's fun to learn that stuff. And so we set different norms, and we do a really good job of of making people introduce themselves

about your business, I can apply some of it. And so it's fun to learn that stuff. And so we set different norms, and we do a really good job of of making people introduce themselves

36:03

A lot of times, particularly in trends, my one of the first communities that I've built, I would seed it by having ten twenty thirty people who I knew were impressive. And I just said, you don't have to pay anything, but you're joining this community. Also, on this date, I need you to post this comment or this,

A lot of times, particularly in trends, my one of the first communities that I've built, I would seed it by having ten twenty thirty people who I knew were impressive. And I just said, you don't have to pay anything, but you're joining this community. Also, on this date, I need you to post this comment or this,

36:19

post.

post.

36:20

And so it looked like this particular person was contributing. In reality, I wrote it for them. This is a a thing that I stole from Reddit when reddit dot com first launched the founder, Steve Hoffman, created, like, thirty different usernames, and he just posted lots of different fake comments, and it looked like a lot of stuff was happening. Creating community is hard. I think it's one of those things that everyone wants, but few people know how to do. It's really challenging. I think it's more art than science though.

And so it looked like this particular person was contributing. In reality, I wrote it for them. This is a a thing that I stole from Reddit when reddit dot com first launched the founder, Steve Hoffman, created, like, thirty different usernames, and he just posted lots of different fake comments, and it looked like a lot of stuff was happening. Creating community is hard. I think it's one of those things that everyone wants, but few people know how to do. It's really challenging. I think it's more art than science though.

36:46

This question is I'm gonna totally butcher this name, but sarong bharad at sarong bharad on Twitter.

This question is I'm gonna totally butcher this name, but sarong bharad at sarong bharad on Twitter.

36:54

He asks, how's it going with viral cuts? Share some tips for someone looking to start a productized service from scratch.

He asks, how's it going with viral cuts? Share some tips for someone looking to start a productized service from scratch.

37:02

So viral cuts is a company that I'm part of,

So viral cuts is a company that I'm part of,

37:05

I don't have anything to do with the day to day. But basically, if you want footage, like, if you have a podcast like this or if you have a bunch of video footage,

I don't have anything to do with the day to day. But basically, if you want footage, like, if you have a podcast like this or if you have a bunch of video footage,

37:14

they chop it up,

they chop it up,

37:16

and they,

and they,

37:17

post it on your social for you. So you get, like, clips.

post it on your social for you. So you get, like, clips.

37:21

The founder, his name's Hunter,

The founder, his name's Hunter,

37:23

He

He

37:24

used to have an agency,

used to have an agency,

37:26

and

and

37:27

he he was like, you know, it's cool. Agency's a great, but when your agency is really broad and you will do lots of services for lots of different,

he he was like, you know, it's cool. Agency's a great, but when your agency is really broad and you will do lots of services for lots of different,

37:35

clients,

clients,

37:36

and it's hard to focus on something. It's hard to operationalize something. Your margins kinda crushed a little bit, and it's just a lot more challenging. And so his whole thing was we're just gonna do clips, and then eventually now they're doing more stuff under a different company, like they're doing,

and it's hard to focus on something. It's hard to operationalize something. Your margins kinda crushed a little bit, and it's just a lot more challenging. And so his whole thing was we're just gonna do clips, and then eventually now they're doing more stuff under a different company, like they're doing,

37:51

they're helping people write, books or, write Twitter threads. I mean, they're helping people do a bunch of different stuff.

they're helping people write, books or, write Twitter threads. I mean, they're helping people do a bunch of different stuff.

37:57

Helping people grow their YouTube, but those are all different companies. But viral cuts, he was like, I'm just gonna productize this one service. And so he did a really good job of hiring, like, twenty

Helping people grow their YouTube, but those are all different companies. But viral cuts, he was like, I'm just gonna productize this one service. And so he did a really good job of hiring, like, twenty

38:07

people, and he taught them how to make the the

people, and he taught them how to make the the

38:10

the clips.

the clips.

38:11

And then he, like, created a very strict process on how to get the footage from people, how to chop it up, how to deliver them, and it was, like, very, very, very, very operationalized

And then he, like, created a very strict process on how to get the footage from people, how to chop it up, how to deliver them, and it was, like, very, very, very, very operationalized

38:20

from day one.

from day one.

38:22

And it's going great. I don't remember exactly,

And it's going great. I don't remember exactly,

38:25

what we're allowed to say about how big it is, but it got to seven figures in revenue in

what we're allowed to say about how big it is, but it got to seven figures in revenue in

38:31

like, sixty days. Most of which came because at first, I tweeted it, and then Cody Sanchez, another partner involved She started sharing. And so now it's, like, well into the seven figures.

like, sixty days. Most of which came because at first, I tweeted it, and then Cody Sanchez, another partner involved She started sharing. And so now it's, like, well into the seven figures.

38:42

It's going great. You have to deal with a lot of headaches because it's a people business, but

It's going great. You have to deal with a lot of headaches because it's a people business, but

38:47

and we're not sure how churn will be, but it's going really well so far. The hardest part about these businesses

and we're not sure how churn will be, but it's going really well so far. The hardest part about these businesses

38:52

is operationalizing

is operationalizing

38:54

the the service, so making it so it's like a conveyor belt. So your workers know exactly what to do and have very strict deadlines. And then the second hardest part is getting customers

the the service, so making it so it's like a conveyor belt. So your workers know exactly what to do and have very strict deadlines. And then the second hardest part is getting customers

39:03

viral cuts,

viral cuts,

39:04

solve that problem by talking to me and Cody, and we just tweeted it out. And within a very short amount of time, they had seven figures in revenue. So it's going really well.

solve that problem by talking to me and Cody, and we just tweeted it out. And within a very short amount of time, they had seven figures in revenue. So it's going really well.

39:12

Alright. So that was my rapid fire q and a. This is what happens with Sean's not here. We do a little rapid fire q and a. Hopefully, you guys enjoyed it. If you are listening on iTunes, Spotify, whatever. If you go to our YouTube, you'll see some of the links to some of these examples and some of these topics that we talked about. And if you like this, let me know in the comments. Talk soon.

Alright. So that was my rapid fire q and a. This is what happens with Sean's not here. We do a little rapid fire q and a. Hopefully, you guys enjoyed it. If you are listening on iTunes, Spotify, whatever. If you go to our YouTube, you'll see some of the links to some of these examples and some of these topics that we talked about. And if you like this, let me know in the comments. Talk soon.

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