Hey Reader,
Before I jump into what I wanted to share here, I wanted to let you know...I started a separate newsletter on Substack. I know, why, right? I actually explain why in my first post over there. Some of the content will overlap with this newsletter, but a lot of it is going to be a little more raw and unpolished over there...and will likely explore a lot more of my life and experiences inside of, outside of, and all around being an entrepreneur.
Here's the link to subscribe.
Ok, let's get into it.
I've been doing this entrepreneurial thing for more than 20 years now. I've had a bunch of wins, and a WHOLE LOT of losses. I say "losses" but I'm one of those people who don't like that word. I'm with the people that say "lessons" instead.
As cliche as that might be, it's true. Every loss has been a lesson.
Some of those losses have taken a long time to become a lesson, but they always do. They are always an opportunity to pull some kind of learning from whatever mistake (or mistakes) I made or setback I had.
So, here are a few things I've learned along the way.
1. Things usually don’t go as planned.
I'm not sure how to say that any more clearly, but the fact is, things just don't go as planned. Your business, and life, will look differently than you think it will.
Here's the important part of this one, though - It's okay. Different does not mean worse. It's just different. It's one of the things that makes this so much fun.
2. As soon as you stop learning, you’re dead in the water.
You need to be learning every day. Learn from the people you know, get involved in communities, attend trainings, read books/blogs/articles/etc, listen to podcasts, watch videos, join webinars, take courses, and reflect on things.
Learn. Every. Single. Day.
3. Most things aren’t urgent or important.
This one is huge for me. 90% of the things that cause us stress are self-created. Most things that feel urgent are only urgent because we're tricking ourselves into believing they are.
Most things can wait. Remove that stress as much as possible.
4. Relationships matter more than almost everything else.
That whole "it's not what you know, it's who you know" thing? It's true. I'm not talking about the version where you can just jump from 0 to 100 because you know someone (although that does happen for some people), I'm talking about the partnerships, the mentors, the learnings, and the opportunities that will come from making connections.
When I say "who you know" what I really mean is "who you connect with and build relationships with."
Connect with people. Build real relationships. The dividends will be incredible.
5. People want things simple.
Most people don't want to think much. Even those of us who claim to love critical thinking and figuring things out, etc....we still prefer simple.
Don't overcomplicate your products, your sales cycle, your funnels, your processes, your onboarding, etc.
Keep it simple.
6. You can build things that are simple, but still valuable.
Just because it's simple, does not mean it's not valuable. Per #5 above, I'll argue that a lot of times (the majority of the time) keeping it simple will actually make it more valuable.
7. Simple + Valuable = Powerful
If you can keep things simple for those you serve, while providing actual value, you will see success, you will make an impact, and you will build something special.
8. You can do a lot even with a small social media following.
Followers DO NOT equal sales.
Let me say that again...followers DO NOT equal sales.
Don't get me wrong, building your followers can absolutely lead to more sales, and it should.
BUT simply having a lot of followers does not mean you will generate or grow revenue.
Having the RIGHT followers will.
Make sure you're creating social media content for the right people, so the right people find you, follow you, connect with you, and become loyal customers.
9. The quality of your list > the quantity of your list.
Just like with social media followers, a big email list does not equal big sales. A list with the RIGHT subscribers will. Create valuable content for the right subscribers. Focus your email funnels and newsletter on providing the right value to the right people.
10. Patience is key.
This is going to take longer than you think it will, and longer than you want it to. Those who stick with it and push through, win.
|
I hope this helps
~ Jeff
*Keep scrolling for I’m listening to, links to check out, and a content creation idea!
|
|
I appreciate you.
Jeff Gargas
COO / Co-Founder, Teach Better Team
|
P.S. When you're ready, here's how I can help:
|
🎧 What I'm listening to:
⚡️Things to Check Out
📸 Instagram "Edits" App vs. CapCut
- Adam Mosseri, Instagram's head, explicitly said that the Edits app is meant to rival or compete with CapCut.
- But is it really ready to replace CapCut in your content creation workflow?
- Jessica Stansberrry wanted to find out so she put both apps through their paces using the same footage.
- Also includes a nice Edits tutorial for you
- 👉 Watch the video here.
🎙️ How Podcasters Are Diving Deeper Into Content and Brand Connections
- With changes in the way we all find and consume entertainment, the advertising industry has been shifting.
- This shift has provided advertisers with the opportunity to reach consumers everywhere they engage with media, while meaningfully targeting a cohesive audience.
- Fans are no longer content to listen or watch an episode and leave. They want more than a show; they want connection. And nowhere is this more evident than in podcasting.
- 👉 Read more here.
🎉 The Last 25 Years of the Marketing Industry
- From the fall of Pets.com to the rise of AI-driven ad strategies, the past 25 years have redefined how brands connect with consumers.
- Marketing Brew’s Quarter Century Project explores the pivotal moments that shaped modern marketing—and asks what’s next for the industry.
- This is a pretty cool look back. Enjoy!
- 👉 Read the article here.
💡CONTENT CREATION IDEA
Here's a super simple one:
What’s something you used to believe about teaching, business, content, or life… that you see differently now?
Tell your audience about it. What you used to think, what changed your mind, and what you think now. Take them on that journey.
This kind of content shows growth, sparks engagement, and connects with people who might be on the same path.
Happy creating!
ENJOYING THIS NEWSLETTER?
What parts of this newsletter do you get the most value out of?
(click the answer that best fits)
Thanks!
