My First Million

In this engaging discussion, Chris Koerner, known as the 'side hustle king' and a serial entrepreneur, shares a treasure trove of unique business ideas anyone can start right in their backyard. From installing in-ground trampolines to mobile fuel delivery and even selling novelty ice cream, Chris emphasizes practical, niche markets. He also explores innovative concepts like robot manicure machines and secret pickleball courts. Plus, listeners get tips on leveraging AI for small business growth, ensuring profits keep rolling in!

In this episode, distressed-investing specialist Thomas Braziel shares his journey from growing up around bankruptcy law to making smart investments in troubled assets like FTX and Mt. Gox. He explains his strategies for buying customer claims and tackles the emotional and ethical challenges of the industry. Thomas also emphasizes that a position well bought is already half sold, offering insights on how to navigate public controversies. Plus, he suggests must-read books for aspiring investors.

Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and author of 'Never Split the Difference,' shares powerful negotiation tactics. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, especially in high-stress situations, and discusses how to turn imperfect information into leverage. Voss reveals five critical rules for effective negotiation: labeling emotions, not fearing rejection, and being unpredictable. He highlights Oprah Winfrey's negotiation finesse and provides insights on how preparation and authentic communication can foster trust, ultimately leading to better outcomes.

Dharmesh Shah, Co-founder and CTO of HubSpot, dives into the evolution of digital marketing, from the origins of inbound marketing to the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) in an AI-driven world. He shares his strategies for ranking on ChatGPT, including chatbot crawlers and content restructuring. The conversation also highlights the importance of community building and ethical SEO practices. With insights on leveraging AI for business growth and the transformative power of niche movements, Dharmesh showcases how to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Discover the astonishing rise of a blueberry billionaire who transformed a childhood passion into a billion-dollar empire. Dive into the intense mental challenges of competitive running with insights on resilience in the 'pain cave.' Enjoy the surprising connections between Broadway and business, as well as unique investment strategies like strategic overpayment. Explore the evolving world of storytelling, marketing, and how the journey toward success often involves navigating emotional ups and downs. Perfect listening for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Diving into fast-food innovation, the discussion highlights the mastermind behind the McFlurry and stuffed crust pizza. Unique food inventions, like mess-free syrup, showcase how creativity drives success. The conversation also reveals that launching a business can be done with minimal funds. Insights into unconventional marketing strategies and investing in AI-driven companies add depth, as hosts analyze stock picks and emerging trends. Tips on charisma and persuasion round out this entertaining exploration of culinary and entrepreneurial flair.

Billy Parks, a partner at Slow Ventures and former member of the Churning Group, delves into the fascinating world of creators earning $5M to $10M from niche markets. He discusses the rise of the 'creator middle class' and highlights unique individuals, like a restaurateur turned ranch owner and a woodworking entrepreneur. The conversation explores how minimal investment can lead to significant success, the importance of community in niche markets, and showcases quirky consumer products that have unexpectedly become profitable. Tune in for intriguing insights on creativity and entrepreneurship!

Dive into the entrepreneurial mistakes that founders often face and how to avoid them. Discover the nostalgic revival of old school businesses, like Oberweiss's dairy delivery, and The Onion's return to print. Explore innovative education models, including Alpha School and the unique Grind Academy for athlete education. Learn practical strategies for refining decision-making and evaluating marketing pitfalls. Uncover the importance of branding in traditional businesses and how minimal investment can spark successful startups.

Robert Greene, renowned author of bestselling works on strategy and human behavior, shares insightful wisdom about mastery and power. He highlights the importance of deep work and reading extensively to foster creativity. Greene discusses the art of maintaining mystery and silence, and why boldness attracts opportunity. He also reflects on rediscovering personal purpose and the pitfalls of seeking authenticity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique paths while turning past struggles into powerful narratives.

The hosts delve into innovative business ideas that thrive without technology. From exclusive social clubs to specialized pet housing developments, they explore the importance of community and human connection. A standout discussion highlights a $300 million company that promotes phone-free experiences at events, emphasizing the need for deeper social interactions. The conversation also touches on the evolution of coworking spaces designed for creatives, and the balance between patience and urgency in personal and professional growth.