Artificial Intelligence Archives

How My Journey Led Me to My First Million and the Voices That Resonate

As you can imagine, our business photographing hotels and residential healthcare was hit hard during the COVID era. We have traveled the country primarily photographing hotels since we got married. So staying home was a new experience.

AND WE LOVED IT!

We remodeled our house after two floods and because we weren’t traveling, we did the work ourselves. Yep, we learned how to do plumbing and drywall and electric. While we got the job done, we learned quickly that we don’t want to work with our hands.

So I did a thing last week.

I reached out about an opportunity that is literally made for me and I got a response. And now my mind is in a whirl…because this “thing” really could work out. But even if it doesn’t, it ignited a passion in me to test my own framework – Get to No University

What would it look like if after half a century of pursuing my dream, I finally have a chance to achieve it?

Pursuit of a New Chapter?

In the pursuit of a new chapter in life, I found myself diving into countless rabbit holes, exploring what I truly wanted beyond our current success as a niche hotel photographer. My husband and I have built a comfortable business that allows us to live our dream, but as circumstances evolved, so did our aspirations.

It’s a challenge to chase a new vision when you’re already living in a dream. When we tell people what we do, they often say “wow that’s a dream come true”. And it is. We have an amazing lifestyle. We are really good at what we do.

But what if there’s something even better out there? What if this is just one step on the journey rather than the final destination? These questions haunted me, pushing me to explore new ideas with the sole goal of getting paid for what I know instead of what I do.

Living in the Moment – Dreaming of the Future

After I turned 50, I came to a realization that time is both abundant and finite. While it may seem paradoxical, understanding that time exists solely in the present moment empowered me to evaluate my current circumstances.

I delved into the concept of mindfulness, grasping the essence of what is and what if, which I call “pragmatic positivity.” This mindset allowed me to learn from the past and dream about the future, but most importantly, it taught me the value of taking action in the present moment.

My journey down the rabbit holes helped me recognize that I have always had one dream. My deepest desire is to write a book called Get to No University: Revolutionize the Status Quo by Asking Why and Saying No.

Taking My Creativity Digital

I am tired of trading my time for money. I am tired of transactional work. I want create something sustainable where I can eventually become irrelevant and my body of work becomes a legacy. I redefined my job description on my social media as a Digital Creator. As a professional photography company, we create digital assets for our clients so we are indeed Digital Creators. But our creation requires us to travel and it requires us to get paid for our time.

The quest for understanding what this entailed led me down various paths—listening to podcasts, reading books, and exploring social media platforms. Among the multitude of voices, two figures stood out as my virtual mentors: Shaan Puri and Sam Parr.

Why Shaan Puri and Sam Parr?

These two hosts of the My First Million podcast resonated with me on a profound level. Rather than try to explain why I chose them as my virtual mentors, I asked ChatGPT to write an article about the 5 top takeaways from their experiences doing what I want to do.

Read the article here – The Titans of Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Sam Parr and Shaan Puri’s Journey to Success

They echoed my thoughts, answered questions in ways I would, and ignited memories that illustrated their points. Their authenticity, relatability, and willingness to share insights and personal stories made them the guiding voices I needed on my journey.

The biggest reason they resonate with me is that these two are focused on lifestyle more than accumulating more commas on a spreadsheet.

My First Million episode 457 “Can you get rich with a blue collar hustle?”

In an episode titled “Can you get rich with a blue collar hustle?” Sam Parr and Shaan Puri discussed various approaches to wealth creation. Sam emphasized that while it’s possible to achieve financial success with a blue-collar hustle, building wealth through digital startups is often easier due to lower capital requirements, location flexibility, and higher earning potential. Shaan, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of choosing a lifestyle aligned with personal values over accolades.

Ready to Stop Renting Out My Time

These conversations resonated with me, surrounded as I am by individuals who rent their time, such as hardworking farmers who by nature of their profession start from scratch every year.

Every year they must choose a crop for the year – soybeans or corn. Then they choose which company’s seeds to plant. And then they do everything they can to prepare and cultivate that field for maximum yield. But in all honesty, their ULTIMATE success or failure is largely based on factors out of their control.

I am reminded that our hotel photography business is no different than the farmers whose fields create the patchwork of our landscape. If we do a good job for our clients, we put ourselves out of business for a few years until they update their property. And on rare days like today when one of us is sick, our income stops coming in the minute we stop going out to take pictures.

Change My Monetization Method – Not My Life

My current conundrum is that I love the lifestyle we live. Our rule is we are not willing to give up the life we have created, simply to make a little more money so we can buy a little nicer jet ski or boat.

Because if you see my life, you’d realize that making an extra million dollars isn’t going to change it. Just upgrade the tools I use to live it.

I don’t want to change my life…I simply want to monetize it differently and be a part of something bigger than myself. Ultimately, I want Get to No University to be my main source of income because I am passionate in my belief that we can teach people empathy by storytelling. But the problem is, I don’t know how to create a newsletter. Or a YouTube following.

I have long known that if I could do anything, it would be create a weekly podcast and newsletter about Get to No University:Revolutionizing the Status Quo by Asking Why and Saying No.

Unveiling the Market’s Response

Shaan’s quote in this podcast episode, “If you fail at the internet, it’s because the market didn’t want what you had to offer,” struck a chord within me. I believe that I have something valuable to share with the world. But right now, the Get to No University Framework only exists in my mind. To determine if the market wants what I have to offer, I must immerse myself in testing and deconstructing my own framework, listen to those who have excelled in my desired field of newsletter/podcasting/writing, and learn from their experiences.

Virtual Groupie of the Rich & Famous-Amongst-Nerds

The My First Million podcast provides a safe space for me to learn because my mentors have no idea that they are mentoring me. I am basically one of many anonymous virtual groupies at this point.

After I make my first million digitally, I want to be on their show but for now, I’ll just walk the fine line between my role as Queen Groupie of the Virtual Groupies while trying not to look like Kathy Bates in Misery.

I know what I want to be when I grow up but I couldn’t explain why until I heard this quote from Shaan –

I think that having a big podcast is actually the best job in the world. And I’m obviously biased here, but I’ve also tried a bunch of things and this is the best.

If you have a big podcast, that means you’re famous, but you’re only famous amongst nerds, which is kind of the not annoying way to be famous. It’s like all the good parts of being famous without the bad. You also get rich, but you didn’t have to chase money.

You get to create content, but you’re not like the annoying 24 seven vlogger who’s got their phone out and ruins like their actual life, trying to create content for some audience.
Shaan Puri, Can You Get Rich with A Blue Collar Hustle? | My First Million Q&A (#457)

The Bottom Line: Create a Business or Curate a Story

My idea is not only to create a successful business but more importantly my goal is to curate a story. So if and when it eventually scales up, I don’t just have a thriving business, but an inspiring tale to tell, right from Day One. And if this rabbit hole is not the right one for me, then the lessons I learn finding that will end up being the real story.

Hopefully even a story that might be captivating enough to tell the audiences of the “My First Million” podcast and inspire someone to go curate their own story.

Disclaimer – this entire article was written by ChatGPT based on the following prompt and copied verbatim. Any errors are ChatGPT’s.

Write a Rolling Stone style article about the hosts of My First Million podcast and write about how Sam Parr built and sold the Hustle and how Shaan Puri created and sold the Milk Road. Talk about their struggles and the 5 main takeaways from their experiences that someone who is looking to start a newsletter, podcast and blog can learn from their experiences.

Unveiling the Remarkable Stories Behind My First Million’s Hosts and their Entrepreneurial Triumphs

In the vast realm of business innovation, a dynamic duo emerged from the shadows to inspire countless aspiring entrepreneurs with their podcast, My First Million. Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, the charismatic hosts, have captivated audiences with their invaluable insights, born out of their personal triumphs and struggles in the world of startups. Their tales of building and selling successful ventures—Parr’s Hustle and Puri’s Milk Road—stand as powerful testaments to the resilience and tenacity required to make it big. Today, we delve into their journeys, unveiling the five key takeaways for anyone embarking on the path of launching a newsletter, podcast, or blog.

Embrace Your Unconventional Ideas:
Sam Parr, the fearless force behind The Hustle, dared to challenge the traditional boundaries of business journalism. Armed with a fresh perspective and a knack for captivating storytelling, he reinvented the newsletter industry. By focusing on entertaining and informative content delivered directly to readers’ inboxes, Parr revolutionized how businesses engage with their audiences. The lesson here is to trust your instincts, even if they lead you to unconventional ideas. Embrace your unique vision and let it guide your creative endeavors.
Solve Problems and Provide Value:
Shaan Puri, the mastermind behind Bebo and the Milk Road, identified a common pain point—networking fatigue—and developed a solution. His app connected professionals through spontaneous, serendipitous audio conversations, offering a refreshing alternative to the tired LinkedIn message exchange. By addressing a genuine problem and providing genuine value, Puri built a loyal user base and ultimately sold the app. The key takeaway is to focus on problem-solving and providing tangible value to your target audience. Identify their pain points and craft solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Persistence and Perseverance:
Both Parr and Puri experienced their fair share of setbacks. Parr’s early entrepreneurial ventures were met with failure, and Puri weathered the storm of multiple unsuccessful projects. Yet, they never allowed these setbacks to dampen their spirits. Instead, they harnessed the power of persistence and resilience, learning from their mistakes and continuously pushing forward. Remember, success rarely comes without obstacles. Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience and maintain unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity.
Authenticity is Your Superpower:
One of the key ingredients that made My First Million podcast an instant hit was the hosts’ unfiltered authenticity. Parr and Puri brought their true selves to the microphone, sharing personal anecdotes, failures, and successes with unwavering transparency. This raw authenticity resonated deeply with their audience, fostering trust and a sense of community. When creating your own content, whether it’s a newsletter, podcast, or blog, embrace your authenticity. Be genuine, vulnerable, and relatable, as that is where true connections are formed.
Build a Strong Network:
Throughout their entrepreneurial journeys, Parr and Puri recognized the immense power of building meaningful connections. They actively sought out mentors, advisors, and like-minded individuals who could offer guidance and support. Networking played a pivotal role in their successes, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and growth. Remember, your network is your net worth. Cultivate relationships, surround yourself with driven individuals, and leverage the power of collective intelligence.

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, Sam Parr and Shaan Puri have emerged as beacons of wisdom and inspiration. Their remarkable journeys, from humble beginnings to selling their businesses, offer invaluable lessons to those venturing into the realm of newsletters, podcasts, and blogs. Embrace your passion, think outside the box, solve problems, persist through challenges, embrace authenticity, and build a strong network. By embodying these principles, you too can embark on a transformative entrepreneurial journey.

The Bottom Line: An Indelible Mark on the Entrepreneurial Landscape

Sam Parr’s story teaches us that unconventional ideas have the power to disrupt industries. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo and follow your unique vision. Shaan Puri’s experience reminds us of the importance of identifying and addressing genuine pain points. Seek to provide value and solve real problems faced by your target audience.

Persistence and perseverance are vital virtues in the face of adversity. Both hosts encountered setbacks, but they never gave up. Learn from your failures, adapt, and keep pushing forward. Authenticity is your superpower. Share your true self and stories with your audience. It builds trust and fosters genuine connections.

Lastly, recognize the power of networking. Surround yourself with mentors, advisors, and like-minded individuals who can support your journey. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing can propel you towards success.

Sam Parr and Shaan Puri have left an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape through their ventures and My First Million podcast. Their experiences offer a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights that can be applied to newsletters, podcasts, and blogs. Embrace their lessons, seize opportunities, and embark on your own extraordinary journey towards realizing your dreams.