3X Founder (8-figures, 7-figures, and a flop) Alum: Teachable, Fullscreen, Reelio Current: Partnerships @ Nift Side Projects: https://nitter.gq/t.co/xZTsX5ldAB and https://nitter.gq/t.co/EXIqeWovZI
New York, NY
Joined January 2012
- Tweets4K
- Following469
- Followers593
- Likes2.8K
Pinned Tweet
I made $159,012.16 *on the side* last year.
I did it without leaving my W2 (I love my job) or interfering with the work that I do there.
When I first got interested in side hustles, I had a hard time figuring out where to start.
I know others feel that same frustration 🧵👇
Mark Willis Borum retweeted
The biggest difference between the “haves” and the “have nots”.
The “haves” are taking action. The “have nots” aren’t.
Action is the great divider between the life you want and the life you get.
Mark Willis Borum retweeted
Stop trying to achieve work / life balance.
Balance assumes everything is given equal distribution.
Instead focus on prioritization.
What takes priority? When?
Family? Work? Health?
Focusing your efforts on your priority at that moment, will give the outcome you want.
Mark Willis Borum retweeted
How to build a cash-flowing internet business in 2024 with 13 steps:
(i don't know how long this playbook lasts but it works now so here it is)
1. find a growing subreddit with less than 75k members
2. use AI to figure out their biggest problems
3. sort problems by how easy it is to create an MVP
4. create short form video to build audience on 1 platform
5. convert audience to private community or lead magnets
6. build product with no-code/ai in 30 days or less
7. use AI to build creative/landing pages that speak to the subreddit (@DesignScientist)
8. sell product to audience (waitlist only at first)
9. use profits to fund PPC (@imboringads) and AI-assisted SEO (@boringmarketer)
10. make mvp more defensible
11. raising vc is optional
12. throw irl events, make people love the brand
13. retire on a beach, acquire a sister brand or do this blueprint again.
50 hours on the toilet???
This stunt launched a multi-million dollar business you've likely never heard of.
In 2012, armed with nothing but a vision for global sanitation and a crowdfunding campaign, Simon Griffiths sat on a toilet for 50 hours.
His reason?
Launch his company, Who Gives A Crap, with a bang.
So, he livestreamed himself sitting on the toilet and wouldn't move until he hit his Indiegogo target of $500K in funding to create an eco-conscious toilet paper with a global mission.
I'll be honest about 50 minutes in and my legs would be jell-o.
But, Griffiths didn't just talk sh*t, he put his money where his mouth was.
And, the brand became more than a marketing story due to their ideals.
Who Gives A Grap is focused on two things:
1. Environmental sustainability:
↳ Products are made from environmentally friendly materials, such as bamboo and recycled paper, rather than virgin wood pulp.
2. Build toilets & improve sanitation:
↳ 50% of all sales go to aid in the sanitation crisis that plagues more than 2.4 Billion people who don't have access to a toilet.
And, that's allowed them to build a tribe of users who continue to help the company grow.
He bootstrapped the company for 9 years to more than $20M in profits and a recent capital infusion of $41.5M to further his global mission.
What is that mission?
Sell enough toilet paper to drive billions of dollars in donations to ensure everyone has access to clean water and sanitation.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:
1. Mission alignment matters:
↳ Build for the greater good and there will be people who can get behind that vision.
2. Identify your marketing moment:
↳ You may not need to sit on a toilet for 50 hours, but think through what allows you to stand out in a sea of noise.
3. Validate before investing:
↳ There were more than 2.5M rolls of toilet paper pre-sold and $500K raised in his Indiegogo campaign.
4. Be Bold, Stay Patient:
↳ Dare to challenge the status quo. Swing for the fences. But, also realize it's a marathon, not a sprint.
So whatever you're investing yourself into, remember it’s not just about what you make, but what you make possible.
Mark Willis Borum retweeted
🚨 It’s Annual Planning season.
And I’m giving away all my custom templates.
They’ve helped me:
+ Grow and sell @ampush for 8-figs
+ Build up a $1B venture studio
+ Scale scores of startups as an angel
RT + Reply with the word BOOTSTRAP…and I'll send them your way.
Mark Willis Borum retweeted
Over the past 4 months, I've made over $320,000 selling one digital product.
I made a full video course breaking down the salespage copywriting strategies.
If you'd like it for free, just:
• RT
• Comment 'copy'
And I'll DM.
(30 hours only - must be following for DM 🥂)
If you read one piece of networking advice today, let it be this:
Be a value add.
The world is full of takers.
Let me pick your brain.
Time for coffee?
I get it. We've all been there.
This doesn't mean don't ask.
But...
If you want someone's attention.
If you want them to actually get involved.
Don't ask... offer.
Offer them:
- Insights
- Connections
- A sense of humor
- Attention to content
- Payment for their work
You don't have to give everything.
Just something.
The more you give, the more you get.
Building an audience is like building the pyramids.
One block at a time.
Stop trying to go “viral” and build meaningful relationships with the people around you.
Mark Willis Borum retweeted
''YouTubers are just obnoxious kids with cameras doing pranks... right?''
A while ago I talked about working with a creator that had:
- 7.5 million YouTube subscribers
- 2.6 billion views
- Millions in revenue per year
- 60+ employees across the content
- Constructing a 8,000 sq foot studio
All at the age of….. wait for it...
21.
How did we get here?
When I was 21... I had just hit 100k subscribers on one of my channels (and thought I was a genius).
How did we go from kids in their bedrooms shooting videos in 480p and editing on windows movie maker….
To, let's call a spade a spade, literal empire building.
Well… I could give you my take… but let’s just ask the creator himself @Eystreem
Here’s 6 questions to figure out how a kid built an empire.
1. How old were you when you started? When did you break 6 figures and how did it feel?
Started making videos at 6 years old, and started posting Minecraft content at 10 in 2012. It took a long time for me to reach the first six figures, annually; I think 2019?
After making nothing for the first 7 years! It was really surreal, and a true blessing from God.
2. What’s your biggest lesson around building a business and structure around you?
People often say the difference between a business owner and entrepreneur is if the business can run without you; and that is the goal.
However, most forget you’ll never get there without you first being the key driver, and for a long, hard time too.
If you try to leapfrog the business owner stage too early, everything will crumble.
3. What’s your biggest lesson around hiring?
Hire the right traits. These are the eight traits found in every high performing team member:
Grit, Relentless resourcefulness, Optimism, Constant Learning, Not being a jerk, Fun to work with, Growth Mindset, Accountability.
4. How?! Like how are you balancing this all at such a young age? How did you learn all this?
Putting smiles on children’s faces and providing jobs that my team members love is the purpose God has given my life.
I cannot do it in my own strength, and when I try, I fail. When I live his plan for my life all things are possible.
5. What was the key thing you learned during our work together?
Audience Satisfaction > Any Numerical Metric. I used to be obsessed with the numbers. Now I’m obsessed with the process and the joy that our videos will bring.
6. Do you want to keep going or do you have an exit plan?
Our goal is to continue to expand and build an ecosystem of creators that can work together with unmatched unification, efficiency and commitment.
Already, my team @spawnpointmedia have launched 3 new successful channels in the last 2 years that run independently of EYstreem (me).
—
Having this focus and ability at 21 is honestly staggering.
The new generation of creators are a whole new level.
Hit me with a follow @PaddyG96 - I work with creators doing close to 1 billion views per month and share tips and stories around YouTube strategy!
Also… if you want to tip me for my work just Like and RT this post.
Wanna create content that people want to read? Use this prompt to yourself:
"If I could talk to myself from 2/3/5 years ago, what advice what I give?"
A large percentage of my posts are to my younger self.
Reminding me of what it's like to start a business and to build something for myself.
For example -
- Wanna write better? Here are tips, hooks, etc.
- Wanna sell better? Here's how to email, DM, network, ask for the sale, etc.
- Wanna keep going? Here's the mindset to not give up, etc.
It allows me to target the right clients...
me 2/3/5 years ago.
Try it yourself.
The secret behind $142,000 course launch.
Why is it that some Creators can build an audience, but can't build a business?
Meanwhile, others, like @ItsKieranDrew, are able to convert likes to $$$.
Kieran's landing page made all the difference. Let's dig in 🧵...
TL;DR
I've seen Creators with massive audiences flop and those with no social presence succeed.
How you craft your sales page matters.
• Urgency
• Agitation
• Credibility
• Relatability
• Offer Stacking
• Personal Guarantee
If you like stories on making money, side hustles. and entrepreneurship follow @MarkWi11is for more
Retweet here so more people can find this 👇
The secret behind $142,000 course launch.
Why is it that some Creators can build an audience, but can't build a business?
Meanwhile, others, like @ItsKieranDrew, are able to convert likes to $$$.
Kieran's landing page made all the difference. Let's dig in 🧵...