Over the past 3 years, I’ve grown my email list to 35,000 readers.
It’s the most important part of my business.
But my biggest mistake? Wasting so much time on a ‘value’ newsletter.
If you want to grow your brand and business in 2024 and beyond, here’s why you need to avoid this trap:
When I started writing online, I spent almost two years sharing a ‘value’ newsletter.
Each week, I’d spend hours crafting an information-dense emails rich in steps, frameworks, and blueprints.
They felt great because they got plenty of compliments.
But they suck for your brand and business.
Why?
Most people think teaching was the best way to become an authority and get paid.
“If you give enough useful information, eventually people whip out their wallet.”
But it doesn’t work like that.
Why?
First, everyone is creating ‘advice’ content. It’s useful but unremarkable. You end up a commodity in a crowded market—a terrible position for business.
My favourite resource on understanding human behaviour:
“The Psychology of Human Misjudgement” by Charlie Munger.
There’s a reason Warren Buffett called his business partner the smartest man he knew.
Here’s a breakdown of the 25 psychological biases he shares:
1) Reward and Punishment Superresponse Tendency
Never underestimate the power of incentives. People will do crazy things to avoid pain or achieve gain.
“If you want ants to come, you put sugar on the floor.”
2) Liking/Loving Tendency
People will give you 100x more leeway in business and life if you’re likeable. This is why reputation is so important. It’s like the engine of your car. You can’t see it, but it’s the driving force behind all results.
I discovered it when I was diagnosed with a neurological tumour and a broken neck. Since then, every great outcome in my life has stemmed from the Stoic’s ideas.
Here are the 7 most powerful:
Don’t aim for happiness.
Most people are unhappy because they base their happiness on externalities. The Stoics instead for ‘Eudaimonia’—a deep-seated joy when living according to virtue:
• Justice
• Wisdom
• Courage
• Temperance
The dichotomy of control.
The more you chase things outside your control, the less control you have.