Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category
How I Got Where I Am Today
Before I Get To My Public Speech, A Quick Recap
I am living proof that you don’t need to be a genius to make it. I am proof that all it takes is a constant burning desire to succeed to get somewhere. See, I’ve had this problem for the last six months, and it’s hitting me harder than a fucking rock. I don’t know if it’s my fixation of fixing myself, or if it’s a disease? Ever since I ended things with my ex Stella (first true love), I have had absolutely no care in the world for women. It’s almost if women are just a bare necessity to get by lately, is that wrong? I can’t stand the fact of starting over right now, trying to find a woman, trying to fill that void is just to much work right now, it’s too god damned hard… I have this dirty obsession, of becoming so big, I want to make a change, I want to be a man of value, a man of character, I want to die wise. I sometimes look at myself from the outside, and ask myself is this an unnatural obsession? Everyone else talks about partying, women, college, traveling, whatever… I think to myself, I must blow this business up, to invest into the next, so then I can build my ultimate Real Estate empire.
Whenever I am hanging out with a girl, sex barely goes through my mind, barely… Talking to a girl frightens me lately, nothing of importance or relevance to our current situation even comes out of my mouth. The only thoughts running through my mind are one of these; a) Money, b) Business, c) Success, d) Value (my value), e) All of the above. It’s actually been very damaging to me even trying to build a relationship with a women, so this is my ending clause; I retire from trying to continue anything of any value with any woman until I am satisfied with my own success. This may seem weird or odd, but the simple fact remains is that I cannot seem to care or focus on women, because the only thoughts in my mind are my businesses.
Back to the opening statement of this blog– “I am living proof that you don’t need to be a genius to make it.” You want to know why I am living proof, is because for one, I absolutely know I am far from a genius, I’m smart, but not super smart. With my constant drive, and positive thoughts of how well things will be, and how well things will go, I keep seeing this weekly change, and I mean every week I see something newer and better happening. Okay, I will backtrack for a minute. December, I raised two new investors in the nick of fucking time. I landed a video interview on Mixergy.com w/ Andrew Warner via Saad Milak. Andrew Warner opened up the doors to more exposure for me, landed me two other interviews with some other online magazines such as JuniorBiz.com. Which then led me to this blog article on me, which led me to push my book even harder than I already was. Your Hidden Potential actually inspired me to write my book faster, and to get it published quicker due to the feedback I saw from his readers. I am now 4 months away from publishing my first book Young & Stupid: How I Made And Lost Millions, which will actually land in brick and mortar stores, and online at Amazon.com.
All of this came from my pinnacle blogs I wrote back in November because I wanted to let it all out, and oh boy did I let it all out, I told everyone how I made millions, how foolishly I spent it and lost it, and how depressed I became. And oh boy was I depressed, want to know one of the biggest challenges you go through mentally when being at the top and losing at all? Mental stability of my security. I was once a man who could do and control anything I wanted, I became so insecure with myself, like not having money meant not being a man. So insecure, I pushed the girl I was in love with away. Pathetic right, it’s all mental though, and I’ve learned that. My pinnacle articles I then followed with this blog post; Seeking An Investor From $75k to $300k attached with my bio and an executive summary.
My e-mail box and facebook inbox blew the fuck up. I had 7 people looking at my deal, and probably 3 more looking for investors for me. Oh sure, I thought a lot of it was talk, but I always go with the flow, I always stay positive, kept in touch, and followed up with phone calls. I repeated on the phone maybe 10 times what beModel is, how it’s going to make it’s money, just pitching my idea left and right to these people who found me from my blog! I closed within a few weeks with two local investors who in fact found me from my blog, you two know who you are, and don’t worry, you two are in great hands. Amazing hands at that, I am about to make you and myself uber rich. I raised $125k via my blog. Impressive to say the least. Am I genius, or am I just a man with a goal, an intensely strong will, and a cute blog? I’m an ordinary man with extraordinary visions and reach. The point is, I wanted it so bad (The Secret in motion once again), and it happened, once again.
All of these events, all of these moments, all of my continuous persistence, inevitably led to this upcoming moment. (Law Of Attraction explains all of this)
My First Public Speech
Yes, inevitably led to my first public speech. What’s the big deal? Besides being my first public speech in front of 300 people, being flown to Washington D.C. w/ paid hotel, flight, and event access for the entire 4 days, I’d like to say it’s another stepping stone for the entire spectrum of my success. The event is Yanik’s Underground Online Seminar, event access is just $3,000. Yup, that’s right, if you want to attend this event, you have to fork over $3,000. Of course it’s absolutely worth it, it’s networking with millionaires, genius’ of all kinds in the internet business, and trade secrets you couldn’t learn elsewhere, last year the owner of GoDaddy.com spoke at this event. I just so happened to land the pre-day speaking event on March 11th, where I have to give a presentation for 45 minutes on my story, my entrepreneurship, and my experience with the internet. It’s meant to be an inspirational, motivational type speech, and I am actually quite nervous because I have never done a public speech in front of 300 – 500 people, let alone more than a few people? I actually wouldn’t mind hearing some feedback or advice from you guys on public speaking tips, if anyone has any. Go ahead and check out the details of this event here: Yanik’s Underground Online Seminar, if you scroll to the bottom, you’ll see me as one of the pre-day speakers.
I do know I have an interesting story to tell considering I’ve always been an internet guy, I know my way around the net, and I have a wide variety of knowledge in the internet world, I’ve made millions, lost millions, raised capital, and have built various types of websites, and done every form of advertising their is. I just need to make sure I convey the message inspirationally to the crowd with life. Wish me luck.
My Entrepreneurship
I’ve always been a man of honesty, a man of honest ethics, and honest morals. I bend the rules when needed, but never step on anyone. Well I guess in business, you’re always stepping on someone in the end. Taking business from someone else, and becoming the giant. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, entrepreneurship defines my number one characteristic, if singing or painting is the characteristic that defines you, entrepreneurship is what defines me, everything else comes after. Succeeding makes me happy, success makes my heart glow, reaching gives me that intensely strong will to pursue. Building companies, thinking of new ideas, raising capital, is what I crave. I am about to launch something new and revolutionary, I am going to make my investors incredibly rich, including myself. I’ve never felt a year like this one, 2010 has really had an incredible impact on me, It’s almost March 1st (about 2 months into the new year), and so much has accomplished, and so many stepping stones of been surpassed beyond measure. Alignment is in my favor this year, and it’s proven itself time and time again just this year. I am telling everyone right now, if nothing is going your way, turn it around right now, stop using dirty excuses, we all have excuses, all of us. I am telling you right now, it’s the burning desire and action you take on your burning desire to succeed that will take you beyond incapable and unexplainable measures. You will be saying to yourself how did this happen, how did I, Me, Myself land this position or opportunity… It’s clear to me, I don’t even need to ask it anymore, I know how I landed it, I know why, it’s because I deserve it.
You know your incredibly talented friend(s) who should be famous and rich for their abilities? Ask yourself, how come they aren’t? They are constantly drowning(being negative) themselves, and don’t think they deserve it, and don’t act on any desire they may have.
It’s time to step it up people. Pull out a piece of paper, and write your todo list, prioritize it, and get going. You want out of that 9-5, believe you can do it, and then actually act on it. I have faith in you.
Love,
Andrew Fashion
The Renovatio Has Been Born
A lot of you may not understand what I am about to say, but I have been reborn, literally. It may sound cheesy, it may sound cliche, it may sound invalid, but I have been. Why? Well I hit a point back in November 2009, where I told my self fuck this, it’s time to progress. Progression is changing, I told myself 2010 is the year for the Renovatio. Renovatio is latin for rebirth, and it’s more of just a word to remind me of who I am and what I can do, that I can pick myself back up, that I will pick myself back up. And surprisingly enough, minutes later, I raised $125,000 dollars for my company beModel.com. Literally a week before the new year.
January 1st I started my diet, and I have been on it perfectly since, I started P90X just a few weeks ago, yes I know you can’t see the results in the photo above, but don’t worry, you will soon! I was bloated that day, haha.
As you can tell, I got my first two tattoos just a few days ago, both in the same day, took about four hours.
My chest reads:
The Renovatio
My forearm reads:
a superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions
Now here’s even better news, things just seem to be getting better and better. The new beModel is going to be up even sooner than expected, months sooner, instead of 6 months, were looking at 2 – 4 months now. Along with every single feature set Jamie and I wanted to implement into the system, so all I can say is that January has been a fucking amazing month.
I am also having my book published in June, that’s even more amazing news. The book will be done within a few months, and I will be sending out the revised manuscripts to close friends, and people who are legitimately interested in giving me feedback on the book can get a copy of the manuscript. I’ll go ahead and show you the book, because my blog readers deserve to see a sneak peak.
If you are interested in being notified of the book release, please go to my book websites @ Young & Stupid: How I Made & Lost 2.5 Million Dollars and subscribe! The book will be on Amazon.com and in stores nationwide.
I don’t mess around when it comes to getting shit done. Like I said, this is the year of the Renovatio. People, please don’t give up, don’t lose hope, if I can do it, you can do it. Stop dreaming, and reach for it.
Love,
Andrew Fashion
My Book Young & Stupid In Just 4 Months!
So I have been working my ass off on my book, I got really inspired to finally get my book going, and I have some great news.
My book is going to be finished within 5 months or less!
The book title is “Young & Stupid: How I Made & Lost 2.5 Million Dollars” or it might even be “Young & Stupid: An Autobiography Of Andrew Fashion.” I still haven’t decided on the tagline, so any suggestions I am open for. I currently have some connections to some potential real publishers, but I am still seeking an agent or publisher.
If I don’t find one, I will figure out a way to self publish this book myself 
I really wish I could show you the new cover, it’s so fucking gangster looking. The book is a story of my life, from the beginning till now, where my drive came from, what inspired me, and how I made all of my money, my life experiences, and how I lost all of my money. And how I am currently on my way back to the top. It’s to inspire, motivate, and give people ideas that you could easily do it too, and it’s just overall kind of a fun story, at least I think so Everything in the book is absolutely 100% true, and I tell everything, every single detail of what I did and how it was done, etc…
To give you an idea of some of the chapter outlines, these will most definitely be changing as well, but just an idea, and I am expecting around having a 150 page standard size book. Chapter breakdown:
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Beginning
Chapter 2: Computers, Internet, & Video Games
Chapter 3: IS2S; I Skate 2 Skate
Chapter 4: Why I Dropped Out Of Highschool
Chapter 5: Living Alone At Age 17
Intermission Part One
Chapter 6: How I Made 2 Million At Age 18
Chapter 7: My First Love
Chapter 8: You Don’t Have To Be A Genius
Chapter 9: The Birth Of Andrew Fashion
Intermission Part Two
Chapter 10: How I Lost It All
Chapter 11: My Depression
Chapter 12: Rising To The Top
Intermission Part Three
BE PREPARED FOR JUNE this summer!
Let me know your feedback everyone, suggestions, or anything is strongly appreciated as I am writing the book, and editing right now
SO LET ME KNOW!
Dirty Envy
I guess this is something worth sharing. One of my best friends from elementary school has just enrolled into the military about a year ago. He has always wanted to be successful like I was, and make money like I did. He has always wanted to do projects with me, and so forth. Of course there wasn’t, and not much I could really do since most people don’t do what I do on the internet. Everyone I know wants to be like me because of what I have done, they think they can just hop on board, and just start making money from the internet. I am not trying to be cocky or flatter myself, but it’s something I have noticed from most individuals that approach me with an idea. (Anyone can do anything, I am just saying people that I know always pitch an idea like I want to build a website with you, let’s do it!)
Now that my old friend is in the military, he’s bigger, he is more arrogant and cocky than ever, and basically has his head up his ass. He has always been a mean person inside actually, but this just made him even more mean now. I know they say the military changes people, but not for the better apparently. It’s hard for me to respect someone who uses the military as a crutch, and he constantly uses it against me saying he is a “better” person, and that I have done nothing with my life except FAIL? Now just a few days before he had to depart to Afghanistan, and right after our GET RICH and move to Los Angeles dreams, he found out he got his girlfriend pregnant. Now they are married. (Now I am sorry, I can understand where some of his anger comes from) Well let’s recap the conversation he had with my friend Jamie Jones about me.
Okay, let me explain how the positive like myself think, and how the 9-5 negative think. A few notes before I explain what is going on here. Before he departed to Afghanistan, we hung out back in March, so about 9 months ago. He constantly said when he gets back he will have a lot of money, and he wants to start a company and invest together, and I said Okay, deal.” We were pretty close friends, but we have definitely had our share of bumps in the road with women. Not really small bumps either. But, we just let bygones be bygones. Over the course of the next 9 months he would casually call me and Facebook chat me from Afghanistan throughout the months, just chit chatting back and forth about life, investing, and how everything is out there.
Anyways, let’s get into this conversation so I can explain my side…
So finally, around Jaunary 1st, maybe a little earlier, he decided to start being a dick to me, out of nowhere. And on January 7th, he had this conversation with Jamie.
*1. This one is simple… “this kid has turned str8 bitch.” Okay so maybe I am sick of his pessimistic bullshit chats on Facebook about being realistic in life, and his arrogant attitude towards me, so yes, I stopped talking to him as much, and was short with him. Naturally this is what happens when someone starts to constantly be a negative asshole towards you. So “Name Hidden”, get a grip, and stop thinking you’re tough shit because you can throw grenades and shoot rocket launchers.
*2. “Rich ideas” huh? What is wrong with rich ideas? What is wrong with ideas of becoming successful. Sounds like we have a classic case of hypocrisy. I could of sworn 9 months ago, he was all about getting rich and moving to LA with me. Weird.
*3. Never worked a hard day in my life? Oh just because I didn’t go through boot camp like him, or work a landscaping job, I haven’t worked hard? I know that’s how he’s looking at it. There is two different working systems in America, working harder physically, or working smarter. I prefer to work smarter. Who built every single website for this kid to try and help him make money? I did? Who loaned him $2,000 for rent (yet to be paid back), who bought him a car to use for 6 months to help him out? I did. Never worked a hard day in my life? I have sat in front of the computer 1000x more hours than you learning how to program and build websites while you sat on your ass and played World of Warcraft, and logged over 100 days of play time. Once again, get a fucking grip.
*4. How many times have I failed? How much money have I blown? You’re absolutely right? “I didn’t fail the test, I just found 100 ways to do it wrong” — Benjamin Franklin bitch. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” — Colin Powell. He is trying to tell me to give up because I have failed? Okay, that sounds logical, let me go find a cardboard box real quick. The money part is absolutely correct, I blown millions, want to read the story on how and why? Young & Stupid: How I Lost My Millions. It’s a classic story of making too much money too fast at a young age and not being financially educated.
*5. He then proceeds to attack Jamie because his father has made millions, and then tell him he will “probably fail just like him.” Not only has this kid learned how to throw grenades at enemies, but now he knows how to throw them at his own old best friends, cool. You’re right we could fail, I could fail, I could mess up again. Doesn’t mean I am going to give up. I will never give up, and lose my rich ideas.
I feel bad for you “Name Hidden”, I really do, that’s why I only tried to help you, and was willing to build a company with you. You told me you didn’t know what to do next so you enrolled in the Military like most people do who have no direction. I am not saying there is anything wrong with the Military (well that’s a whole different story), but when you use the Army as a “I am better card” on me, like you have grown up to be some super-god, you can go fuck yourself. You are no better than anyone, nor did the Army make you a better person. Your last resort was this, and when you found out you got your girlfriend pregnant, and now having a kid. It probably didn’t help your dreams of investing with me and going to LA. Now you’re stuck in Afghanistan throwing grenades, while you see me doing something that you wanted to be apart of. You did this to yourself, don’t fucking throw it on me.
I don’t usually like being an asshole, and most people know me to be to nice, but this is the last time I’ll let you belittle me like this. The only reason I responded to this conversation is to hopefully help you out, and show people how negative 9-5 workers are willing to give up so easy on their dreams. Entrepreneurs never give up.
This actually inspires me to see that I have a hater, and how he thinks I’ll fail
A Great Quote
I’ve known of this quote for quite sometime, and it’s actually something I don’t do to well myself, but I am working on! I have a habit of talking a lot and helping people, and revealing my secrets way to easily. You have to be careful, and NOT DO THAT
There are two rules for success: 1) Never tell everything you know. — Roger H. Lincoln
2010: Hit The Ground Running
Quick Recap
2009 was an incredibly tough year for me, and probably for a lot of other people as well. I know I’ve posted a bit on what happened, kind of… I am not sure if I laid out any of the details of 2009, but it was really rough, and still is a little rough. Things are starting to look very good though, 2010 will definitely be the year of all years, this will be the year of The Renovatio. The funny thing is, my team can’t start till literally Jan 1st of 2010.
2009 was my breaking point. 2009 was the year I lost control, and almost lost everything, I practically did lose everything. I lost the girl and only girl I have ever fell in love with, I lost all of my cars, I lost all of my money, I was seconds away from declaring bankruptcy, and almost lost my house. Not to mention the loads of debt and stress I gained. I went through a mental breakdown, literally. It tore me up. I never really gave up on my dreams and goals, it just fucked with me emotionally for quite some time.
Right after all of this, I actually got screwed over by another girl just moments before all of this too. After I lost the girl I was in love with, I ran into another girl just recently, and actually really started to like this girl. It’s funny how shit happens, seriously, it’s fucking just funny. I guess funny is the only word I can honestly think of to explain how things just happen so randomly. You know what they say, when you aren’t looking, that’s when they pop up, and it’s so fucking true. The girl I fell in love with I ran into immediately after moving back from Los Angeles, and just shortly after losing her, I ran into the new girl I just recently lost. When I say lost, I broke up with them for whatever dumb reason I felt like breaking up with them. Anyways, the recent girl…
She was sleeping with me and talking to my friends behind my back. Yes, I said friend(s); plural. I’m not going to lie, I really did like this girl, and I will admit, I have trust issues with everything I have seen and experienced. She tried to pull the “it’s okay to talk to your friends, they are YOUR friends” card on me. “Oh ya? Behind my back, and you won’t even show me what you’re saying” I said. Immediately followed by “You have to trust me, I’m not a bad person.” I immediately jump to the obvious conclusion, and just the other day found out she did end up hooking up with him.
Leads to me to the conclusion:
You cannot trust anyone.
It’s so true, it really is. Personal, business, and even family. You must always keep your guard up. I have always been to nice of a person, over trusting (until recently). Like I said, and will always continue to say; I have seen, and experienced so much from the losses, the pain, and everything associated with these events.
People are dirty, and they’re are a ton of haters out there. I’m getting notoriously good at filtering out the bad, and only seeing the good. I can legitimately think of at least five haters who are pretending to be nice and like me, but trust me I know what they are really saying. You know who you are.
Hit The Ground Running
It’s funny, once again, it really is. I’ve lost it all, everything I once had. Everything is gone. I have a hard time even communicating with other women ever since losing the last two I was with. It’s like they pretty much broke me, and it’s like I am almost incapable of trying to even meet other woman. I just cannot meet other women, I can’t get phone numbers, I can’t get dates, I can’t get anything related to a woman right now. They all think I am unattractive right now or something?
It’s like a test, at least I like to think so. I have been striving to get back to the top, and raise this money. But with this test comes with a contingency; no women. Which is 100% fine. I am ready for this test. At the peak of everything, the peak of losing it all, my life has changed, for the better.
My reach for the top is in my hand, now I just have to utilize it right to get back there. I’ve raised $145k total now. This is it, this is my way to make millions once again. 2010 will be the year, the fucking year of The Renovatio, I will grow beyond any measure imaginable. An unstoppable force is near, success is seriously seconds away. Los Angeles, my new house, my island, true love, is only minutes away. I am so close, all I can focus on is getting to San Francisco to work with our Senior Art Director to get this project going, but I can’t get out there till Jan 1st. Jan 1st 2010 is the day, the beginning of a rebirth. I will take $145k and turn it into millions for all of my investors.
Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved. – William Jennings Bryan, 1860-1925
PS. All of my blogs are off the top of my head, I blog from the heart, and what I feel. It’s personal, it’s mine, and I am here to share the journey with you on my path to millions. Thank you for reading and subscribing, feedback is appreciated, please comment below.
Amazing Music: Deliver Me
See, I don’t consider myself to be religious, but I do consider myself to be a believer. I believe that I create my destiny, I believe there is an invisible force that pushes me, I believe there is something, I just don’t know what I believe “exactly.” I do love the lyrics of this song though. I like to think the one that is pulling me through is the “call it whatever you want” inside of me, rather then Jesus or God.
I am a man driven by things such as happy people, successful people, driven people, motivational music, inspiring music, beautiful things, etc…
This is definitely inspiring music to me. I know it’s slow, but slow songs like this really push me. Maybe a few of you out there feel the same way I do about music, and maybe this might push you, or maybe it’ll make some of you sad. But let me know if this song is just sad to you, or inspiring.
Deliver me, out of my sadness
Deliver me, from all of the madness
Deliver me, courage to guide me
Deliver me, strength from inside meAll of my life I’ve been in hiding
Wishing there was someone just like you
Now that you’re here, now that I’ve found you
I know that you’re the one to pull me throughDeliver me, loving and caring
Deliver me, giving and sharing
Deliver me, the cross that I’m bearingAll of my life I was in hiding
Wishing there was someone just like you
Now that you’re here, now that I’ve found you
I know that you’re the one to pull me throughDeliver me
Deliver me
Oh deliver meAll of my life I was in hiding
Wishing there was someone just like you
Now that you’re here, now that I’ve found you
I know that you’re the one to pull me throughDeliver me
Oh deliver me
Won’t you deliver me
Preparing, Planning, Goals
I know I have already posted something similar to this, but I want to remind myself and others about my to-do list, my goals, my plans. I have already hit a great majority of them as well, which is very inspiring to me.
It was actually really weird, I opened my notebook I always dabble my life goals, short term plans, long term plans, etc… I have always been someone to write my plans and goals down, always. And I always map out or try to map out as well as I can to get my short-term and long-term goals.
For example, today, I looked at my 1 year long term goal to accomplish by next winter, and I already have nailed two of the big ones that will let me achieve my 1 year goal. My 1 year goal was to be back in LA with a beModel Investor on board, and have my house sold. I already have the investor, two of them now, and some other small things in their done leading to the sale of my house. It’s like I write and think out my own future, it’s awesome.
Just so I don’t spill the entire list right now, I’ll tell you my goals for the next year or two.
The goals for now 
- Start the beModel Development ASAP
- Launch the new amazing beModel Website
- Start bringing a positive return within 12 months of launch.
- Sell my house and cash out a little bit if possible in the current market (which; recent sales prove to be)
- Be in LA before next winter
- Buy a new house in LA
- Invest in some commercial real estate
Quote Of The Week
This quote is so very true, I have learned this time and time again. I am still working on this myself, but it’s a must you have to work on, and I know this myself, and I am still working on it. Don’t let your anger control what comes out of your mouth, ever.
Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret. – Laurence J. Peter, 1919-1988
6 Ways To Become An Entrepreneur
Okay so lately, the entrepreneur has been streaming out of me, things have been on fire lately. Life is getting better, things are starting to get better. More money is flowing my way, problems are being solved, etc… I feel like the entrepreneur in me is really starting to shine, haha. I have always been stubborn, and have not had a real job once since I moved out at the age of 17. My first job was doing PHP at age 16 for a local company, my second job was working as a cashier at Micro Center, and I will never have a job again, ever. So technically, in my eyes, I haven’t really had a job, I wasn’t even on my own at age 16… I am just going to give some advice on what I believe will bring the entrepreneur out in anyone, regardless if you have a full time job or not, you have got to work on this stuff, especially if you want to stop making the company you are working for, richer. While you are getting paid hourly, you’re potentially making the owner have more time to spend with his family, and millions of dollars. You need to flip it around, and be the one hiring, so you have time to spend with your family, and make millions.
1. Be Stubborn
I’ve always had the mindset of being stubborn, now I mean this of course, in the most healthy way of being stubborn. You need to be stubborn with yourself, I always have been stubborn with myself. I don’t accept anything less than what I want. I don’t let myself get to any point I don’t want to get to, I force myself to find a way to not have to get a job. I mean, there may be cases where you have to do something, but be stubborn, do what you want, so you can reach the point of what you want. I told myself I wouldn’t settle for less, ever. Be stubborn.
2. Value
You need to understand value, and realize that you can have everything and anything you want. You deserve it, you can have it, it’s all yours. Value yourself, and everything around you, be grateful for what you currently have, and realize you can have anything you want. Life is meant to be in abundance.
3. Think
This is what I do a lot, I sit and I think. I take my time before I do something, I may be ADHD like crazy, but I really plan shit out. I am the kind of guy who needs shit on paper, bullet points, a plan, where I am taking it, how I am going to make money off of it. I plan like crazy. I think of ideas, and I write it down. I spend a lot of time thinking of a logical idea that can make cash. You need to think.
4. Persevere
This is probably one of the most important steps, you have to persevere. This is something I get told I do a lot, I never give up, when it comes to anything, EVER. I am probably the most persistent person I know of. Never give up, ever, come up with an idea? You must constantly talk about it, and push for it. If you’re looking for an investor, don’t give up, you can find one.
5. Dream
This step goes hand in hand with the last step, this step alone is not good enough. You can dream, and most people do. Dreaming is important, dream, my dream is to become a real estate developer and build hotels and casinos, for real. I am going to, I have a plan on how I am going to get there. So definitely have a vision, have a dream, and don’t ever stop dreaming, but in order for your dreams to work. You must…
6. Create
Create. The most important step for dreaming, dreaming is for dreamers, you have to create. Figure out how you can make dreams reality, start with step 1 – 4, and you will create your dreams. I promise you that. Create a way to get where you want.
Hope this helps, as I have been using these 6 steps my entire life. They do me great, and they should do you great too Just remember to be stubborn, value yourself, think a lot, persevere, dream, and then create.
My Video Interview On Mixergy
So, my buddy Saad hooked me up with Andrew Warner at Mixergy.com, and got me an interview with him. He asked me a lot of questions on my past business, and how it happened. Then leading to questions how I lost everything, and what I am doing now. It was definitely interesting, and pretty fun as well. So check out the video interview!
You can also see the interview on Mixergy.com.
Let me know what you think or questions you may have!
How I Raised $95,000 For An Internet Startup Business
Alright guys, today was the day, we closed the deal. We actually have two investors in our company now, the first investor invested $20k, the second investor we just closed with invested $75k. This is the renovatio, the rebirth of beModel.com. Go ahead and check out the video, and below I am going to try and explain, educate, at the best of my knowledge how we raised the capital from $0 to a total of $95,000, with absolutely no business plan.
Where I Started
It’s strongly suggested you find out where I started and where I am at now by reading my blogs in order, my Young & Stupid series, let me give you all of the links:
Young & Stupid: How I Made 2.2 Million
Young & Stupid: How I Lost My Millions
Young & Stupid: How I Plan To Get Rich. Again.
Young & Stupid: The Story Of My Depression
It’s a lot of reading, and some of it might seem almost repetitive, but it’s the best way to find out where I am, so I can tell you where all of my emotion and energy came from. I basically lost it all, and my best friend & partner came up with an idea, beModel.com. We had no money, no one to just give us money, I’ve lost all mine already, haha. So our goal was to raise capital in exchange for equity, and that’s what we did. The first $20k wasn’t as much of a challenge as the 2nd investment, so I will go into detail about our 2nd investment of $75,000.
The First $20,000
I actually describe in a different blog how I raised the initial $20k, you can read the blog here: How beModel Came To Life
The Second $75,000
This was the tough part, after the first initial investment, and the tragedy we went through with the offshore company in India we hired, we were really in for it. We ran out of cash fast, and we need another investor ASAP. With our public launch on May 1st, and the database crash that followed due to security flaws, we lost thousands of users. We knew the only way to get back on track quick, and to fix everything that was done horribly wrong from the offshore company, was another investor. Jamie and I had a vision, I kid you not, we saw and only saw us getting another investor, also known as the Law Of Attraction. I swear to god, if you see it, believe it, and go for it, it’s going to fucking happen. I am fucking living proof, I am not a genius, I am not some sales professional, I am not vocabulary skilled with words during presentations. I am shy, I stutter, I just work through it, and give it my best, my absolute BEST. I am probably like almost any other person, but just more driven than you 
.
Jamie and I back in May, after the DB crash, realized we had to act fast, we acted as fast as we could. We started calling anyone and everyone, talking to our parents, our friends, and trying to find connections to people with money. You absolutely must talk, and talk your idea up, you have too. You ever heard of the elevator speech? Come up with one, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but you have to believe in your idea. Jamie and I were kings at talking our idea up, kings. beModel.com? What’s that? It’s basically going to be the most innovative social networking platform for networking with photographers and models in the industry, with tools that are just unheard of that will simply revolutionize the industry, and change it for good. Our competitor hasn’t even touched the surface of what is possible. See, the thing about being an entrepreneur, is you have to constantly want it, believe it, talk it, and reach for it. You have to be stubborn, honestly, being an entrepreneur is being stubborn, I can fucking promise you that fact. Every entrepreneur I know, is stubborn. Here is my simple system for how I achieved reaching what we were reaching for.
Step 1: Be lazy; sit and think; visualize; relax and use your brain
Step 2: Being lazy allows you to think, think of an idea, see it, write it down, believe it
Step 3: Unlazy yourself, and create it, hire someone, do it yourself, sell your fucking car if you have to, max your credit cards, fuck it.
Step 4: Get your paperwork ready, see the files that I created for the investors below (no business plan)
Step 5: Talk, push, talk, network, keep networking, ask, find, network, do it.
Building your company from scratch without an investor is a totally different mindset than with one, you must realize this now. If you have the time and skills available NOW to build it all your own, than more power to you. The mindset of an investor is different, you come up with an innovative idea that you believe can make money, and get a shit load of paper work ready, prepare your speech, build a powerpoint presentation, and start networking, not building, but networking.
Let me tell you this right now, Jamie and I networked hardcore, found connections through many friends, met up with many people, a lot of them not interested in the internet business AT ALL, but we didn’t give up. I started my new blog, The Renovatio, and posted my blog seeking investors, and I blew up like wildfire. From that one post, I got 5 inquiries all within a week! I barely get any traffic to my blog! The vision Jamie and I held, the consistency, the perseverance, and determination is what ultimately led us to this point, even though it took eight fucking long months.
You want to raise capital for idea? This is how you do it.
How It Went Down
So, I think maybe our 5th investor meeting, this one was from my blog. Yes only 5 investor meetings, but we had multiple phone calls, referrals, emails, line ups, etc… This was probably our 5th presentation, I wasn’t as nervous presenting our idea anymore. Jamie and I head down to Cherry Creek to his house, we show up at exactly 3:30 PM. Jamie and I walk in, say hello to the guy, introduce ourselves, and I try my hardest to build rapport. Like I said, I am not the most outgoing guy AT FIRST. We sit at his dining table, beautiful house, and I just pull out my laptop. I get straight to the point, and try to sale our idea like no other. At the end of the conversation, I say how much we need. “Our minimum investment to get going is $75k, and a full investment would be $290.” He then proceeds to show interest, like most people do at first. He asked how much equity, return, buyout, etc… At the end of the meeting, it was definitely a positive note, not a NO, not a YES, but we had a feeling he might be interested, but most investors leave you with that feeling anyways… Uncertainty usually. Like a little sense of hope… It’s kind of annoying actually, they leave you feeling like they might want to do it, and then end up not doing it. Jamie and I left this meeting feeling pretty positive. He requested an email with some details on the percentage, milestones, and his buyout.
The First Email I Sent Was This:
It was really nice to finally meet you! Hope this seems lucrative, and beneficial to you, and looking forward to working together
So, a few things, the $75k investment is a perfect start, but I did want to ask for something that would be beneficial if it’s in your budget that is.
MILESTONES
Milestone 1) Design phase, User Interface, Branding
a) Fly to LA to meet with JR and discuss the design in thorough detail
b) Take the design, and convert into CSS/XHTML
Milestone 2) Framework Reconstruction, Database Fix, & Site Development
a) Framework Reconstruction
i) Database reconstruction & fix
ii) Internal/External Site API
b) Hidden for confidentiality.
c) Hidden for confidentiality.
d) Hidden for confidentiality.
e) Hidden for confidentiality.
Milestone 3) Launch & Market
a) Launch the newly reconstructed design
b) Hidden for confidentiality.
c) Hidden for confidentiality.
d) Hidden for confidentiality.
The investment covers the design phase, framework reconstruction, and “Hidden for confidentiality.”
This might be a long stretch, but not included in the minimum investment is the “Hidden for confidentiality,” because we figured we could raise (from the site) the 15-20k to install it later, but it would be ideal if we could get the development process for the “Hidden for confidentiality” started now. Let me know if this is something you are able or willing to do as another milestone investment possibly, for more equity of course. If this is not option, it’s absolutely not a problem or anything that would hold the potential back, would just get things moving faster.
EQUITY & BUYOUT
As far as the equity in the company for $75k, we feel 30% is absolutely fair, and are definitely ready to proceed. As far as a buy out, I believe $75k x 4 = $300k buy out is fair, as well as keeping a 5% equity in the company.
PS. Every single penny is dedicated to beModel, we are not taking any of the money for ourselves, not even $1. I am going to take this to an unexplainable level, and have every bit of confidence in it!
Naturally, I didn’t receive an email right away, actually I didn’t receive anything for two days… So I sent this:
The Second Email I Sent Was This:
I just wanted to let you know Jamie and I are 100% certain this project would be in great hands, we have the entire board of directors set, my 10 years of background in programming and computer background, along with 5 years of experience in SEO and Internet Advertising. My partner Jamie & Prophecy have extensive background in the entertainment industry as well as major connections to market and expand offline to get branding and exposure in places other than just online.
This project would be 100% under our control, and off the ground in less than 1 year. I would offer you a $75k-$100k x 5 buyout = $375k or $500k buy out, along with the remaining 5% equity in the company.
If you are interested in this, the sooner, the better. We will handle the paperwork, the company structure, everything, the finances, the milestones, we will just email/call you with results of how it is coming along weekly/biweekly/monthly, whatever you prefer. I know 100% certain we can get this going, and stomp our competitor within months, breaking the Top Alexa 1000 within 24 months.
If you are not interested, I would greatly appreciate it if you would tell me why you are not? So it can better direct Jamie and I what to do differently with other investors. But I know this tickles you a little, and are curious to see how well we can do, and how much money we can make you without you having to do an “ounce” of lifting. We will bring this to the top, and show you a great positive return on your investment.
Jamie and I would love the pleasure of working with you, seeing that we have quite a few common interests.
I know this might be your first internet startup investment, but I will tell you, if you were to have anybody as partners in this industry, you definitely have the right guys for the job. Not only am I experienced in making money online, we are both in the industry of photography, fashion, and women. We know what needs to be fixed, done, improved, and what will be revolutionary, and what will change the industry. It’s surprisingly a big niche that can easily be dominated.
I have attached the presentation, expenses, executive summary, the press release, projections, and the powerpoint to refresh your memory on the project, sorry I didn’t leave you paper copies.
The Board
Nick Krut -- Lead Developer; proficient in all web technologies
Elder jR -- Lead Art Director & Designer
Andrew Thompson -- CEO, Manager, Visionary, Internet Advertising & Internet Marketing
Jamie Jones -- CEO, Visionary, Offline Branding
Prophecy Onasis -- Initial Investor, Offline Branding
Milestones
Milestone 1 -- Design UI
Milestone 2 -- Development
Milestone 3 -- Launch & Market
Milestone 4 -- Add Innovative Technologies
This email must of been the one that got to him, because after all of our long hard work, he replied with this:
Ron replied with this:
Got your note. See below and let me know. I like your idea, and lets do it.
Terms:
1 $10k now, to get going.
2. $35k when legal, company docs are done, accepted by all, and signed.
3. $30k when you say “go” on google/internet advertising and other advertising. “go” meaning all development/testing and it all actually works when clients ‘hit’ the site. (begin milestone 3)
4. I own 30% until you exercise your option of $400,000 for 22% of company from 0-5 years. I have the right to keep 8%. After 5 years, its a time/money amount to be mutually agreed upon . (the 5x works as long as its exercised fast enough).
5. email updates, with data of your choosing, 2x per month works.
I like your intensity, your passion, and your enthusiasm. I believe you can really do this as much as you do.
If the above works for you, then go. I need to know who to make a check to.
And this is how I did it, trust me, we went through a lot, and we finally ran into the right guy, and apparently my enthusiasm and passion closed the deal. So if I can do it, you can do it.
Envision it, believe it, write it down, and push your hardest. Push so hard, and do not stop talking about it, ever. You must 100% absolutely believe in your idea.
I know it seems simple, but most people give up, and stop talking about it, that’s the problem. You cannot stop talking about it, you cannot stop networking, you cannot give up no matter what. beModel.com was Jamie’s and I’s life, literally, even though we didn’t use it 24/7, all we did was talk about it, and work on it. Our energy was positive, and our motive was there.
Files I Created
bM-Projections.xlsx: I created an intense excel file with estimated traffic, signups, income, expenses, and the profits. Click here to see it.
bM-Comparison.xlsx: I created a comparison of what we will have versus our competitors.
bM-Expenses.xlsx: I created an excel file of where every single penny is going of their investment.
bM-Presentation.pptx: I created a 10 slide powerpoint presentation using exactly this format.
bM-ATBio.docx: I wrote a professional resume style bio on myself, including all my experience and skills.
bM-ExecutiveSummary.docx: I wrote up a professional summary of what beModel is, how it’s going to make money, our advantage, etc…
bM-PressRelease.docx: A press release I had written up on our initial public launch, kind of just makes us look bigger then we are in the beginning.
PS. I wrote this while under the influence of a few shots, keep in mind, I never proofread, ever. I always, and I mean always, freestyle my blogs. So if you ever catch a mistake, I am sorry. Every blog I write comes from the heart, the honest truth, and how I did it.
Please comment below, feedback keeps me blogging!
QOTW: How Are You Going To Take Action?
So Jamie and I just closed our deal with beModel.com. Finally, eight long months finally paid off. You can see the video here: How We Raise $75k
Question Of The Week
So my question of the week to you is, how are you going to take action this year on your goals, your dreams? Have you mapped it out yet? What actions will you take NOW to make things happen?
Please leave your comment below, not on facebook, not on twitter, below, tell me how you are going to make a change this year.
Recent Comments