If you knew better, you'd do better

The funniest message to receive:

An Instagram growth coach with 100 followers pitches his services.

Here’s the simple truth: to inspire belief in others, you must first show them you’ve done it before.

Want to start a franchise? Is your first location profitable? No? Then why would anyone follow your lead?

Want to sell a business opportunity? Have you even generated $100K in revenue? If not, good luck convincing anyone.

The problem? Too many personal brands think they can fake it until they make it.

Here’s the human reality: people don’t buy what you say. They buy what you’ve proven.

So, what can you do instead of pretending to know an industry you jumped into yesterday?

Option 1. Speak with Experts and Share Their Experiences

Borrow credibility by interviewing people who’ve done what you’re trying to do.

Leverage these connections to gain opportunities and alpha you’d never find on your own.

Option 2. Build in Public

Share your process. Use phrases like “how I” to document what you’re learning and achieving.

Option 3. Do the Work and Shut Your Mouth

If you’ve never done it, stop talking about it.

Build real-world proof before stepping into the spotlight.

Keep crushing it.
- Eric Otten