If I Woke Up In 2026 With $0… This Is What I’d Do

What Would You Do If You Were 20 Again?

Starting with Mindset

• Brian emphasizes the importance of mindset, stating that if you're the smartest person in the room, you need to find a new room where you can learn from others.

• He suggests joining entrepreneur organizations and meeting other entrepreneurs to gain insights and confidence.

• Brian reflects on how starting a business helps discover one's passion, noting that many young entrepreneurs lack confidence and understanding of this process.

• He stresses the significance of having a clear vision and understanding your "why" for building a business, rather than just seeking wealth.

• The journey is more important than the destination; enjoying the process is crucial as many regret selling their businesses too soon.

Defining Your Vision

• Brian shares his favorite quote from Walt Disney about doing the impossible, encouraging listeners to dream big and write down their ideas.

• He advises finding initial funding, suggesting that even small amounts like $1,000 can be pivotal for starting a business.

• Practical steps include doing tasks you may not want to do initially to earn money for your entrepreneurial pursuits.

Learning Through Experience

• Brian recounts his childhood experience of starting a car wash at age 12, highlighting how it taught him valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and competition.

• He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to explore their interests using tools like ChatGPT for inspiration on potential business ideas based on personal passions.

Discovering Strengths

• Brian discusses his love for marketing and branding as key strengths he discovered through experimentation in various ventures.

• He explains how visibility was crucial in his early businesses; effective marketing strategies helped him stand out against competitors.

How to Start Your Business with Build Your Store

The Importance of Starting

• The idea doesn't need to be perfect; it just needs to be started. Build Your Store simplifies this process, allowing users to create a Shopify store in under two minutes for free.

Features of Build Your Store

• The platform automates product selection, page optimization, and setup without requiring coding or design skills. It's ideal for those looking to test ideas or generate extra income.

Real-Life Success Stories

• A case study involves the Macka twins who turned their cleaning business into a viral success by embracing the unglamorous aspects of their work, showcasing how any business can become appealing through creativity.

Transforming Unsexy Businesses

• Unconventional businesses can be made attractive through effective marketing and branding. Examples include 1800 Got Junk's successful media presence and a laundromat that doubles as a café.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

• Brian shares his experience of being a bottleneck in his company’s growth and emphasizes the importance of finding the right leadership fit for scaling operations effectively.

Finding the Right Partner in Business

Aligning Strengths and Weaknesses

• Brian discusses creating a list of personal strengths and weaknesses to find an ideal COO who complements his skill set, leading to significant business growth from $100 million to $700 million.

Energy Management in Work

• Focusing on tasks that energize you is crucial for long-term satisfaction. Many people tire themselves out by engaging in activities that drain their energy instead of fueling it.

Understanding Your Why

Defining Personal Motivation

• Knowing your "why" can lead to extraordinary business outcomes. It’s essential not only to chase material goals but also to appreciate what you love about everyday life and entrepreneurship.

How Failure Can Be Your Key to Success

The Positive Perspective on Risk

• The speaker emphasizes that risk should not be viewed negatively; instead, it offers opportunities for learning and growth.

• They advocate for embracing failure as an essential part of the journey, suggesting that stories of failure enrich personal narratives.

• Acknowledges that many people fear taking risks due to their current stable situations, which can create a "middle-class trap."

Personal Experiences with Failure

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about auditioning for the first season of Dragon's Den, where they initially faced rejection.

• After being turned down twice, they reflect on what they could learn from these failures rather than feeling discouraged.

• They realize that not getting selected was beneficial in hindsight, as it allowed them to focus on their business during critical times.

Persistence and Learning from Setbacks

• Three years later, the opportunity arose again to audition for Dragon's Den. The speaker decided to try once more despite previous failures.

• During the final audition with other notable candidates, they focused on their passion and authenticity rather than fear of judgment.

• Ultimately successful in securing a spot on the show, they highlight that persistence is crucial because one never knows when success will come.

Embracing Failure as Preparation

• The speaker concludes by stating that failure serves as preparation for future opportunities and encourages others to keep trying despite setbacks.