5 Lessons That Transformed My Business (And My Life) as an Entrepreneur

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Ever felt like you were spinning your wheels as an entrepreneur?

Pouring your heart and soul into your business, but those big wins just weren't coming?

I've been there.

Years of hustle, sleepless nights, doubts gnawing at my mind. Ready to call it quits.

But then, a breakthrough.

A few fundamental shifts in mindset and strategy changed the game entirely.

My business took off. My life transformed.

And the best part? These lessons aren't some complex secret sauce.

They're simple, actionable truths often overlooked in the noise.

Ready to ditch the grind and tap into the success you've been craving?

This newsletter isn't just about lessons – it's about the 5 key shifts that turned my struggle into unstoppable momentum.

Consider this your invitation to a whole new level.

This is where your transformation begins.

Build a fulfilling life alongside your business.

"Hustle culture" almost ruined my life.

It was 2019. Non-stop work, little to no sleep.

Coffee. Repeat. Hustle. Grind. Repeat.

My health deteriorated.

My personal life suffered.

That's when I realized: "Toxic hustle" is toxic.

Making resolutions? Consider these:

1. More sleep → energy

2. More movement → focus

3. More rest → productivity

4. More real friends → happiness

5. More work-life balance → longevity

6. More breaks → creativity

7. More kindness → inner peace

This type of hustle made me realize:

Work-life balance isn't just having time for both.

It's taking care of yourself, so you can show up better in both.

May you find true balance in your life & work.

Visual proof conquers customer doubts.

It's 1854.

People were shit scared of elevators.

Just because of the 'elevator accidents' that plagued the time period.

It was also when a guy named Elisha Otis invented a safety device that prevents elevators from falling if the hoisting cable fails.

But nobody buys his elevators.

The first year? — Three sales.

The second year? — Seven sales.

Then this happened:

• Over 2000 sales in the next decade.

• He did the elevators in the Eiffel Tower.

• Most of the elevators today are sealed with the Otis logo.

What changed?

He met the marketing genius — PT Barnum.

Here's what the duo did (...take your notes!):

They set a GRAND DEMONSTRATION at the Crystal Palace (exhibition hall) in New York City.

Otis stood high above the crowd on a platform lift.

He orders the retaining rope to be cut.

The platform dropped a few inches down.

The crowd let out a huge scream...

But nothing happened to Mr Otis.

The safety brake immediately halts the descent.

“All safe, gentlemen, all safe," he said.

Today, Otis Worldwide has a net worth of $34.6B.

And it all started with that “All safe, gentlemen, all safe" stunt.

The takeaway?

If you want to create a blockbuster product, demonstrate the problem your product solves in real life in your marketing campaigns.

Nothing beats a punchy demonstration.

Stop planning, start executing.

I used to be a wantrepreneur.

1. Always hunting for "the next big thing"

2. Talks more than actually doing

3. Scared of failure

4. Perfecting before launching

5. Doesn't have a plan

6. Needs validation

7. Dreams of success

And it got me nowhere.

Zero progress.

Then I flipped the switch.

Tried to play the entrepreneurial game.

1. Focused on building systems

2. Did more than the talk

3. Accepted failure as part of the journey

4. Launched before "perfecting"

5. Executed THE plan

6. Sought wisdom from mentors

7. Worked for success

The result?

A 7-figure business that helps innovators bring their IDEAS to reality (product in shelves).

And it all started with the transition from being a wantreprenuer to an actual entrepreneur.

So... start today.

Do more than you talk.

The difference between entrepreneurs and wantrepreneurs is ACTION.

Less is often more.

When we launched Yosemite Shelving on Kickstarter, I was skeptical.

Would people really want something so simple?

But then, something amazing happened:

The modest concept struck a chord with customers.

Raised over $205,832 USD from 887 backers.

Yeah, the IDEA is a hit.

They loved the straightforward utility of our product. It met a fundamental need – storage – and did it in a no-frills, practical way.

And as our team rallied behind this simple idea, the traction exploded.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson:

Innovation doesn't always mean adding more bells and whistles.

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one.

Customers don't need complexity. They need something that works, that makes their lives easier.

So if you're struggling to come up with the next big idea, don't overlook the power of simplicity.

Take a step back and ask yourself:

What fundamental need can I solve with a straightforward, practical solution?

You might just be surprised by the results.

Sell the dream lifestyle.

Don't sell features, don't sell benefits.

Sell the dream LIFESTYLE.

Let me tell you a story.

I saw an ad for an elliptical machine.

It immediately hooked me in.

At the end of the ad, I was like...

"Hmm, chilling out on the beach with my friends... with a 6-pack... gorgeous."

I could list off the features:

→ Adjustable resistance.

→ Bluetooth heart monitor.

→ Calorie tracker.

And benefits:

→ Burn fat.

→ Improve heart health.

→ Low-impact exercise.

But none of that mattered.

What mattered was the dream lifestyle it promised.

I didn't fall for the elliptical for features or benefits.

I fell for the idea of being healthy, toned, and confident.

For the idea of looking fit in my summer clothes.

I fell into the idea of living the dream lifestyle.

And that's the key to successful product marketing today.

People don't buy products or services.

They buy the solutions to their problems.

They buy the promise of a better life.

Sell that.

Show them the dream lifestyle.

If you sell fitness equipment, don't just show them the machine.

Show them the beach, the sun, the smiles.

Show them the six-pack abs they'll have.

Sell the dream lifestyle.

People will pay for it.

Final thoughts

These lessons aren't just words on a page.

They're a roadmap to the business and life you truly desire.

It's time to stop dreaming and start doing.

Pick one lesson, commit to it this week.

See the difference it makes, then come back for more.

This is your journey – let's make it extraordinary.

Talk soon,

Roy

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Raise crowdfunding: We can help you turn your product prototype into an investible asset. If you’ve got a working prototype, and need funding to scale, send me a direct message on Linkedin (click here) saying “funding” for more details on how we can help.
   

2. Validate your physical product concept: Got a concept (napkin sketch or full concept design) for a killer product? We want to see it. Click here to submit it for review.
   

3. Free Guide - Crowdfunding 101: How to prepare your physical product for a crowdfunding campaign. Click here to learn more.