Welcome to another issue of the no-BS newsletter dedicated to demystifying the world of passive income, where we share practical, reliable strategies to build and sustain income streams that work for you.

If you want to help someone else make money while they sleep, forward this email to them.

In today's issue:

• Is This Just Ego Bait?

• What’s $3.99 Worth to You?

• The 60-Minute Game Changer I Stumbled Upon.

• How the World’s Best Marketers Build Million-Dollar Lists with Brian Kurtz

• “The Game” by Neil Strauss

FROM MY WORLD

Is This Just Ego Bait?

Ever poured your heart into a lead magnet only to hear crickets?

Yeah, me too.

One of my first lead magnets flopped so hard, I wouldn’t be surprised if it actually pushed people away from my list.

Why? Because I made the cardinal sin of focusing on the solution… not the real problem. You know, the kind of gut-wrenching, sleep-stealing, "this is ruining my life" type of problem.

See, your audience doesn’t care about your solution—at least not until they know you get their pain.

Let me explain by telling you the tale of the yacht, the entrepreneur, and the unexpected squatter.

Imagine you’re a successful entrepreneur. You finally buy your dream yacht. Life is good. Until winter hits... and you find a homeless guy living in it.

That, my friend, is pain.

So if I was in the yacht management biz, I wouldn’t pitch “convenient maintenance solutions.” That’s weak tea.

I'd go straight for the jugular:
“Tired of your yacht becoming a floating motel for bums? Here’s how to keep it safe, spotless, and stress-free—all year round.”

Now we’re talking.

In this episode, I break down how to craft a lead magnet that actually pulls in the right prospects by zeroing in on three things:

• Their nightmare

• Their wet dream

• And the magic bridge in between
  

When you hit those three notes, your lead magnet becomes more than a freebie—it becomes a magnet for your ideal buyer.

So before you make another ebook, checklist, or cheat sheet, ask yourself:

"Is this solving a real problem… or just massaging my own ego?"

That tiny shift might be the difference between inbox tumbleweeds and customers lining up with credit cards in hand.

MY GIFT FOR YOU

What’s $3.99 Worth to You?

There’s a window in every online entrepreneur’s life where they ask:

“Why the hell am I working so hard… and still not making real money?”

I hit that wall years ago. Then I built something that flipped the script.

I wrote this short book to show you exactly what I did — the system I still use today to turn emails into income, without chasing trends or dancing for clicks.

And yeah — it costs less than gas to get to work.

But don’t let the price fool you.

This isn’t a book you buy. It’s a fork in the road.

MINDSET MAKEOVER

The 60-Minute Game Changer I Stumbled Upon.

Ever wish you had more time in the day?

Yeah… about that.

Turns out, more time is not the secret to productivity—it’s the enemy. Sounds backward, but let me tell you why cramming work between school runs, doctor appointments, and immigration offices made me more effective than I’ve ever been.

When my life got flipped upside down—new country, two kids, insane paperwork, no real routine—I had less time than ever. Some weeks, I barely worked at all. But here’s the kicker...

The days I did work, I crushed it.

Why? Because I had no choice but to cut the fluff. No scrolling. No half-baked "research." No fake work.

Just pure, needle-moving action.

What changed? I finally understood this:

You don’t need more time.
You need a target—and a reason to hit it.

The game-changer? Goals.

Before I got serious about setting clear, non-negotiable goals, I was flying blind. Sure, I was making money. But it was messy, random, and inconsistent.

Once I set real goals—and put them at the top of my priority list—everything changed. Suddenly, I knew exactly what deserved my time. And more importantly… what didn’t?

It’s like Dan Kennedy says (and lives): Structure = Freedom.
Not sexy. But brutally effective.

And here's the truth no one likes to admit:
Most people aren’t ineffective because they lack time.
They’re ineffective because they waste it.

So here’s your challenge:

Next time you’ve got 60 minutes, don’t ask, “What can I do?”
Ask, “What’s the one thing I can do that gets me closer to my goal?”

Do that, and watch how fast your life changes.

FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

How the World’s Best Marketers Build Million-Dollar Lists with Brian Kurtz

I’m thrilled to have a conversation with a true titan of direct response marketing: Brian Kurtz. With over 45 years in the industry, Brian has managed nine-figure marketing budgets, sent over 1.2 billion pieces of direct mail, and worked alongside legends like Eugene Schwartz, Gary Bencivenga, Dan Kennedy, and Jay Abraham. As the founder of Titans Marketing, he now teaches high-level entrepreneurs how to master timeless direct response principles and apply them in the digital age.

In this episode, we explore everything from crafting killer headlines to overcoming writer’s block, leveraging fear with integrity, and building long-term relationships with your audience. We also discuss some of the most iconic sales letters in history, including classics like the “Twelve Smiling Swindlers.” Plus, Brian shares actionable advice on patience in marketing, why not every interaction needs to be about revenue, and how to create lasting impact through transparency and trust.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with insights that will elevate your marketing game. So grab your notebook, hit play, and get ready to learn from one of the greatest minds in the business!

CURATED READS

“The Game” by Neil Strauss

If you've ever wondered what it’s like to infiltrate a secret society of seduction artists, wear fuzzy hats unironically, and turn social dynamics into a science experiment—this book is your next obsession.

But don’t get it twisted—The Game isn’t just about pickup lines and peacocking.

It’s about human psychology, identity transformation, and the raw power of persuasion. Whether you want to sell a product, build an audience, or influence with your words—this book is a masterclass in understanding what makes people say “yes.”

Neil Strauss dives deep into the underground world of pickup artists, becomes one of the best, and then realizes… maybe the game isn’t what he thought it was.

It’s controversial. It’s wildly entertaining. And it’ll make you rethink everything you know about influence, social proof, and personal branding.

Pro tip: Read this like a marketer, not a dude looking for dating tips.
The gold is in how they position, hook, and close—not what club they went to.

“The most powerful form of influence isn’t what you say. It’s who you are.”
– Pretty much the whole point of the book

RIDDLE ME THIS

Can You Crack The Code? 

I’m always watching, though I never speak.

I measure your mood and how you critique.

With stars or surveys, I help companies see—

How happy you are with your last shopping spree.

What am I?

Think you've cracked the code? Reply to this email with your guess, and see if you're right!