How to Build Your Reputation So That You’re Overwhelmed With Opportunities

And make $1,000s online

Blogger Tim Denning says lots of creators offer one-night stands:

“You don’t wake up, start a community, get five people in there, and then attempt to have your way with them on the first night. That’s what most people do. Join an email list and find out. Within 24 hours you’ll be offered a one-night stand.”

The temptation is great, so I get why creators do it.

They want to share an affiliate link, sell a PDF, or do something that progresses their side hustle dream.

Please resist.

There’s a better way.

Since October 2020, I’ve given away a bunch of stuff and made thousands of dollars online. What’s more, opportunities fly my way.

Before we dive into how you can create opportunities for yourself, let me share a quick story.

Meet Jenn

I hold open office hours for my 30-Day Writing Challenge. Jenn hopped on. She asked lots of great questions about writing.

I also learned she has a successful YouTube channel (~170K subscribers).

Later that day, I received a DM from my friend Christine. We’ve been friends for years. She was one of my podcast’s first guests, and I guested on her show to chat about SEO.

This is why she thought of me:

“I have a friend who is based in Europe also looking for a Youtube SEO audit and immediately thought of you […] Is this something you offer?”

Crazy coincidence, am I right?!

I could have taken this opportunity myself, but I didn’t feel comfortable. YouTube isn’t my wheelhouse. I technically have a YouTube channel, but the only published video is about my Gap “Yarhhhh”.

Then I thought about Jenn.

She’d be perfect for this!

So I hopped on Discord and fired Jenn a message:

“[…] I immediately thought of you! Would you be interested? No worries if not!”

I then let Christine know:

After a little coaxing from me, Jenn was interested:

She also asked about how much I charge for SEO services, so I gave her a ballpark figure.

I also attached a proposal I’d sent to one of my clients:

I then let Christine know that Jenn was up for it.

Christine was thrilled!

I then introduced them via email.

Something I learned from my friend Charlie is to write glowing introductions. Everyone benefits.

So that’s what I did:

My good deed was done. Christine took it from there.

Now, I’m not telling you this story to say, “Look how great I am!” (Okay — maybe a little.)

It just illustrates two principles I live by:

Live with integrity (i.e. do the right thing, even when no one is watching)
Opportunities will present themselves when you put in the work

Here’s my cheat code that will send opportunities your way.

My Cheat Code for Opportunities

#1: Keep in touch with people you vibe with

Use a spreadsheet.

It might feel strange, but using a spreadsheet to remember birthdays, home addresses, when you last contacted people, and other important details will save you so many headaches.

I house all sorts of stuff on mine.

It’s like a personal CRM.

My super close friends each have a separate tab, and I fill it with information after we meet. This way, I can remember the important things going on in their lives:

On the “Periphery — Every 4 Months” tab (see below) are people I don’t see often.

We either live far away from each other, or we’re in a life stage where we’re strapped for time (e.g. having a baby).

The “Notes” column includes random details we bond over:

Every Sunday, I go through my spreadsheet.

It reminds me if any birthdays are coming up and who I haven’t contacted in a while.

I then make notes in my diary to:

Send handwritten birthday cards
Send WhatsApp messages

My messages are usually to see if they want to hop on a call that week, arrange a meetup, or simply send them something goofy (a funny video, meme, etc.)

For example, I recently sent my old manager, Jordan, a link to a Karl Pilkington video. We both find him hilarious, and the video made me think of Jordan.

He replied back with the funniest meme I’ve ever seen:

Screenshot from my WhatsApp messages | **If you know, you know**

My system and execution are far from perfect, and my intention isn’t to force things. I just want to be present in the lives of people I vibe with.

Then, when I can make introductions or send opportunities their way, it doesn’t feel jarring.

Oh, and if you’re not sure when someone’s birthday is or where they live, just ask.

Most people will be happy to share.

#2: Leave money on the table

(Deliberately.)

I’m always doing stuff for free:

Working with Tim Denning
My Free 30-Day Writing Challenge
Writing articles & responding to comments

I’ve also given away a bunch of stuff for free:

My 19-page guide: Everything I Did to Quit My 9–5 Job & Transition Into Profitable, Sustainable Solopreneuring
My online course: 0–500 Email Subscribers Through Writing
1–2–1 consulting calls

This isn’t to say how great I am.

I’m just playing the long game. Good karma and all that. I’ve been doing this for 4+ years and intend to do it for many more.

Opportunities will flow my way.

But here’s the thing: you’ve got to have an abundance mindset for this to work, and this ain’t easy when you’re struggling to pay bills.

My advice?

Get a job and create passive & scalable income streams from 6 pm — 8 pm.

I know. Groundbreaking.

#3: Put in the work

And treat people well.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of guesting on VA.EST’s podcast.

The reason I agreed to go on was because of the host. Her name is Lou, and she was my virtual assistant for three years.

I’m sure you’ll agree she’s a natural podcaster!

I put in the work to build this relationship, and so did Lou.

She helped me become a better manager and saved me so many hours with my podcast. (Editing episodes, producing them, scheduling them, emailing guests, creating social media posts, etc.)

She developed her skills and got paid to do what she loves.

Now, she runs a successful VA agency from her home country of The Philippines. We catch up once a month.

Hard work pays off.

Takeaways

You don’t need to sell your stuff.

When you provide value to others and leave money on the table, opportunities will flow your way.

The trick is letting time do its thing.

So put in the work and trust “The Universe”. When the time is ready, your reputation will do the selling for you.

“If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of me.” — Dwight L. Moody, American Evangelist

Want to ditch the 9–5? Get my free 19-page guide: Everything I Did to Quit My 9–5 Job & Transition Into Profitable, Sustainable Solopreneuring :)