1436: You do NOT want to be a bestseller... here's the strategy that's WAY better!

Ever feel like you’re chasing vanity metrics—followers, rankings, bestseller lists—only to realize none of it actually translates into real business growth? In this episode of Brian’s special 7-day solo series, he breaks down one of the most unconventional strategies he’s never shared publicly before. Instead of optimizing for status, he reveals how intentionally giving away his book for free became the foundation for building his audience, generating raving fans, and ultimately creating a six-figure online business. This episode flips traditional marketing on its head and shows you how to prioritize connection and service over short-term profit.

✨ Why This Matters for You

This strategy challenges everything you’ve been told about growth:

• It proves that chasing recognition (like bestseller status) often comes at the expense of real impact.
• It shows how giving value upfront can create deeper, longer-lasting relationships with your audience.
• It turns one-time transactions into ongoing opportunities to serve, connect, and grow.
• It’s a powerful reminder that who you reach matters more than what you earn per sale.

📝 Key Takeaways

• Stop Chasing Vanity Metrics. Bestseller lists, reviews, and rankings may look impressive—but they don’t necessarily build meaningful relationships or long-term business growth.
• Connection Is More Valuable Than a Sale. Brian realized that making ~$6 per book sale was far less valuable than knowing who his readers were and being able to continue serving them.
• Give First, Then Grow. By offering his book for free (and even mailing it himself), Brian created a powerful entry point into his ecosystem—turning strangers into loyal fans.
• Build Your Own Funnel—Intentionally. Instead of relying on Amazon’s system, he created his own: free book → email capture → deeper relationship → future offers.
• Create Memorable Experiences. Handwritten notes, physical products, and thoughtful touches stand out in a digital world—and build trust faster than any ad ever could.
• You Don’t Need Thousands of Customers. A small percentage of a well-served audience can completely transform your business. Depth beats scale.

🚀 Put It Into Action

Take this unconventional approach and apply it to your business:

• What’s something valuable you can give away that showcases your expertise? (A book, guide, mini-course, toolkit, etc.)
• Instead of selling it upfront, how can you use it to build relationships?
• Create a simple landing page where people exchange their contact info for that value.
• Think about the experience: how can you make it memorable, personal, or unexpected?
• Challenge yourself: launch a “give-first” offer within the next 14 days and track the quality of relationships it creates.

🔗 Stay Connected

• Subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of this week’s unconventional growth strategies
• Get a FREE paperback copy of Brian’s book Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur!
  → Email hello@imetbrian.com to claim yours
• Connect with Brian on Instagram: @imetbrian
• Share this episode with someone who’s been chasing metrics instead of building real connections