Chapter 26: How To Get Paid To Do What You Love

“Personal brand” gets a bad rap.

Most people hear it and think: influencers, hustle bros, and cringe content.

I used to think the same thing.

But here’s a better way to think about it:

That’s it.

Can you do this without the internet? Sure.

But I wouldn’t recommend it.

The internet is a force multiplier.

It’s the greatest distribution tool in history.

And it gives you permission-less access to scale yourself — and your ideas.

Why This Matters

In Chapter 12 we talked about the 4 types of leverage:

• Capital

• Labor

• Code

• Media

TL;DR: to build anything meaningful, you need leverage.

And media?

It’s the most permission-less of them all.

You don’t need VC funding.

You don’t need a team.

You don’t need approval.

You just need wifi, a point of view, and the willingness to show up.

That’s why I’m doing this.

I’m not sharing stories online just because it’s fun.

I’m building skills & a body of work that attracts opportunity.

Because I know I have ideas, frameworks, and perspectives that can change people’s lives — and businesses.

The internet is how I scale them.

How Gordon Ramsay Built an Empire

Gordon Ramsay isn’t just a chef.

He’s a walking masterclass in media leverage.

He built global recognition — not from Michelin stars alone — but by sharing his process on screen.

He turned expertise into story.

Story into brand.

Brand into empire.

TV shows. Books. Products. Restaurants.

Now?

People buy anything with his name on it.

He scaled “know, like, and trust” — and got paid accordingly.

Pat Walls Built a Business by Learning in Public

I know what you’re thinking:

"Eric, I’m not Gordon Ramsay. How the hell am I supposed to do that?"

Fair.

So here’s a lesser-known example:

Pat didn’t start as an expert.

He was curious about entrepreneurship, so he started Starter Story — a blog where he interviewed founders about how they built their businesses.

He didn’t have the answers.

But he had good questions.

And he kept showing up.

Over time?

Those stories turned into traffic.

That traffic turned into subscribers.

Those subscribers turned into a multi-million dollar media business.

He didn’t wait to be a “thought leader.”

He documented his curiosity — and let the internet do the rest.

This Isn’t About Becoming an “Influencer”

It’s about creating a trail of proof.

So when someone lands on your page — they trust you.

They see your work. Your ideas. Your energy.

And if it resonates?

They follow. They buy in. They remember.

You become magnetic.

Not because you’re forcing it…

But because you’re doing the work in public.

What This Looks Like for Me

I’m on a mission to be a world class thinker and business builder.

→ Right now I’m monetizing through services.

→ I’m working on a content & storytelling product for brands.

→ & I’ve got long-term plans for ventures that are extensions of who I am.

But none of this happens without leverage.

And media is my lever.

I’m not saying this is the only path.

But if you want an extraordinary life?

One filled with freedom, creativity, impact, and fulfillment?

Normal inputs won’t get you there.

You need to think differently.

This is your reminder that you can.

Try This Today

If you’re feeling stuck or invisible, ask:

• What do I know that could help someone two steps behind me?

• What am I learning that others might benefit from learning?

• What’s one idea I haven’t shared — that might actually help someone?

Then go write it. Speak it. Share it.

You don’t need a million followers.

You just need the right people to know you exist.

And the fastest way to get there?

Build a body of work that earns their trust.

Wrapping Up

Will this be easy? No.

It’ll challenge your identity.

It’ll trigger your self-doubt.

It’ll force you to grow in ways you can’t yet predict.

But that’s what makes it worth doing.

Because on the other side of all that discomfort?

Is a life most people don’t even realize is possible.

This isn’t about ego.

It’s about impact.

So stop waiting.

And go do the damn thing.

Rooting for ya,

—Dodds

P.S. I spend hours each week writing these letters.

If you get value from them — or just want to jam on ideas — hit reply and drop me a note.

I read them all and would love to hear from you.