Bootstrapped Secrets

In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I take you back to the beginning — before Facebook ads, before TikTok, before algorithms controlled everything. I share how we grew businesses in the early days, and how those same principles helped ClickFunnels scale to $10 million before we ever ran a single paid ad.

This is the foundation behind Offer Lab. It’s about partnerships, collaborations, and creating results together instead of relying on expensive, unpredictable traffic platforms. I’ll show you why this shift is the future, and how remembering what worked in the past can unlock everything you’re building today.

Key Highlights:

◼️ Why relying on one ad platform is the biggest risk

◼️ The pre-Facebook strategies that still work today

◼️ How partnerships and co-branded products drive lasting growth

◼️ Why Offer Lab was built to make collaboration simple

The truth is, traffic costs are only going up. But collaboration will always win. If you’ve been frustrated with ads, algorithms, or trying to do business alone, this episode will reframe what’s possible and show you a path forward that’s simpler, faster, and way more fun!!

Check out offerlablaunch.com/go

◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️ Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this vault episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I share one of the rarest book sets I’ve ever purchased: Allen’s Working Plan, written by Irving Allen nearly a decade before Napoleon Hill published The Law of Success. This ten-volume set was sold through direct mail in the early 1900’s, and it gives us a fascinating look at what business leaders and marketers were studying long before Hill’s ideas took off.

I’ll tell the story of how I discovered this set, why I paid $30,000 for it, and what makes it such a powerful piece of history. You’ll also hear the lessons that stood out most to me… Lessons that still apply today if you want to seize opportunities, build confidence, and lead others.

Key Highlights:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ How optimism, positivity, and even a healthy ego give entrepreneurs the edge to lead and win

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ The Andrew Carnegie quote that explains why belief in yourself (even in private) is critical for success

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ The concept of “cycling” instead of failure, and why great entrepreneurs must go through it

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ The balance between humility outwardly and the inner belief that you’re superior when competing in business

This book reminded me that success isn’t just about tactics. It’s about mindset! The daily recognition of opportunity, the willingness to stay humble, and the inner drive to believe you can win. These timeless lessons gave me clarity and fuel for my own journey, and I think they can do the same for you.

If you want my full notes on Allen’s Working Plan, including the best takeaways from each booklet, go to russellbrunson.com/notes to grab them for free!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this vault episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I pull out a rare book from Emile Coué, the man who pioneered the idea of autosuggestion. Long before Napoleon Hill and other New Thought leaders, Coué was teaching how to reprogram the subconscious mind, and the same principles still drive personal growth and persuasion today.

I’ll walk you through the difference between thoughts, outside suggestions, and the practice of autosuggestion… And why the third is the key to real transformation. You’ll hear Coué’s most famous daily phrase, why it works so powerfully, and how this one simple tool can change your mindset, your habits, and even the way you sell.

Key Highlights:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ The difference between thoughts, outside suggestions, and intentional autosuggestions

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ Why autosuggestion works better than affirmations your brain doesn’t believe

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ The exact phrase Coué taught his students to repeat daily…

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ Real examples of how I weave in ‘hypnotic’ autosuggestions into my sales presentations and webinars

Coué’s method isn’t just about positive thinking… It’s about taking control of what your subconscious mind believes. When you understand how suggestions shape beliefs, you can use them to transform yourself and to influence others in a powerful, ethical way. This episode connects the dots between a century-old book and the presentations, pitches, and funnels we use today!! It’s insane! You’ll love it! 

If you want my notes on the Coué method and a printable version of his daily autosuggestion quote, go to russellbrunson.com/notes⁠⁠⁠⁠ and grab it for free!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this second ‘episode’ of the Offer Lab pre-launch series, I’m opening up about the real reason we created this platform. A year ago, I was burned out, frustrated, and honestly ready to walk away from serving this community. Competition had replaced collaboration, costs were skyrocketing, and entrepreneurship had started to feel lonely again. But in that dark season, a new vision was born… And that vision became Offer Lab.

This episode is deeply personal. I share the story of where the idea came from, why it matters for every entrepreneur, and how it solves the very problems that have been holding so many of us back. You’ll hear how we went from asking “what features can we add” to asking “how do we bring everyone back together?” The answers changed everything.

Key Highlights:

◼️The moment I realized the old model of online business was broken and unsustainable.

◼️How skyrocketing ad costs have crushed margins and left entrepreneurs feeling stuck.

◼️Why I believe entrepreneurship has become lonely again… And how we can fix it.

◼️The behind-the-scenes conversation with Todd Dickerson that sparked the idea for Offer Lab.

◼️How Stripe helped us make the impossible possible: instant payouts across collaborative funnels.

◼️Why Offer Lab is designed to unify all entrepreneurs, no matter what tools or platforms they use.

If you’ve ever felt isolated, squeezed by ad costs, or frustrated by endless competition, this episode will give you hope. Offer Lab isn’t just about making money online. It’s about bringing back the community, collaboration, and movement that made this fun in the first place. Join me as I share why I believe this is the next big chapter for all of us… And how it can change the way you do business forever.

Go to OfferLabLaunch.com to register, get your free account, and be part of this new movement with me!!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I’m pulling back the curtain on something brand new that I believe represents the future of selling online: Offer Lab!!! Over the last 25 years, we’ve seen wave after wave of breakthroughs… funnels, Facebook ads, influencer marketing, TikTok shops… But now we’re hitting a point where entrepreneurship feels more like a solo sport than a community effort. That’s a problem, because business was never meant to be done alone. Offer Lab is the solution because it’s a platform built around collaboration, not competition.

I’ll share why this next evolution is so powerful, how it completely changes affiliate marketing, and why collaboration is the new currency of online business. Whether you already have an offer, are just starting out as an affiliate, or want to maximize both sides, this episode will help you see what’s possible - and also get you excited to learn more about OfferLab and dive into the 17 ways it can help you earn money online even if you’ve never sold a penny online before!

Key Highlights:

◼️ Why the old way of selling online is broken… and what’s replacing it.

◼️ How Offer Lab makes entrepreneurship collaborative again.

◼️ The power of “collaborative funnels” and why they’re a game changer.

◼️ Real examples of how sellers and promoters can partner instantly.

◼️ The built-in marketplace where anyone can start selling in minutes.

◼️ Why automatic payouts and shared funnels solve the biggest headaches in affiliate marketing.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, isolated, or overwhelmed trying to grow your business alone, this episode will show you a new path forward. Tune in to discover how Offer Lab makes selling simpler, faster, and most importantly… Something we can do together.

Go to offerlablaunch.com and get all the details!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridget James Ling has built something incredible in just a few short years. She went from quitting her job in 2020, flying to Costa Rica, and barely affording a Funnel Hacking Live ticket… to leading Freedom Queen, a movement that now fills events with hundreds of women entrepreneurs. In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, she walks through exactly how she made the shift from “just a coach” to a true movement leader, and why that shift changed everything.

Key Highlights:

◼️How Bridget transformed her coaching business into Freedom Queen by building an identity and movement around her clients.

◼️The story of her first retreat in Costa Rica and how she sold a $12K offer that proved the power of movements.

◼️Why she believes movements scale faster than coaching, and how she shifted her marketing from “work with me” to “become a Freedom Queen.”

◼️The reality of online hate, how it almost broke her, and the mindset shift that made her stronger.

◼️Behind the scenes of filling her events with hundreds of women using affiliates, vision-casting, and status-driven incentives.

Bridget’s journey is proof that when you stop selling your time and start leading a movement, everything changes. Her story is inspiring, raw, and filled with lessons for anyone who feels called to lead. Whether you’re building your first group program or planning to fill a stadium someday, the marketing and sales principles she shares will challenge and motivate you to think bigger.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I sit down with my good friend Keaton "The Muscle" Hoskins. You probably know him from Diesel Brothers or social media, but what I love most is the way he approaches life, business, and family. Keaton has built, bought, and scaled companies across different industries, but behind all the big wins is a story of fear, faith, and following through on a promise he made to his dad.

We talk about the unexpected paths that opened up for him… From social media experiments that went viral, to national TV exposure, to creating Limitless Society as a platform for personal and business growth. He also shares how staying present, creating proof in small ways, and investing in health have shaped the way he shows up for his mission today.

Key Highlights:

◼️How Keaton turned a fear of flying into a love of helicopters and a tool for presence

◼️The promise he made to his father that fueled his drive to build businesses

◼️How social media skits and giveaways led to Diesel Brothers and Discovery Channel

◼️The simple marketing playbook he uses to grow and buy companies

◼️Why Limitless Society focuses on building better people first

◼️How small, intimate events can create deeper impact

◼️His personal health journey with peptides and new approaches to energy

Keaton’s story is about taking massive action, learning by doing, and never backing down from the work it takes to grow. Whether you’re building your first company, leading a community, or trying to balance business with family, you’ll find lessons here that can inspire you to keep moving forward!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I dive back into another One Funnel Away Q&A where I answer questions from entrepreneurs who are in the trenches, building and testing funnels in real time. I love these sessions because they show me exactly where people are stuck, and I get to share the frameworks and stories that have worked for me over the years.

Key Highlights:

◼️Use a price marinade on day one to anchor higher value before your main offer

◼️Three-day challenge flow: Day 1 content with a VIP repitch, Day 2 Perfect Webinar, Day 3 repitch with logic and a heart close

◼️Close after the weekend and send multiple emails on the final day because a big chunk of sales land in the last hour

◼️Map the ecosystem in your niche, then create 1:1 case studies to earn proof before you scale

◼️Try Tiny Challenges one on one to produce fast, credible results

◼️As an affiliate, add energy and irresistible bonuses or run your own mini event if the host cannot close

◼️Be fully present in each block of your day so your work actually counts; a simple time audit will expose where time leaks

These Q&As are always a reminder that business success doesn’t come from having everything perfect on day one. It’s about doing the work, putting yourself out there, and learning as you go. I hope this episode gives you some ‘a-ha’ moments and encouragement for wherever you’re at on your journey!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I dive into one of the rarest treasures in my collection… The very first issue of Success Magazine from December 1897! And the coolest thing is that the story behind this is insanely inspiring!

This was more than just a magazine. It marked the beginning of the personal development movement in America. Its founder, Orison Swett Marden, overcame enormous challenges to publish that first issue, and his story has deeply inspired me during some of my own most difficult seasons in business.

Key Highlights:

◼️The story behind Success Magazine and its role in shaping the personal development movement

◼️The obstacles Orison Swett Marden faced to publish the inaugural issue

◼️How Marden’s perseverance gave me perspective and strength in my own entrepreneurial journey

◼️A look inside the 1897 issue and its early success principles

◼️Why Marden’s mission to change lives still matters today

For me, this first issue is a reminder that persistence and belief in a mission can carry you through any challenge. Marden’s story has fueled my determination, and it can inspire you too!

Wherever you are and whatever challenges you face, his example proves that one person’s vision can change everything!

And, if you’re interested in learning more about what’s inside this first issue of Success Magazine, I’m putting a link below so you can see my notes and thoughts about all the articles and ads in this rare first edition!

Get Russell's book notes here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://russellbrunson.com/notes⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Russell Brunson Show, I’m taking you back to the old-school “marketing in the car” days - recording behind the wheel on my way to a Prime Mover event here in Boise. Before I get into business, I share a recent family adventure - an Alaskan cruise to celebrate my parents’ 50th anniversary - and a surprising rabbit hole I fell into after watching Titanic on the ship. That led to a fascinating question: if you could watch any moment from history as if it were on tape, what would you choose?

From there, I shift gears into the core message I’m bringing to the Prime Mover group: the real meaning of the hero’s journey, and why the skills, habits, and patterns that get you to one level in life or business often become the very things holding you back from the next. Whether you’re going from zero to a million, a million to ten, or ten to a hundred, each leap requires you to “burn down” the old way and rebuild yourself from the ground up.

Key Highlights:

◼️How an Alaskan cruise, Titanic, and a thought experiment led to a powerful question about perspective

◼️The “heavenly blockbuster” concept: replaying moments from history - or your own life

◼️Why the hero’s journey always starts with being unqualified for the challenge ahead

◼️How your subconscious ceiling becomes your subconscious floor - and why that’s both good and bad

◼️Wrestling stories that reveal the painful but necessary process of leveling up

◼️The dangerous comfort of your “ordinary world” and how to step beyond it

Bottom line: Growth is a game of constant reinvention. To win, you have to be willing to let go of what made you great at the last level so you can step into the unknown and become who you need to be for the next one. This episode is both a personal reflection and a roadmap for anyone ready to answer their next call to adventure.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠◼️ If you’ve got a product, offer, service… or idea…

I’ll show you how to sell it (the RIGHT way) 

Register for my next event →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://sellingonline.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

◼️Still don’t have a funnel? ClickFunnels gives you the exact tools (and templates) to launch TODAY → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://clickfunnels.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices