March 14, 2024

How I Built A 9 Figure Network At 17 Years Old

1 hour 38 minutes

Eric Siu interviews Greg Isenberg, the CEO of Late Checkout, delving into the nuances of community building. Greg, a master in this domain, shares insights on fostering online communities for substantial growth. They explore the future of programming, the importance of design skills, and the power of social media. Greg also discusses the role of AI in entrepreneurship and the challenges of diversity and inclusion.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/kdnX63OEP5I

TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

(00:00) Greg Isenberg has built communities of various sizes, from dozens to millions of people.

(06:24) Greg Isenberg shares a story of paying for an expensive dinner as a teenager.

(08:41) Greg Isenberg recounts attending a party at a co-founder of PayPal's house.

(10:02) Greg Isenberg talks about his experience with StumbleUpon and how it led to the sale of his company.

(12:19) Greg Isenberg discusses his interest in AI and how it relates to his innovation agency, LCA.

(14:44) Greg Isenberg explains his approach to starting businesses as Twitter accounts or Discord communities.

(18:25) Greg Isenberg explains why solopreneurship may not work for everyone and the benefits of having a team.

(20:28) Eric Siu and Greg Isenberg discuss the challenges and potential success of hiring CEOs and GMs for businesses.

(22:23) Eric Siu and Greg Isenberg discuss the importance of experience and expertise in giving advice.

(25:46) Eric and Greg discuss their approach to coaching and supporting the businesses they invest in.

(27:26) Greg shares his perspective on the future of venture capital, emphasizing the value of adding more than just financing to startups.

(33:53) Greg Isenberg explains why most digital communities fail.

(35:04) Greg Isenberg compares building a community to building a religion and explains the need for a strong mission.

(36:16) Greg Isenberg highlights the opportunity to build a product or service for the 50% of Gen Z who feel disconnected.

(42:30) Greg Isenberg emphasizes the importance of paying community managers well and recognizing their value.

(48:16) The power of DMs and reaching out to people you admire.

(49:04) Meeting one of his heroes, Rivers Cuomo from Weezer, through Twitter.

(1:01:37) Benefits of using School as a community platform

(1:04:38) Greg Isenberg has met Sam Ovens.

(1:09:26) Eric Siu and Greg Isenberg discuss the importance of brand and design in standing out.

(1:13:10) Greg Isenberg advises against reading design books and instead encourages hands-on practice

(1:17:42) Greg Isenberg shares his Twitter content creation process and the importance of genuine ideas

(1:20:48) Greg Isenberg spends a few thousand dollars on content

(1:32:19) Eric Siu asks Greg Isenberg about other ideas he's excited about

(1:36:19) Greg Isenberg shares his website and social media handles

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