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Dear Reader,

Yesterday I told you my goal is to help you build a solid empire—one you own that doesn't own you. But first, thanks so much for hitting reply and confirming our new pen pal status. Your replies were super cool and if I haven't responded yet, I will!

Now let's talk empire-building for real:

What I got wrong for ages was thinking that building a bigger empire meant working harder and longer, doing more, and a never-ending hustle.

Thankfully I figured a few things out before I burned out. (And got a "real job.") 😅

Think of it this way: if you're doing all of the above, you're not really building that "empire you own that doesn't own you." But you might just be a hamster on a wheel with better branding. 🤭

The empire you want to build has a solid foundation. And that foundation isn't built with cups of motivation, inspiration, or even discipline (though those help a lot and you'll need them in spades). It's built on something far more practical: systems, structure, and sustainability.

Let me break each down:

Systems are the repeatable processes that make money while you sleep (or vacation, or spend time with people you love). If you're manually doing the same tasks over and over, you need to have a system that gets them done automatically or at least more quickly.

Structure is knowing what you're building and why. It's the difference between "I help people" and "I help [specific person] solve [specific problem] so they can [specific result]." Without structure, you're building an empire on sand. And while lovely waves from the ocean are fun to look at, they aren't great when they wipe out your progress.

Sustainability means you can maintain what you've built without sacrificing your health, relationships, or sanity. If your business model requires you to be "on" 24/7, it's just not sustainable. You need to be able to take a break without the business breaking.

Reader, did you know I built the beginnings of my empire with two businesses and six income streams before I wrote a single word of my first book? And I did it by being strategic, not by grinding myself into the ground. (I wish I knew then what I know now ...)

What I've learned it what I share in the Empire Builders Mastermind—and I'm thrilled to let you know there is a spot or two open for the Class of 2026. If you're even thinking about it, you just might be the perfect fit for the group. (Shouldn't we at least discuss it?) The link is below ...

Anyway, to grow a profitable, awesome business (or several), you don't need to add more to your plate, work harder, or struggle. You need a line of sight to the systems, structure, and sustainability that will accelerate your business growth into a sold block in your empire. One that works for you, not the other way around.

So let me ask you: What's ONE area of your business that needs a system, structure, or sustainability upgrade right now?

Is it how you onboard clients? How you create content? How you price your offers? How you spend your time?

Pick one. Just one.

And hit reply to tell me what it is. If the Empire Builders Mastermind sounds like what you need, let me know that too. I read every response.

Your empire is waiting, Reader. Let's build it right.

Talk tomorrow,