Matt Gray

Founder & CEO, Founder OS | Proven systems to grow a profitable audience with organic content.

Over the last decade, I’ve built 4 successful companies and a community of over 14 million people.

My mission is to inspire 100 million founders to live their dreams through proven systems.

I help entrepreneurs remove themselves from operations, grow on autopilot with content and an engaged audience, and automate core systems.

I’m the founder of Founder OS, Gray Enterprises, and Bitmaker (acq. General Assembly).

My portfolio:

→ I'm the founder & CEO of Founder OS, a community of 650 entrepreneurs
→ I’m the founder & CEO of Gray Enterprises with a community of over 14 million people
→ I teach the Founder OS Program to help entrepreneurs scale their online businesses to $1M+ revenue
→ I coach entrepreneurs that need help with marketing, sales, systems, community, and growth
→ I advise early-stage companies in AI, Education, Creator Economy, and SaaS verticals

My results:

→ 14M+ people community
→ 2.5M+ people following Founder OS
→ 2B content impressions annually 
→ 0 advertisements
→ 80%+ margins

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Founder & CEO

Founder OS helps you build a predictable lead engine with organic content & make $1M+ online.

I’ve hired 90+ high performers in the last 3 years.

Here are 8 rare traits I see in every high performer:

1. Grit

This one’s a non-negotiable. 

What is it?

• Ability to persist through obstacles
• Strength to bounce back from failure
• Tenacity to keep pushing, no matter the challenge

Hard work is common. 

Grit is rare.

2. Relentless Resourcefulness

Some people find a way no matter how “impossible” it seems.

They are innovative problem solvers.

They have the conviction that there's always a solution.

These are the people we want.

They’re like water.

They find a path around any obstacle.

3. Optimism

Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster.

Having optimistic people on your side is a massive mental boost.

Optimistic people don't see roadblocks; they see stepping stones to success.

Their energy is electrifying and infectious. 

A must-have when the going gets tough.

4. Constant Learning

The ROI on constant learners compounds.

In a fast-moving world, learning and adapting is essential.

These hires:

• Seek feedback
• Expand their skills
• Stay curious and hungry

Train them well, and they'll give you an infinite return on your investment.

5. Not Being an Asshole

It might sound simple, but it's vital.

I don’t care how smart, hardworking, or optimistic you are.

If you don’t:

• Show empathy
• Collaborate well
• Treat others with respect

I don’t want you on my team.

Period.

6. Fun to Be Around

I need people that I like spending time with.

Work can be intense. 

Having people who bring: 

• Positive energy
• A sense of humor
• A lightness to the office 

Makes a world of difference.

When we make work feel like play, we're unstoppable.

7. Growth Mindset 

This one is foundational.

I need someone who:

• Embraces challenges as growth opportunities
• Believes abilities and intelligence can be developed

People with a growth mindset get obsessed with the process.

Not fixated on the outcome.

8. Enjoys Responsibility

I need my team to take on responsibility.

I don’t want to chase people down.

If they:

• Take ownership of their work
• Care about doing a good job

We'll perform better.

And I’ll have way more breathing room and feel more at ease.

—

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Matt Gray 

8 Rare Traits I See In Every High Performer

I used to collect quotes like trophies.

Screenshot them. Save them. Share them.

But I never actually lived by them.

Then something shifted.

I stopped collecting and started applying.

These 10 quotes didn't just inspire me.
They became my operating system.

1. Slow Is Smooth And Smooth Is Fast

Rushing creates mistakes.
Patience creates precision.

When you slow down, you speed up in the long run.

2. Small Hinges Swing Big Doors

You don't need massive effort to create massive results.

You need the right leverage points.

Focus on the few things that move everything else.

3. Move Like Everything Is Gonna Work Out, Because It Is

Confidence comes from trusting your ability to figure it out.

Act like success is inevitable.
It becomes more likely.

4. God Has Already Prepared The Way. He's Just Preparing You

The opportunity is already there.

You're just becoming the person who's ready to receive it.

Trust the timing.

5. The Score Takes Care Of Itself

Stop obsessing over results.

Focus on the process.
Do the work.

The outcome will follow.

6. Stop Thinking About It, Do It

Overthinking is just procrastination wearing a disguise.

Action creates clarity.

Start before you're ready.

7. It's You Vs. You

Your only competition is the person you were yesterday.

Compare yourself to others and you'll always lose.
Compare yourself to your past self and you'll always grow.

8. A Single Leap Of Faith Can Change Your Entire Life

The biggest breakthroughs come from the scariest decisions.

One bold move can unlock everything.

9. Not Every Closed Door Is Locked. Push

Most obstacles aren't as solid as they seem.

Test the door before you assume it's closed.

Persistence reveals paths that patience never will.

10. The Magic You're Looking For Is In The Work You're Avoiding

The thing you're resisting is the thing you need to do.

Discomfort is a compass pointing toward growth.

Lean into it.

These aren't just words on a page.

They're operating principles I return to daily.

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Notebooks are the new operating systems.

I know that sounds surprising, but hear me out.

Most founders have 17 half-filled notebooks scattered across their desk, car, and backpack.

Each one started with good intentions. Each one abandoned by week two.

Last year, I threw out every productivity app and went back to paper.

I built what I call "The Daily OS" a one-page framework that actually works.

Here's how to organize a notebook you'll actually use:

1. Theme Of The Day 

Start every day by naming what it's about.

Not a to-do list. An intention.

"Today is about deep creative work."
"Today is about strategic planning."
"Today is about connecting with my team."

This single sentence filters every decision you make.

2. Top 7 Priorities

Not 20 tasks. 
Not 50 emails. 
Seven priorities.

If you can't pick seven, you don't have clarity yet.

List them by impact, not urgency.

3. Meetings / Leverage Calls 

Here's the filter: Does this meeting create leverage or consume time?

If it doesn't compound, decline it or delegate it.

Only write down the calls that actually move needles.

4. Notes / Insights

Throughout the day, capture insights immediately.

Don't trust your memory. 

Write it down in the moment.

This section becomes your second brain.

5. The Scoreboard

Track three metrics daily:

• Gratitude (1 thing you're grateful for)
• Energy (1-10 scale, where 10 = you feel unbelievable)
• Revenue (1-10 scale, where 10 = you made significant progress)

Numbers don't lie. 

This scoreboard reveals patterns you'd otherwise miss.

6. End Of Day Reflection

Ask yourself 3 questions every evening:

What worked?
What didn't?
What will I accomplish tomorrow?

This 2-minute practice compounds into massive clarity over time.

The entire system fits on one page.

No apps. 
No syncing. 
No notifications.

Just a notebook and a pen.

Why does this work when digital tools fail?

• Because writing activates your brain differently than typing
• Because paper doesn't have notifications competing for your attention
• Because you can't optimize what you don't track, and this forces you to track what matters

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10 TED Talks in 10 days that will change your life:

Day 1: "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" - Simon Sinek

Start with WHY, not WHAT.

Your purpose drives everything else. 

Sinek breaks down why Apple sells billions while others struggle.

This talk will change how you think about your business, your brand, and your life.

Day 2: "The Power of Vulnerability" - Brené Brown

Vulnerability isn't weakness. It's courage.

Brown shows how embracing imperfection leads to connection, creativity, and change.

Essential for founders who think they need to have it all figured out.

Day 3: "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are" - Amy Cuddy

Confidence isn't just mental. It's physical.

Cuddy reveals how your posture literally changes your brain chemistry.

Two minutes of power posing before important meetings will transform your presence.

Day 4: "The Puzzle of Motivation" - Dan Pink

Money isn't the best motivator. 

Autonomy, mastery, and purpose are.

Pink destroys traditional thinking about what drives high performance.

This changes how you build teams and design your life.

Day 5: "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve" - Carol Dweck

Fixed mindset vs growth mindset.

Dweck shows how believing in your ability to grow literally rewires your brain for success.

One word change: "I can't do this" becomes "I can't do this yet."

Day 6: "How to Make Stress Your Friend" - Kelly McGonigal

Stress isn't your enemy. 

Your belief about stress is.

McGonigal presents research showing stress can actually improve performance and health.

Changes everything about how you handle pressure.

Day 7: "The Happy Secret to Better Work" - Shawn Achor

Happiness leads to success, not the other way around.

Achor breaks down the neuroscience of positivity and performance.

Simple daily practices that literally rewire your brain for success.

Day 8: "The Skill of Self-Confidence" - Dr. Ivan Joseph

Self-confidence is a skill, not a personality trait.

Joseph shows the exact formula for building unshakeable confidence.

Repetition plus positive self-talk equals an unstoppable mindset.

Day 9: "How to Speak So That People Want to Listen" - Julian Treasure

Your voice is your superpower.

Treasure reveals the vocal techniques that make people lean in.

Essential for founders who need to inspire teams and customers.

Day 10: "The Paradox of Choice" - Barry Schwartz

More options don't make us happier. 

They paralyze us.

Schwartz explains why limiting choices increases satisfaction.

Bonus: After watching all 10, go back and watch your favorite again.

The second viewing hits differently when you have the full context.

That's when the real insights emerge.

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Most people chase opportunities.

I spent years doing the same thing, waiting for the right moment, the perfect break, the big chance.

Then I realized something that changed everything.

The best opportunities don't come to people who chase them. They come to people who are so good they can't be ignored.

Here's how to get so good they can't ignore you:

1. Question Yourself

What do you truly want? What would this look like if it were fun?

Question what you actually enjoy.

Explore your craziest ideas to understand your true north star. 

Make a list of 10-15 items that light you up.

2. Stack Skills

What daily, repeated practice will get you to your goals?

Pick up a new skill every 30 days to accelerate your value.

Each skill compounds. Each one makes you more rare, more valuable, more undeniable.

3. Kill Self-Doubt

What's the worst that can happen to you?

Face your fears. Lean into discomfort.

The gap between where you are and where you want to be is filled with things that scare you. Cross it anyway.

4. Ruthlessly Track Your Time

What does your dream week look like? Which hours are you most productive? What tasks give you the most energy?

Design your ideal week, identify your best hours, and protect them like your life depends on it.

5. Set Anti-Goals

What daily actions will impede your success?

Make an "avoid at all costs" list.

Knowing what to avoid is just as powerful as knowing what to pursue. Sometimes more.

6. Set Specific Goals (And Review Them)

What are your 10-year goals? 3-year goals? 1-year goal? 30-day goals? This week? Today?

Break the future into today. Make the impossible actionable.

Review these relentlessly. Adjust. Iterate. Execute.

The people who become undeniable aren't waiting for permission.

They're building skills. Facing fears. Tracking everything. Avoiding distractions. Setting goals that scare them.

They're getting so good the world has no choice but to pay attention.

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How to get so good they can’t ignore you 

Sales are simple when you understand this secret: 

The moment you start selling, you've lost.

I used to be terrified of sales calls.

Now my team and I close without ever feeling like we're "selling."

Using a proven system I call “Pitch OS”.

I've taught this exact system to founders who went from struggling to book calls to closing 30-50% of their prospects.

Here's the 6-step sales system:

1. Lead With Curiosity

Most salespeople start by talking about themselves. 

Big mistake.

Instead, ask open-ended questions:

• "What are you looking to achieve?"
• "Tell me about your current situation"
• "What made you book this call today?"

Then shut up and listen. 

2. Clarify Their Challenges

You can’t help your prospect if you don’t truly understand their situation.

Some great follow-up questions I use:

• "Tell me more about that"
• "Why is that important to you?"
• "What impact does that have on your life?”

Care about what they say here.

The key is to dig deeper:

• "How long has this been an issue?"
• "What happens if this doesn't get solved?"

Their answers become your roadmap.

3. Co-Create Their Ideal Outcome

Once you understand their challenges, help them paint a picture of what success looks like:

• "What's the ultimate goal here?"
• "What would this allow you to do?"

This creates a vision they're emotionally invested in.

4. Contrast Cost of Inaction vs. Investment

Most people aren't afraid of the cost of your solution.

They're afraid of making a change.

Ask them: "If nothing changes, where will you be in 6 months?"

Help them see what inaction will cost them.

5. Present Your Solution As The Bridge

After successfully going through steps 1-4, I transition into the bridge:

"Based on what you've shared, I think I can help because of my experience in [solving their problem]. Here's how we'd get you to [their ideal outcome]."

I structure my solution around 3-4 clear pillars that directly address their challenges:

"The first thing we'll do is build out what I call [Pillar 1], which will solve [Challenge 1 they mentioned]."

Then, I’d go through each one in detail, following the same format. 

6. No Manipulation

I never use:

• Fake scarcity ("only 2 spots left!")
• False urgency ("price doubles tomorrow!")

Instead, I'm radically honest about what my solution can & cannot do.

Sales don't have to feel gross.

Remember: Trust is built before the call, not during it.

That's why my Content GPS makes sales effortless:

• Monthly workshops with immense value
• Weekly newsletter building a true relationship
• Daily content on social media solving real problems

By the time someone books a call, they're pre-sold on your expertise.

__

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How To Sell Anything To Anyone

My mentor asked me a question that broke my brain:

"What would your life look like if everything was intentional?"

I stared at him blankly.

"Most people live by accident," he continued. 

"They react to whatever shows up. You need to design your life like you design your business."

That night, I grabbed a notebook and sketched out 7 life categories.

Each one got specific, measurable actions.

No fluff. No "someday" goals. Just clear systems.

Here's what happened when I started living by design instead of default:

1. Relationships became rocket fuel 

Instead of random catch-ups, I created adventure schedules. 
 
Weekly parent calls. 
Epic trips every quarter.
Surprise bucket list experiences.

Intentional relationships compound differently than accidental ones.

2. Health became non-negotiable 

Daily movement. 
Time-restricted eating. 
Nature immersion weekly. 

When health is a system, not a mood, energy becomes unlimited.

3. Business operated like a machine 

Monthly filming batches. 

Systematic delegation. 

Deep work blocks carved in stone. 

Consistency at scale beats hustle at chaos.

4. Community became my competitive advantage
 
Instead of networking, I designed belonging. 

Home base finalized. 

Group activities by default. 

Your network becomes your net worth when it's built on intention.

5. Fun became fuel, not escape 

"Whole body yes" decisions only. 

Japan snowboarding trips planned. 

When fun is intentional, it recharges instead of depletes.

6. Spiritual practice became daily wisdom 

Alan Watts before bed. 

Connecting with my 13-year-old self. 

Grounding isn't optional when you're building at scale.

7. Creativity became systematic 

Daily journaling. 
Weekly artist dates. 
Notebooks everywhere. 

Innovation happens when you create space for it.

The shift from accidental living to intentional design?

Game changer.

Most people optimize randomly. 

They fix what's broken instead of building what works.

The magic is having a framework that covers every dimension of life.

When everything is intentional, everything compounds.

—

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The 9 most powerful life hacks i've discovered:

1. Surround Yourself With Optimists

Who you spend time with has a bigger influence on you than you know.

You're the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.

Each of those 5 should be someone pushing you forward.

I used to tolerate energy vampires.

Then I realized: their mindset was becoming mine.

2. Write Every Day

Writing isn't just for writers.

It's for thinkers.

Writing builds discipline. 
Improves your communication. 
Organizes your thinking.

I write every single day.

Some days it's one sentence. Some days it's ten pages.

What matters is the habit.

3. Build a Personal Board of Advisors

Don't underestimate the power of a mentor.

Epictetus mentored Marcus Aurelius.

Jobs mentored Zuckerberg.

Seeking advice from people 2-3 steps ahead of you gives you access to their lifetime of wisdom in 2-3 years.

4. Sun Exposure Every Morning

Get sunlight in your eyes every morning.

It sounds simple. It is simple.

But it's powerful.

Sunlight sets your circadian rhythm. 
Primes your brain to be alert and focused. 
Enhances your metabolism and immune function.

No phone. No distractions.

Just 10 minutes in the sun.

5. Block Off Time to Read

The most successful people in the world have one thing in common:

They love to read.

I read every day. About things that interest me. And I re-read my favorite books.

An hour a day of reading puts you in the top 0.01% of people.

6. Meditate Daily

"All of man's problems come because he cannot sit by himself in a room for 30 minutes."

Our society is filled with cheap dopamine. 
Constant notifications. 
Screens everywhere.

Meditation is the antidote.

I meditate for 20 minutes every morning.

It's about learning to be present.

7. Set a Bedtime Alarm

Everyone has a morning alarm.

Almost no one has a bedtime alarm.

After this alarm goes off, I allow my mind to relax:

Turn off all devices. 
Take a warm shower or bath. 
Read my favorite fiction book.

Setting yourself up for success the next day starts the night before.

8. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a key ingredient for living a fulfilling life.

Gratitude helps people improve their health, feel more positive emotions, and build strong relationships.

I take 5 minutes every day to write down 5 things I'm grateful for.

It rewires your brain to see opportunity instead of obstacles.

9. Invest in Yourself

We spend 8 hours a day working for someone else.

But we won't take 30 minutes to work on ourselves.

I invest in myself through reading, exercising, and learning new skills.

Just 30 minutes a day can change your life.

The best investment you'll ever make is in yourself.

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The 9 Most Powerful Life Hacks I've Discovered

Last year, I wrote down 20 laws that changed how I operate.

Not theories from business school. 

Real principles tested in the trenches.

Here are the 20 laws that transformed my approach:

1. Simplicity Beats Complexity

The founder who can explain their business in one sentence wins.

Strip away everything that doesn't move the needle.

2. Compounding Is The 8th Wonder

Small, consistent actions compound into massive results.

1% better every day = 37x better in a year.

3. Leverage Over Labor

Code, content, and capital scale infinitely.

Build systems that work without you.

4. Taste Is Strategy

Great taste isn't subjective - it's a competitive moat.

Develop your eye for quality in everything you touch.

5. Energy Is Currency

Guard your energy like cash.

You can't pour from an empty cup.

6. Write It Down

Clarity comes from writing, not thinking.

If you can't write it, you don't understand it.

7. Asymmetric Bets Only

Never risk $1 to make $1.

Only take bets where the upside is 10x the downside.

8. Distribution Beats Invention

The best product doesn't win, the best distribution does.

Build your audience before you build your product.

9. Brand Over Product

Products are copied in months.

Brands take years to build and can't be replicated.

10. Constraints Create Breakthroughs

Unlimited resources breed mediocrity.

Constraints force creativity and focus.

11. Ignore The Mob

Public opinion is the slowest form of judgment.

Do what's right, not what's popular.

12. Be A Media Company

Every business is a media company now.

If you're not creating content, you're invisible.

13. Do It Now

Procrastination is a symptom of unclear priorities.

If it's important, do it today.

14. Hire Weapons, Not Helpers

One A-player is worth 10 B-players.

Pay for excellence or pay for mediocrity twice.

15. AI Is Your Second Brain

Leverage AI to amplify your thinking.

It's not replacing you - it's extending you.

16. Profit Is Oxygen

Revenue is vanity.

 Profit is sanity.

Cash in the bank gives you freedom to take risks.

17. Legacy Over Likes

Build something that matters beyond your lifetime.

Social validation is empty calories.

18. Systems Buy Freedom, Hustle Buys A Job

If you're working 80-hour weeks, you don't have a business.

You have an expensive hobby.

19. Founder Brand Is Moat

Your personal brand is your unfair advantage.

People buy from people, not logos.

20. Die With No Regrets

Optimize for joy, not just returns.

The scoreboard resets when you're gone.

When you operate from these principles, you become untouchable, not because you're perfect, but because you're focused.

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Leonardo da Vinci once said:

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Here’s how to simplify your life (in 6 months):

Minimal vs Simple

Most people confuse the two. 

Minimalism is about having less. Simplicity is about focusing on what matters.

Your goal isn't to strip everything away. It's to make room for what counts.

When you master this, freedom follows.

The simplest people in history found joy in traditions:

• Simple diets
• Tea ceremonies
• Timeless fashion

Old traditions represent mastery over distraction. 

Here are 3 tips I’ve learned from studying timeless principles:

1. The 80/20 Rule

20% of your habits drive 80% of your health.

20% of your clients drive 80% of your revenue.

20% of your actions drive 80% of your happiness.

Focus on the 20%. Cut everything else.

2. Curate Your Environment

It's not just about a clean desk.

It's about: 

• What media you consume
• What notifications you allow
• Who you surround yourself with

Your environment shapes your behavior.

3. Not-To-Do List

Create a list of non-negotiables: 

• No meeting blocks
• No email before noon
• No social media after 8 PM

Sometimes, the habit you eliminate is more important than the habit you add.

Next, I want to break down 5 insanely simple systems that you can implement today to make you unstoppable:

1. Establish Rules
2. Have A Clear Vision
3. Plan For The Next Day
4. Health > Everything
5. Affirmations

1. Establish Rules

Here are a few I’ve set for myself to maintain a simple life: 

• Batch core meetings
• 3 hours of deep work at dawn
• No morning meetings until 12 PM
• Daily movement is non-negotiable 

Rules + Discipline = Freedom

2. Have A Clear Vision

You must create clear 1 year and 90-day goals for your business. 

When defining them, make sure they follow the S.M.A.R.T. framework:

• Specific
• Realistic
• Achievable 
• Measurable 
• Time-bound 

Without a vision, you will perish.

3. Plan For The Next Day

Write down your 5 priorities for tomorrow every night. 

The Super Bowl is won in preseason. Tomorrow's victory is planned today.

Clarity before bed = Momentum at dawn.

4. Health > Everything

Your most important asset is your body. 

Here’s my (simplified) health protocol: 

Morning: Collagen + H20+ Journaling + Coffee
Afternoon: Apple Cider Vinegar + Lunch + Sunlight 
Evening: Light dinner + 8hrs Sleep

Healthy founders build healthy businesses.

5. Affirmations

These daily reminders become your internal motto. Some of mine include: 

• "I am optimistic" 
• "I recognize less is more" 
• "I am present and loving"

Your words become your reality. Choose them with intention.

—

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How To Simply Your Life (in 6 months)

I can teach you more in 2 minutes than you'll learn in 4 years.

Here are 10 steps to start your own business:

1. Find Your Calling

Don't waste time building a business you hate.

Focus on your purpose by completing your Ikigai.

Ikigai = your reason for being

The thing that gets you up in the morning.

2. Mentors Are Everything

You are the product of the 5 people you are surrounded by.

Reach out to people you respect.

3. Publish Content Daily

Pick platforms where your audience lives.

Share your failures, breakthroughs, and lessons daily.

You're not just building content, you're building proof you can deliver.

Consistency beats perfection.

4. Drive People to Your Email List

Email is your direct line.

No algorithm can take it away.

Give value first, free guides, frameworks, honest lessons.

People join lists for transformation, not pitches.

5. Survey Your Community

Ask people what they want to see from you.

Find something in your calling and mix it with a monetization strategy:

• SaaS
• Course
• Consulting
• Membership
• Paid Newsletter

You got this.

6. Buy a Domain

Perfect is the enemy of launched.

Get a domain, throw up a landing page, start collecting emails.

You'll learn more from 10 real conversations than 100 hours of planning.

7. Be Scrappy

People love hustlers.

Entrepreneurs love to pay it forward.

Get outside the building.

Talk to people.

8. Use No-Code Tools To Build an MVP

Your MVP shouldn't look like Apple's homepage.

Use free tools, hack together solutions, focus on solving one problem perfectly.

Constraints breed creativity. Build fast, learn faster.

9. Business is About Systems

Your business should run without you watching every detail.

Document everything. 
Create playbooks. 
Automate the routine so you can focus on growth.

Systems turn hustle into scale.

10. Get Your Banking Set Up

One business account.

Clean books from day one.

Track every dollar in, every dollar out.

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How to build momentum when you feel stuck:

Step 1: The Minimum Viable Action

When I'm stuck, I find the smallest possible action I can take.

Not the perfect action. Not the big action.

The tiniest step forward.

Make one call.
Share one idea.
Send one email.
Write one sentence.

That's it.

Most people stay stuck because they're waiting for clarity on the whole path.

But you don't need the whole path.

You just need the next step.

Step 2: The Momentum Stack

Here's where it gets interesting.

I layer small actions on top of each other:

• Action 1 creates energy
• Action 2 builds on that energy
• Action 3 multiplies the energy
• Action 4 sustains the energy

Each action makes the next one easier.

This is how momentum compounds.

Step 3: The Friction Elimination

While I'm building momentum, I'm also removing everything that slows me down.

I cut out:

• Unclear goals
• Energy vampires
• Decision fatigue
• Complex processes

Every point of friction you remove doubles your velocity.

Step 4: The Momentum Multipliers

This is the advanced move.

I identify actions that create compound effects:

Systems that create more systems.
Connections that lead to more connections.
Success that enables more success.

These are the leverage points.

One good action creates ten more opportunities.

The Advanced Strategy: Momentum Anchoring

I don't just take action.

I connect that momentum to my identity.

"I am someone who takes action."
"I am someone who follows through."
"I am someone who builds systems."

When momentum becomes part of who you are, it's unstoppable.

Every breakthrough I've ever had followed this pattern:

Stuck → Small action → Slight progress → Increased confidence → Bigger action → Real progress → Sustained momentum

Find the smallest possible action.

Take it. Then take the next one.

—

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How To Build Momentum When You Feel Stuck

7 mental models that killed my overthinking forever:

1. The Pareto Principle

20% of your efforts produce 80% of your results.

I used to spread myself thin across 30 different tasks. 

Now I ruthlessly identify the critical 20% that actually moves the needle. 

Double down on what matters. Ignore the rest.

Your zone of genius isn't everything; it's the few things only you can do.

2. Occam's Razor

The simplest solution is usually the right one.

I'd overcomplicate every decision with 15-step frameworks and contingency plans. 

Nature doesn't work that way. 

When facing a problem, I now ask: what's the path with the fewest points of failure?

Strip away the complexity. 

The answer is simpler than you think.

3. Regret Minimization Framework

Picture yourself at 80, looking back at this exact moment.

What would you regret more, staying stuck or taking action?

I've never regretted the risks I took. 

Only the ones I didn't. 

4. The Eisenhower Matrix

Urgent vs. Important, most people confuse them.

I used to live in the "urgent" quadrant, constantly firefighting. 

Now I categorize every task: 

Do it now. 
Schedule it. 
Delegate it. 
Eliminate it.

The magic happens when you live in "important but not urgent." That's where you build the future.

5. Inversion Thinking

Instead of asking "what guarantees my success?"

Ask "what guarantees my failure?"

Fear of judgment. 
Analysis paralysis. 
Waiting for perfect timing. 

Once I identified these failure patterns, I could eliminate them systematically.

You can't always control success. 

But you can always avoid failure.

6. Opportunity Cost

Every hour spent overthinking is an hour not spent building.

The real cost isn't the decision itself, it's the life you could have lived while you were stuck deciding. 

I think about this daily: what am I sacrificing by staying paralyzed?

The answer usually terrifies me into action.

7. Parkinson's Law

Work expands to fill the time you give it.

Give yourself a week for a task? It'll take a week. 

Give yourself a day? It'll take a day.

I stopped giving myself endless time to "think things through." 

Tight deadlines force clarity. They eliminate the luxury of overthinking.

Your most valuable asset isn't your ideas. 

It's your time.

Stop thinking. Start doing.

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7 Mental Models To Kill Overthinking

David A. Olson

I make $1.1M per month while taking 4-day weekends. 

Here's how to build a business that runs without you:

1. Systems > Hustle

Most founders are stuck working IN their business instead of ON it.

They chase growth through brute force when they should be building systems.

The simple truth:

• You don't need to work harder
• You don't need more hours
• You don't need more motivation

You need systems that run without you.

The difference between a job and a business is whether it works when you don't.

2. The AED Framework

This is the exact system I use to remove myself from operations:

• AUTOMATE what's repetitive
• ELIMINATE what's unnecessary
• DELEGATE what's not in your zone of genius

When something lands on your plate, run it through this filter immediately.

Your most valuable resource isn't money, it's your attention.

3. The 5 Systems Every Founder Needs

After building multiple 7 and 8-figure businesses, these are non-negotiable:

• Content system (audience growth on autopilot)
• Sales system (predictable revenue generation)
• Delivery system (consistent customer experience)
• Team system (accountable performance)
• Finance system (profitable decision-making)

Build these 5 and you've built your freedom.

4. Your Team = Your Leverage

Most founders hire too late, too cheap, and without systems.

Here's your first three game-changing hires:

• Executive Assistant (buys back 20+ hours weekly)
• Content Manager (builds your audience while you sleep)
• Operations Manager (runs your systems when you're gone)

Hire for systems, not tasks.

The ROI on great people with great systems is infinite.

5. The Founder Freedom Formula

True freedom requires more than just delegation.
You need:

• Documented processes for everything you do
• Decision frameworks for your team to follow
• Clear metrics to measure performance
• Weekly accountability systems
• Strategic deep work time for yourself

Your business should serve your life, not consume it.

6. The 90-Day Freedom Plan

Want to implement this in your business?

Days 1-30: Document every process you touch 
Days 31-60: Build your team and systems dashboard 
Days 61-90: Transition to 4-hour founder workdays

Most founders never escape the daily grind because they never commit to the systems work.

Be the founder who builds a business, not just another job.

Your systems are your path to freedom.

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Spencer Taylor

I create 247 pieces of content per month.

Time spent? 7 hours.

Most founders stare at blank screens for hours. 

They overthink, delete drafts, and convince themselves they're "not interesting enough."

Here are 6 tips to generate endless content ideas:

1. Stop Waiting for Inspiration

Content isn't about being on camera or feeling creative. 

It's about documenting what you're already doing, thinking, and learning every single day.

2. The Content GPS Framework 

Every week follows five buckets: 

Monday - mistakes I made, Tuesday - systems that work, Wednesday - client transformations, Thursday - contrarian truths, Friday - vision for the future.

3. The 30-in-30 Exercise 

Spend 30 minutes writing: 10 things that frustrate you, 10 lessons you've learned, 10 transformations you've witnessed. 

That's your content calendar.

4. Mine Your Past Self 

Last week at 2am in London, I asked myself one question: "What do I wish I knew 5 years ago?" Wrote 73 ideas in my journal without stopping.

5. Your Struggles Beat Their Quotes 

20-somethings share motivational quotes. Real founders share scars.
 
Your authentic experience will always beat polished perfection.

6. Your Life IS Content 

Every decision you make, every system you build, every mistake you survive, it's all material waiting to be shared with people who need it.

The difference between struggling and thriving with content?

Systems beat motivation every time.

I don't create content because I'm inspired. 

I create it because I have a framework that turns my real experiences into value for others.

That's the power of building in public, transparency becomes your competitive advantage.

Start documenting your journey today. 

Someone needs to hear exactly what you learned yesterday.

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How To Generate Endless Content Ideas

Naval Ravikant once said:

"The most dangerous things are heroin and a monthly salary."

Here’s how to build a 7-figure one-person business (in 90 days):

Most founders are trapped in a business that's running them into the ground. 

Stressed, directionless, unsure how to find peace and grow.

But the future of entrepreneurship is the one-person business model: 

You, your systems, and a remote specialist team helping you scale.

Picture this: running a business you love, with people and customers you adore, living a life of calm and ease.

To turn this 7-figure dream into reality, focus on multiplying four key areas:

• Impact
• Energy
• Output
• Audience

Let's break them down:

1. Multiply Your Audience

The Content Waterfall system is your secret weapon. 

Transform one pillar content piece into 26 across platforms:

• 3 IG reels
• 10 tweets
• 1 newsletter
• 3 YouTube shorts
• And more

Say goodbye to the content hamster wheel forever.

2. Multiply Your Impact

Your story is your north star. Craft an origin story infused with your:

• Mission
• Values
• Vision

Weave this into your content, hiring, sales, every facet of your business. 

Let your story guide you.

3. Multiply Your Energy

As a founder, you are your greatest asset. 

Make your health your #1 priority:

• Quit unhealthy habits
• Find a mentor or coach
• Surround yourself with a supportive founder community

Remember: a business can only be as healthy as its founder.

4. Multiply Your Output

Building an empire is a team sport. 

Hire "weapons" A-players who take ownership of key areas to supercharge your growth.

My game-changing first hires:

• Tech
• Funnels
• Finance
• Copywriting

This gave me the time and energy to create the greatest founder experience possible.

—

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I just turned 36.

I battled to get sober, had my company get raided by the government, traveled the world, started two 8-figure companies and one 7-figure company.

11 lessons for 18-year-old Matt:

1. Prioritize Nature

Nature's been my biggest mentor and therapist.

Getting outside daily, taking my shoes off, and grounding myself have brought infinite stability to my life.

2. Remove Negative People

Negative energy infects your spirit and slowly chips away at your spirit.

If I ever feel drained after meeting someone, they're not meant to be in my life.

3. Learn Aggressively

If you want to fail in life, act like you know it all.

I set aside time to learn something new every day.

Be a lifelong student - read, listen, and learn.

4. Attention is the New Oil

Once you figure out how to get it, your life will take on a new trajectory.

Growing your audience is the fastest way to expand your luck surface area and become a magnet for opportunities.

5. Learn Storytelling Early

Sales, hiring, marketing, it's all storytelling.

It's the highest intangible ROI skill you can learn.

The first step:

Study storytelling frameworks and the 7 fundamental human emotions.

6. Rethink Vulnerability

I used to think vulnerability made me weak.

But vulnerability is the birthplace of all meaningful connections.

Be real and open your heart.

7. Embrace Compounding

Aim to get 1% better every day and be 37x better by the end of the year.

It's a simple mindset hack that'll bring you a world of joy down the line.

All you need is consistency.

8. Make your Morning Routine your Competitive Advantage

I plan my day the night before.

Then I'm up at 5:30, go for a walk, and lift weights.

I've won the day before I even start.

I'm not saying follow my morning routine - I'm saying find what works for you and stick with it.

9. Optimize Your Health

In order to be successful, you need to be at peak performance.

Your health is the biggest input.

It's simple:

If you treat your body like shit, you'll feel like shit.

10. Excellence is a Habit

How you do one thing is how you do everything.

And if you slack, you're only letting yourself down.

Aim for excellence in the small things, and the big picture takes care of itself.

11. Fall in Love With The Process

There's no shortcut to success - it's years of showing up every day.

But you can't do it unless you love it.

Enjoy the small stuff: a good day's work, a big email sent, every deal closed.

Success is about stacking tiny wins.

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I used to be stressed out of my mind…

Now, I only work 4 hours a day and travel the world building my dream business. 

10 sentences that helped me 10x my productivity:

1. Your Future Is Built In Invisible Moments

The actions nobody sees today create the freedom everybody will envy. 

Spending 30 minutes daily building systems can save hundreds of hours down the line.

2. Be Consistent Long Enough To Look Talented

Everyone chases breakthroughs, but sustained success comes from showing up daily.

I've posted content daily for 3 years straight, through travel, illness, and burnout.

That consistency (not some magical skill) built my following to 2.8 M.

3. Boredom Is The Doorway To Mastery

Most people think that we should avoid boredom at all costs. 

I disagree. Some of my biggest business breakthroughs have come from: 

• Walking in Joshua Tree
• Biking through the Dolomites 
• Strolling through rice fields in Bali

Doing nothing is sometimes better than doing something.

4. If You're Overwhelmed, You're Doing Too Much Manually

Being busy means you haven't built systems to replace yourself. 

It means you're still trapped in the founder's prison you built.

The moment you feel overwhelmed, it's a signal to automate, delegate, or eliminate, not work harder.

5. Make Your Inputs Louder Than Your Insecurities

Your mind will always find reasons why you can't build the business you want.

Drown those voices with quality inputs: books, conversations with A-players, courses, and masterminds.

6. Execution Speed > Creative Perfection

Ideas are worthless. Execution is everything.

The best entrepreneurs ship FAST. 

Get feedback.

Iterate relentlessly.

I'd rather ship 10 imperfect projects than obsess over one "perfect" one that never sees the light of day.

7. Focus Is A Force Multiplier

Always think about ways of doing less: 

• Less work
• Fewer teams
• Fewer meetings
• Fewer product lines

Fewer things done well beat many things done poorly.

8. Great Brands Are Built On Brutal Clarity

Your messaging should be so clear that someone can explain your offer in one sentence.

If you make people “think” too hard about what you do, they'll move on to someone else.

9. Don’t Escape the Grind, Systematize It 

Your business will eventually ruin you unless you transform it into one that runs itself.

Every repetitive task in my business is documented, templated & assigned to the right person.

I don't need to escape my business because I've built it to run better without me.

10. Rest Is Strategy, Not Reward

Schedule time to completely unplug from your business.

“Distraction is not procrastination. Distraction is a strategy in service of the work.” — Rick Rubin.

Your best ideas often come when you step away.

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7 life lessons people learn too late in life:

1. Never Let Rejection Lead To Self-Rejection

Rejection is a constant experience in life.

It becomes dangerous when rejection instills fear in your heart.

Fear of rejection destroys:

• Risk-taking
• Creativity
• Desire for exploration

Never let fear rule you.

2. Rediscover Your Inner Child

When was the last time you played in the snow?

The goal of life is to discover freedom.

Rediscover your inner child by doing the following:

• Make time for play
• Create space for stillness
• Surround yourself with people that bring you joy

3. Love Yourself

Society has made it popular to seek love from others.

It makes us forget that self-love is more important than:

• Our career
• Other peoples' opinions
• Others' wishes/moods

Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line.

4. The Achievement Will Never Be as Fulfilling as the Journey

It can often feel empty when you are hitting your goals.

The reason we set goals is for the journey they take us on:

• Your 30-day workout streak
• Your first revenue milestone

Life is a journey. Enjoy the trip.

5. Creativity Takes Hard Work

Creativity is:

• Instinctive
• Free-flowing

But it's also:

• Hard-earned
• Improved through practice

Get over the idea that there are "natural creatives."

You are creative.

"Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Einstein

6. Most People Don’t Do What They Love

90% of people work on things they hate.

Don't let others dictate your life.

• Do what is best for you
• Get clarity on your goals and dreams

Do what you love and the necessary opportunities will follow.

7. Own Your Responsibilities, Own Your Future

Never let your present be rooted in your past.

You will never be able to take control of your future.

Past actions are no longer your responsibility.

Only how you attack today matters.

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How to develop influence as a leader:

1. Be the Hardest Worker In the Room

Your business is your baby, & your team is there to help you raise it.

But still, at the end of the day, it’s your baby.

You have to make your own luck.

The responsibility you have as a founder is to set the standard for work at your company.

2. Be Real With Your Team

Many people don’t feel like they can be honest with people who are perceived to be above them.

• Share struggles
• Acknowledge your flaws
• Work to improve

When you’re honest with yourself, your team will be honest with you.

3. Keep Your Eyes On the Prize

This is my preferred method to ensure that my team and I stay aligned on our big-picture vision.

You can’t have a million different projects at once.

No one will get anything done.

Master the spirituality of productivity.

4. Avoid Pointless Meetings

I have policies to make sure that I’m done overwhelming myself and my team with meetings:

• No meetings before noon
• All meetings on Tuesdays
• No agenda, no meeting

These rules are easy in concept but tough in practice, that’s why they work.

5. Learn How to Balance Play and Rest

Leadership is top down and culture is everything.

I aim to be the hardest worker in the room but I have a work-life balance and I want my team to have it too.

A burned-out CEO leads to a company of tired workers.

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Chris Donnelly

Founder (Business Acquired by Croud)

Co Founder of Searchable.com | Follow for posts on Business, Marketing, Personal Brand & AI

Cofounder of Searchable: 

An Autonomous SEO & AEO Growth Engineer 
Analyse, fix, & scale your website to drive customers

Work out how to master AI Search here: searchable.com

The short life story 

I decided to skip the corporate job & start a digital marketing agency at 21. Here is the journey so far: 

Age 21: Bootstrapped Adjust Media at university making websites 
Age 22: Left Uni and rebranded to Verb Brands
Age 27: Acquired DBD Media Ltd, their 20 staff & expanded to digital marketing
Age 28: Won Bugatti & recognised as leading luxury agency
Age 30: Sell entirety of Verb Brands to Croud & LDC in an 8-figure deal
Age 31: Founded Lottie Org w/ Will Donnelly (Grow revenue to 8 figures, raise $35m & hire 100 people).
Age 32: Launch my Media, Education and Investment business
Age 33: Launched the Creator Accelerator and reached 8 figures in revenue
Age 34: Co Founded Searchable

It’s been a journey. 

Through Searchable.com I help founders and marketers to grow their organic traffic on auto pilot with our autonomous Seo and Aeo tool: searchable.com

Through my investment company, we support and invest into Entrepreneurs running incredible businesses, and with our experience as operators, help them scale. 

If you are a founder of a profitable and growing company with approximately $1m+ EBITDA, and you want to see if you can grow faster, reach out. 

If you are not at that level yet, I produce resources to help you get there. 

I run a podcast called Wake Up, and produce content on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram for free.

Commercial enquiries for speaking or brand deals: enquiries@chris-donnelly.co.uk

Co-Founder

Found CRM by Lottie 

A cloud-based care home operation software, mapped and built specifically to the care and retirement industries unique customer journey and supports care homes with CRM, Occupancy, Administration and Finance

Found results in a higher conversion rate, better attribution of marketing spend, saved time and ultimately high occupancy.

SEO, AEO, and GEO aren't the same thing.

Understanding the difference is essential: 

The vast majority of businesses still optimise for SEO alone. 
But that's only because they haven't realised what's changed.

They are now competing for attention with SEM, PPC, and AI Overviews...

They bet losing hands because they refuse to accept the game has changed. 

Visibility is fragmenting across three layers: 

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
This is the model we've optimised for over the past 20 years.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
Get your content extracted into answer boxes, on Google and in AI responses.

GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation)
Get cited in AI-generated responses on ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Claude.

(Btw, If you don't know where you stand in any of these...

We've created this free visibility report to analyse your current gaps: 
https://lnkd.in/g6XApkfm)

Here's what you need to know right now: 

➡️ SEO = Appearing in traditional search engines (Google, Bing)

Focus: Rankings and click-through traffic
Outcome: Your page appears in search results

➡️ AEO = Content extracted into Google Snippets and short AI answers

Focus: Featured snippets, answer boxes, "People Also Ask," quick AI responses
Outcome: Your content is displayed as the answer (often zero-click)

➡️ GEO = Cited in detailed AI responses on ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, etc. 

Focus: Being referenced in longer, synthesised AI-generated content
Outcome: Your brand/content is cited with attribution in AI answers

It's not hard to get ahead of this in 2026. 
There aren't that many brands optimising for all three. 

But the ones that are, are already: 

- Structuring content for extraction
- Building authority for citations
- And reinforcing traditional SEO foundations 

To put it simply: 
Acknowledge the game has changed, and start playing accordingly. 

Do you understand the difference between SEO/AEO/GEO? 
Comment below with your thoughts. 

Searchable is the easiest possible way to prepare for all three at once. 

And our free visibility report is a great starting point to see where you stand.

Find your gaps here: https://lnkd.in/g6XApkfm

You then have a 14-day free trial to plug those gaps !

♻️ Repost this to help others optimise for all three layers.
Follow Chris Donnelly for more on mastering AI search.

Everyone wants to know which AI is "the best."

The answer isn't simple. But here's the breakdown:

I've spent months testing every major AI model.  

And they all have different strengths and weaknesses. 

The real skill is knowing which AI to use for each specific task. 

Here's how the top 6 stack up in 2026: 

(See the sheet for more details and updates 👇)

1. Claude Opus 4.5
The model I rely on most.

Best for: Strong reasoning and long-form thinking
Handles complex documents without losing structure
Downside: Less spontaneous with creative ideas

New updates: 
Claude Code, Cowork, and Excel will change how technical teams work.  

2. ChatGPT-5.2
Still the most versatile tool available.

Best for: Strong reasoning and multimodal support.
Fast for content, workflows, and experimentation
Downside: Costs increase quickly with heavy usage

New updates: 
With Health features, Atlas, and Apps, ChatGPT has captured more of the market.  

3. Gemini 3
Google’s model, now properly usable.

Best for: Multimodal understanding across documents and data
Very good for research-heavy work inside Google-heavy teams. 
Downside: Creative output can feel restrained

New updates: 
Nano Banana with revolutionary image creation, Gemini 3, and personal intelligence. 

4. Perplexity
The fastest way to get reliable answers.

Best for: Real-time search with clear citations
Transparent sources reduce guesswork 
Downside: Limited creative generation

New updates: 
Learn Mode for structured, guided understanding and a new AI browser, Comet. 

5. Grok 4.1
Strong awareness of what’s happening now.

Best for: Real-time trend and cultural context
Useful for social listening and narratives
Downside: Limited use for structured or technical work

New updates: 
The new image generation feature is impressive (if not controversial !).  

6. DeepSeek 3.2
Open-source, highly efficient for technical teams. 

Best for: Strong quantitative and STEM reasoning
High performance relative to cost
Downside: Limited documentation outside Asia

New updates: 
3.2, which is essentially DeepSeek 3.1 with better reasoning and stability. 

Each model will serve a slightly different purpose. 

I encourage everyone to test them and make up their own mind. 

The more you experiment, the more value each one can provide.  

Which LLMs are you already using? Which ones are you most curious about? 
Drop a comment below. 

P.S. We built Searchable to make it as easy as possible to prepare for AI search 
that happens within these LLMs. 

It's an autonomous SEO & AEO Growth Engineer that: 
Analyses, fixes, and scales your website automatically to drive customers. 

Learn more and get started with a 14-day free trial 👇
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

----

📌 If you want a high-res PDF of this sheet:

1. Follow Chris Donnelly
2. Like the post.
3. Repost to your network.
4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

"LinkedIn is dead now." Heard this a million times.

No, it isn't, you just need the right approach:

So many founders post randomly and run out of steam in weeks. 

A strong brand can change the trajectory of your business. 

But only if you have a strategy to scale it properly. 

I recorded a 19-minute guide to prepare you for all the recent updates 👇
https://lnkd.in/gQFQcRza

Watch the video to get up to date. Then follow these steps:  

(See cheat sheet for the full breakdown) 

1. Your North Star

Your personal brand needs one clear North Star for the next 90 days.

Ask yourself:
What does success genuinely look like 12 weeks from now?

2. The Positioning Triangle

Personal brands win when three things overlap:

1. Your expertise
2. A painful market problem
3. Your point of view

3. The Audience Clarity Map

There are only 3 groups you need to speak to: 

- Buyers: The people who will pay you
- Aspirational followers: The people who amplify you
- Learners: Early-stage, curious, watching quietly

4. The Content OS

This is how I structure every content system I build: 

1. Teach – frameworks, tactics, step-by-step
2. Think – opinions, observations, contrarian takes
3. Build – behind-the-scenes, lessons, mistakes
4. Sell – results, stories, clear offers

5. The Attention Engine

Consistency in personal brand requires a weekly execution system.

1. Idea Sourcing (60 minutes)
2. Batch Writing (2 hours)
3. Daily Engagement (15–20 minutes)
4. End-of-Week Review (20 minutes)

6. The Trust Ladder Framework

People buy from you because you’ve earned their trust based on: 

1. Awareness
2. Relevance
3. Authority
4. Proof
5. Action

7. The Content Feedback Loop

Your audience will always tell you what to create next.

Each week, analyse:

- Your highest-performing post
- Your lowest-performing post
- Which topic resonated the most
- Which format could be repeated

8. The 3-Level Personal Brand Funnel

A strong personal brand is built to sell.

Your funnel should follow:

1. Top of Funnel: Content geared towards reach
2. Middle of Funnel: Deeper education (cheat sheets, carousels, etc)
3. Bottom of Funnel: Proof and clear transformations

9. The Growth Scorecard

You only need 5 metrics to know if your brand is working: 

- Number of views
- Follower growth
- Engagement rate
- Inbound leads
- Newsletter signups

Your personal brand is either your biggest asset or a complete time drain.

The difference is the strategy you use to manage it. 

What part of your personal brand are you struggling with the most? 
Drop a comment below with your thoughts. 

If it's the LinkedIn algorithm throwing you off, that's an easy fix. 

My recent video is less than 20 minutes should clear up your concerns: https://lnkd.in/gQFQcRza

♻️ Repost to share this system with your network. 
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Don’t be the person who gets caught producing terrible AI output. 

Instead, steal 1 of these 8 frameworks: 

This is where you should start with AI:
Mastering the art of prompting.

Prompting basic questions will get you basic answers.
Honestly, it is a misuse of insanely valuable technology.

My team and I have learned this deeply as a skill.

The results are amazing:

- Streamlined and optimised operations.
- Tasks are being automated, freeing up time.
- Therefore, more time spent on truly valuable tasks.

These are the 8 prompt frameworks I use to power my businesses:

1️⃣ R-T-F
Role: Specify the role you want the AI to assume.
Task: Define the task you want the AI to perform.
Format: Indicate the format in which you want the output.

2️⃣ S-O-L-V-E
Situation: Define the context or situation.
Objective: Specify the goals.
Limits: Define any limitations or constraints.
Vision: Outline the vision or goal.
Execution: Plan the steps for execution.

3️⃣ T-A-G
Task: Define the task at hand.
Action: State the action needed.
Goal: Clarify the goal to be achieved.

4️⃣ R-A-C-E
Role: Specify the character you want the AI to play.
Action: State the basic instruction or the job you need to be done.
Context: Provide the background information the AI will need.
Expectation: Describe the outcome you need.

5️⃣ D-R-E-A-M
Define: Define the problem or context.
Research: State the research needed.
Execute: How to execute the plan.
Analyse: How to analyse the results.
Measure: Define how to measure the outcomes.

6️⃣ P-A-C-T
Problem: Define the problem.
Approach: Describe the approach.
Checks: Write about potential compromises.
Test: Define the test or measurement.

7️⃣ C-A-R-E
Context: Give the context.
Action: Describe the action needed.
Result: Clarify the expected result.
Example: Provide an example for clarity.

8️⃣ R-I-S-E
Role: Specify the role.
Input: Describe the input needed.
Steps: Could you ask for steps to follow?
Expectation: Describe the expectation.

AI is the single biggest source of leverage across all my businesses.
But we couldn't have achieved any of it without learning how to prompt.

If you spend 1-2 hours scrolling on Instagram per day...
I know you have time to learn these prompting techniques.

My newsletter shares resources like this, every single week.

There is always something you can apply the exact same day.

Sign up now and join 250k reading weekly: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

I also have 30+ free learning resources for you.

Which prompting technique will you try first? 
Let me know how it goes in the comments.

♻️ Repost to help your network learn vital AI skills. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more on leveraging AI in 2026.

There is a reason everyone is talking about Claude Code.
It is the most powerful AI tool available.
This is the full breakdown you need to understand it:

You now no longer need to know coding to code.

You don't need to write the code; you just manage the agents that write it.

People are building some incredible apps and websites using it in a couple of hours max.

Which is pretty crazy, all things considered. Yet another seismic moment.

However, if you don't know where to start, it can be a tiny bit confusing. 

Which is why I've created this all-in-one guide,
Aiming to get you up to speed in just a couple of minutes:

(Save this sheet for when you come to test Claude Code !)

So, what is Claude Code? 🧑🏻‍💻

It's a command-line tool built by Anthropic that sits inside your terminal and works across your entire workflow.

Anthropic's Claude Code Beginner Guide: https://lnkd.in/eB5N3mx7

Next, what is the optimal workflow? 🔀

This is the flow that works best:

Start in plan mode (Shift+Tab twice)
↓
Write your goal clearly
↓
Let Claude break it into steps
↓
Review & iterate the plan
↓
Switch to auto-accept edits mode
↓
Claude executes the plan end-to-end
↓
Review output → Refine if needed

The key is a good plan. Without that, you'll get tons of revision rounds.

The Claude Code Creator's (Boris Cherny) Setup: https://lnkd.in/e8JF3ca7

But what can you actually use Claude Code for as a founder? 💻

1. Synthesise customer feedback
2. Draft documents & presentations
3. Build code & prototypes
4. Research & competitive analysis
5. Automate repetitive workflows
6. Create reusable skills

Plus many more. Like I said, people are building full websites and apps with this.

50 Ways Non-Technical People Are Using Claude Code: https://lnkd.in/ebK25X6M

What are the Power Features worth knowing about? 📲

1. MCP (Model Context Protocol)
This is like a USB-C for AI - one interface for your entire tool stack.

2. Skills (Reusable Automations)
These are task-specific instruction packages Claude auto-loads when relevant.

3. CLAUDE .md (Project Memory)
A markdown file that gives Claude permanent context about your project.

Connect Claude Code To Tools Via MCP Guide: https://lnkd.in/epQbcNst
Extend Claude With Skills Guide: https://lnkd.in/en_jt5sg
Writing a good CLAUDE .md File Guide: https://lnkd.in/e_UttjWa

And finally, you can find some useful dos and don'ts in the sheet below.

With all of that covered, you should be good to start building.

If you're planning on doing so, let me know in the comments.
I will try and guide you in the right direction !

For more on building using AI, you'll want to read my newsletter, Step by Step:
https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

💾 Save and repost this so your network sees this.
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Agentic AI is not “ChatGPT with extra steps.” 

Here's how to explain it to your leadership team: 

ChatGPT can perform complex tasks. 

But Agentic AI is an elevated experience. 

Here are the 7 layers it uses to build real systems: 

1. Machine Learning 

Identify data patterns and improve performance.

→ Supervised learning for labelled data predictions
→ Unsupervised learning for pattern discovery
→ Reinforcement learning for optimal decision-making
→ Feature extraction and pattern recognition
→ Model training, evaluation, and optimisation

Tools: AWS SageMaker, Google Vertex AI, Azure ML

2. Large Language Models (LLMs)

Comprehend natural language and process multiple inputs.

→ Natural language understanding and reasoning
→ Tokenisation and embeddings for text processing
→ Multimodal input handling (text, image, audio)
→ Pre-training on massive datasets
→ Fine-tuning, adapters, and prompt engineering
→ Extended context windows for long conversations

Tools: OpenAI GPT, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini

3. Generative AI 

Generate new content across multimedia. 

→ Text and code generation from prompts
→ Image and video synthesis
→ Speech recognition (ASR) and text-to-speech (TTS)
→ Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for accuracy
→ Structured output generation with validation

Tools: ChatGPT, Midjourney, Runway, ElevenLabs

4. AI Agents 

Plan tasks and execute autonomously.

→ Task planning and decomposition
→ Tool use and function calling
→ API execution and integration
→ Memory and context management
→ Autonomous execution with error handling
→ State persistence across sessions

Tools: LangChain, AutoGPT, CrewAI

5. Agentic Systems 

AI agents working together with specialised roles.

→ Multi-agent collaboration and specialisation
→ Inter-agent communication protocols
→ Workflow orchestration and task routing
→ Shared state coordination
→ Failure recovery and parallel execution

Tools: Microsoft AutoGen, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel

6. Agentic AI 

Sets goals and adapts behaviour.

→ Goal setting and decomposition
→ Goal chaining for complex outcomes
→ Long-term autonomous operation
→ Dynamic decision-making with feedback loops
→ Self-improvement and adaptive behaviour

Tools: Custom implementations, research frameworks

7. Governance, Safety & Control

Ensure AI safe, transparent operations. 

→ Human-in-the-loop oversight and approval
→ Guardrails and operational constraints
→ Observability, tracing, and audit logs
→ Risk management and compliance controls
→ Rollbacks, overrides, and cost controls

Tools: LangSmith, Weights & Biases, custom monitoring

For Searchable, we needed multi-agent workflows to build out our original product. 

That's not possible with an LLM alone.

Agentic AI is the future of building businesses faster and smarter. 

Start your 14-day free trial today: 
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

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Claude Cowork is a non-negotiable for non-technical founders.

Here's the full breakdown so you can get started: 

Founders assume they need to handle all the minor details of their business. 

That was certainly true when I started building VERB back when I was 21.
But Claude Cowork has basically removed the need to do any admin. 

You just tell Cowork what you want done, and it handles it. 
Kinda wild.

People are automating entire hours-long workflows down to minutes.

The way we build businesses will, once again, no longer be the same. 

But you probably aren't prepared to handle this shift right away.
Building is hard enough without blindly navigating a new platform...

This all-in-one guide should give you everything you need to get started:  

(Save this sheet so you can test Claude Cowork confidently !)

First of all, what is Claude Cowork? 🖥️

Cowork is an AI assistant that lives on your computer and does things for you.

→ It reads your files and controls your browser
→ Opens Gmail, Google Sheets, Slack, Notion
→ Fills in forms, sends emails, and organises folders

Anthropic's Claude Cowork guide: https://lnkd.in/gkf5tpEK 

I’ve also included a comparison of Code and Cowork in the sheet below 👇

You can start with Cowork and graduate to Code when you need more control.

Coworker Code (reviews + comparisons): cowork-code.com

There's no reason to wait either. 

You can set up Cowork today in about 5 minutes: 

1. Download the Claude desktop app
2. Install the Chrome extension for browser control
3. Mount the folders you want Cowork to access
4. Start with something simple: "Organise this folder by file type and date"

Don’t over-customise at first. Get value first, then add Skills and Plugins for specific tasks.

Claude Help Center: https://lnkd.in/gVT83EM9

The sheet also has details on: 

- Core features
- An example workflow
- 10 prompts you can run today

When I built Searchable, automating admin and repetitive tasks freed up hours every week to focus on strategy and product.

Cowork handles the work that doesn’t need your attention. 

If you're planning on testing Cowork, let me know in the comments. 

I'll give as much guidance as I can to get started ! 

For more on building using AI, you'll want to read my newsletter, Step by Step: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

💾 Save and repost this so your network sees this.
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99% of people are learning to use the wrong AI tools.

If you are a CEO, you don't need to understand Claude Code...

Same as if you were a CFO, you don't really need to know Cursor.

What you first need is an understanding of which tool types you need.

Then deciding from there which tool is best for you.

I've broken it down in the graphic below by use case. 👇
(The tool you're probably currently using, and what to replace it with)

1. Writing 
❌ Old: Google Docs
✅ New: Claude

Claude is the gold standard for writing using LLMs.
It has the best conversational tone that matches human writing.

2. Research
❌ Old: Google Search
✅ New: Perplexity Comet

Comet is Perplexity's AI-native browser with agentic capabilities.
Powered by their LLM that excels in detailed market research.

3. Coding
❌ Old: Stack Overflow
✅ New: Cursor

Cursor is a complete behavioural shift for coders. 
Simply put, hit a problem:  

→ ask Cursor in your editor 
→ get a solution written for your specific code 
→ apply it in one click.

4. SEO/AEO/GEO
❌ Old: SEMrush
✅ New: Searchable

Cheeky plug, but I do believe we are the market-leading tool for a reason.
With Searchable you get the analytics, actions, and agentic workflows to increase your visibility drastically.

5. Pitch Decks
❌ Old: PowerPoint
✅ New: Gamma

What used to take hours of edits and fine-tuning...
You can now create a near-perfect pitch deck in 5 minutes using Gamma.

6. Outreach
❌ Old: Mailchimp
✅ New: Clay

Mailchimp is a broadcast-style approach - one message to many people.
Clay is a completely different animal. It gives you data enrichment and personalised outreach at scale.

7. Speech To Text
❌ Old: Rev
✅ New: Willow AI

Willow, in my opinion, is the best of the AI-powered voice dictation available.
You no longer need to type. You can now write with your voice at 5x speed.

8. Email
❌ Old: Gmail
✅ New: Superhuman

Forget spending time writing emails in archaic systems.
Superhuman will help you send high-quality and effective emails in a heartbeat.

9. Productivity
❌ Old: Trello
✅ New: Claude Code

I'll be honest, Claude Code is hard to fit into one binary category.
However, it is probably the most efficient AI tool out there on the market.

With these tools, you could probably avoid the outlay of a couple new hires.

And by the time you do hire, you've built leverage with an enormously capable and high-margin team.

I've seen this progress over the years, and I knew I eventually needed to establish my own company in the space.

And once I saw the gap, Searchable was born.

If you are looking to increase visibility and traffic to your business at rapid pace... look no further.

Click this link and grab a 14-day free trial: https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

Share your favourite AI tool in the comments, always on the hunt for some great ones !

♻️ Repost to help your network build with AI.
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LinkedIn just replaced its entire algorithm.

And most people have no idea...

This isn't a small update. 

LinkedIn has killed its old ranking system entirely 
And replaced it with an AI language model that: 

- Reads your content
- Judges your profile
- And decides whether you deserve to be seen.

If you'd like to understand what has happened, I made a 19 min video. 
Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gxFXSsET

The tactics that worked well for you in the past simply won't cut through in 2026.

Most creators won't catch on to this for another 6-12 months. 
By then, the people who moved first will have already locked in the audience, the authority, and the clients. 

This is that window.

In the video I go over: 

1. What LinkedIn's new AI algorithm actually rewards (and what it now punishes)
2. The content format that converts followers at the highest rate right now
3. How to turn LinkedIn attention into actual revenue for your business
4. A pre-validation method that takes the guesswork out of every post
5. Why most personal branding advice is making it harder for you

I did a video like this on my previous channel,
And it went on to become my highest-performing video on that channel. 

Every bit of advice I share comes from my own experience. 
As well as the data we're seeing across 100s of accounts every single day. 

So if you want to start making LinkedIn work for you this year. 
I deeply recommend you give this video a look. 
 
Once again, you can check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gxFXSsET

For those who may not know, after reaching 173,000 subscribers on YouTube. 
I decided to start again from scratch. 

The reason was to start a new kind of channel. 

I loved the podcast and interviews we did previously, but I wanted to share something new.

Something to genuinely help entrepreneurs build exceptional businesses.
Whilst showing how you can utilise leverage, your personal brand and AI.

So if you'd like to support the channel, check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gQFQcRza

I have very ambitious goals with this, so any support early on is very much appreciated ! 

💾 Save this to re-visit later and repost to help others take on LinkedIn
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The number one most ineffective phrase within business: 

”Let’s create a plan”. Here’s why: 

An incorrect plan means poor execution and no growth.

In order to approach your business with clarity... 
Adopt these 3 types of planning 👇

Strategic Planning 🗺️

What is it:
Sets the long-term vision and direction for the business.

Timeline:
3-5 years out.

Use case:
Deciding to expand into a new market.
Choosing to build a product vs acquire one.
Planning a fundraise or an exit.

Suited to:
CEOs, Founders, Co-Founders, Board Members.

Top tips:
Keep it to 3 priorities max.
Decide what you WON'T do.
Revisit it annually.

Common errors:
Setting goals so vague they could mean anything.
Avoiding the hard trade-offs.
Trying to go after 5 markets at once and winning none.

Tactical Planning 🔀

What is it:
Turns the strategy into specific initiatives and projects.

Timeline:
1-3 years ahead.

Use case:
Launching a European sales team to support expansion.
Hiring 10 engineers over 6 months to ship a new product.
Running a paid beta programme for a new features.

Suited to:
Head of Departments, VPs, Senior Managers, COOs.

Top tips:
Assign one owner per project.
Set quarterly checkpoints.
Kill projects that aren't working.

Common errors:
Taking on too many initiatives at once.
Building plans that sound good but have no clear owner.
Spending 3 months planning and 1 month executing.

Operational Planning ⚙️

What is it:
Daily and weekly execution of tasks and processes.

Timeline:
Days to 12 months.

Use case:
Weekly content publishing schedule.
Daily sales outreach targets and pipeline reviews.
Monthly reporting cadence.

Suited to:
Team Leads, Managers, Project Managers, Individual Contributors.

Top tips:
Build SOPs for anything done more than twice.
Track the 2-3 KPIs that actually matter.
Keep plans realistic.

Common errors:
Confusing being busy with making progress.
Losing sight of why you're doing the work.
Overloading teams with tasks.

I see many teams blending all three and lack clarity to progress.

When you separate it into these three approaches, it's a bit of a progress unlock to be honest.

Give your team the clarity they need to grow !

Anyway I'm curious to hear your experience with planning in your business...

Is it something you or your team typically struggle with?
Let me know and I'll see if I can provide guidance.

- - - -

📌 If you want a high-res PDF of this sheet:

1. Follow Chris Donnelly.
2. Like the post.
3. Repost to your network.
4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

SEO was never "easy"... but it was simpler.  

Then the behavioural shift happened that you cannot ignore.

And now SEO is not just about Google anymore. 

It's expanded to LLMs and AI Overviews on Google. 

You might not even know if you're visible in these AI responses or not...

(Btw, Searchable has a free tool that checks your visibility and gives you a full report: https://lnkd.in/g6XApkfm)

ChatGPT processes 2.5 billion searches daily.

And a good chunk of those are going to determine purchases...

Businesses are still in denial about it, but I suggest you don't be. 

Here's what you need to know 👇

1️⃣ There are 3 types of search visibility: 

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
Outcome: You rank higher on Google, so more people find your website.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation)
Outcome: You become the direct answer Google gives.

GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation)
Outcome: AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini cite your brand.

2️⃣ Old SEO is not the same as New SEO. 

Old SEO focused on:

- Keyword density and exact match phrases
- Backlinks at volume (quality was secondary)
- Page rank and domain authority
- Getting clicks to your website

New SEO focuses on:

- Natural language and question-based content
- Authoritative citations from trusted sources
- Entity recognition and schema markup
- Being cited before the click happens

3️⃣ You need to be found inside LLMs. 

There are 4 levels to this.

Level 1: Crawlable
AI can access your website.

- AI crawlers are not blocked in robots.txt
- Site loads fast, clean HTML, updated sitemaps
- But being crawlable doesn't mean being visible

Level 2: Understandable
AI can make sense of your content.

- Schema markup implemented 
- Clear headings, Q&A formatting, short paragraphs
- Answer-first structure so AI can extract what it needs

Level 3: Trustworthy
AI recognises you as a credible source.

- Backlinks and citations from high-authority domains
- Real author bios with visible credentials on every page
- Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Google Knowledge Panel claimed

Level 4: Citation-Worthy
AI actively recommends and cites your brand.

- Original research and proprietary data
- Content that answers specific questions 
- Recently updated and fact-checked regularly

When we built Searchable, we implemented all this knowledge into the product to help businesses rank inside LLMs 
(Without working harder)...

And I'm thrilled with the results so far: 

£1 million turnover in 60 days
700+ paying customers
Winning clients daily from legacy SEO competitors.

It's completely automated to find gaps and fix them autonomously.

Which you can find with our free AI Visibility Report: https://lnkd.in/g6XApkfm

Has your business started optimising for the new SEO?  

💾 Save and Repost to share this guide with your network. 
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90% of startup tasks can be automated by AI (Harvard) 

Here's how to build a $1M business by yourself: 

2 years ago, start-ups required: 

- A team of 50 
- Millions in VC funding
- A fancy office in San Francisco

But AI has eliminated the need for all that.  

Today, you can start a business with just: 

- Zero employees 
- A laptop and a good wifi connection
- Knowledge of the right AI tools

There is almost no barrier to entry at this point in time. 

All you have to do is follow these steps 👇

1️⃣ Spot the Pain 
↳ Find a boring pain point (repetitive, costly, ignored).
↳ Map out the workflow: inputs → steps → outputs.

2️⃣ Start as a Service 
↳ Do the job manually as a productised service.
↳ Prove demand before automation. Charge from day one.

3️⃣ Choose Your Business Model 

✅ Productised Services 
✅ Cohorts/Courses 
✅ SaaS/Micro-tools 
✅ Templates/Digital Assets 

4️⃣ Build a Marketing Engine 

✅ Find pain points with Listen Labs & AI research.
✅ Build a site and create content (Lovable + Searchable).
✅ Use Clay + Mutiny to personalise content. 
✅ Track traffic and mentions in ChatGPT or Perplexity using Searchable.

5️⃣ Create an Operations OS 
↳ Rule: If it repeats → automate. 
↳ If it needs judgement → template.

✅ Use Lindy for inbox, scheduling, CRM.
✅ Fathom is great for call memory.
✅ Cursor builds internal automations.
✅ Precision is the cockpit of live KPIs.

6️⃣ Sales Engine 
↳ Follow this pipeline: Capture → Qualify → Nurture → Close → Expand.
↳ Use Gamma decks to show problem → proof → plan → price.

Then follow one of these formulas: 

£3k/mo × 28 clients = £1m
£1k product × 84/month = £1m
£199 SaaS × 420 subs = £1m

(With the math laid out like that, it's not as daunting !)  

We're entering the era of 1-person, AI-powered businesses, 
Which makes this a golden age for founders. 

And as always with these things, the early bird will get the worm...

Which, in this case, means earning millions in revenue. 

But be aware: 

The perfect business doesn't stand a chance if customers can't find you. 
Google matters, but so do LLMs (ChatGPT, Perplexity) and AI Overviews. 

That's why 100s of founders are already using Searchable. 

It's an autonomous SEO & AEO Growth Engineer that analyses and fixes your website automatically to ensure visibility everywhere your ICP is searching. 

Learn more and get started for free: 
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

And if you're still unsure about where to start, subscribe to Step By Step. 

It's a practical, digestible breakdown of everything I've learned building multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses over the last 15 years. 

Join 200K+ founders already learning 👇
https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

♻️ Repost to share with potential founders in your network. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more on building smarter in 2026.

AI Agents and Agentic AI are not the same thing. 

Your competitors already know the difference:  

There are actually 3 major types of AI workflows you need to know.

Each one fills a slightly different gap in your business.  

But be warned: the window is narrowing. 

Your competitors are already using them to automate their businesses.  

Here's how they differ (and how to use them properly): 

🤖 Non-Agentic AI
↳ Basic prompt-response AI with no memory/reasoning. 

⚙️ How it works:

- User types a single prompt, model processes 
- Generates a direct response immediately 
- Interaction ends with no context retention

✅ Pros:
↳ Fast, cheap, and universally accessible
↳ Requires no technical build or integration
↳ Great for clear, one-off tasks

🚫 Cons:
↳ No reasoning or context awareness
↳ Quality depends heavily on prompts
↳ Struggles with multi-step work

📈 How to build fast:
↳ Open ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini
↳ Write clear, specific prompts with context
↳ Copy output, edit as needed, and repeat

🧠 Agentic AI
↳ A self-managing AI system that can plan and execute. 

⚙️ How it works:

- The system breaks your goal into sub-tasks
- Connects to tools, APIs, data sources 
- Evaluates results with feedback loops

✅ Pros:
↳ Handles complex, changing projects 
↳ Can integrate with tools and databases
↳ Produces more reliable outcomes 

🚫 Cons:
↳ Slower and more expensive than agents
↳ Requires human oversight and guardrails
↳ Risk of overbuilding for simple problems

📈 How to build fast:
↳ Start with a code-native LLM like Claude Code
↳ Give structured goals, constraints, & acceptance criteria
↳ Add an execution loop and persist memory

⚡ AI Agent
↳ Single-task AI worker designed to automate one task.

⚙️ How it works:

- User defines one clear responsibility
- Agent receives inputs, accesses connected tools
- Executes and outputs without guidance

✅ Pros:
↳ Automates repetitive, time-consuming tasks
↳ Quick setup and cost-efficient
↳ Easy to test and refine within roles

🚫 Cons:
↳ It can't handle broader projects 
↳ Breaks if inputs are unclear or data is missing
↳ Needs orchestration to work alongside other agents

📈 How to build fast:
↳ Define one clear outcome with measurable success criteria
↳ Connect the agent to structured inputs (e.g. CRM)
↳ Use worfklow tools like Zapier, MNake, or n8n

TL;DR: 

AI Agents perform single-task automation. 
Agentic AI is for multi-step problem solving.  

Dominant businesses have graduated to building these AI systems.  

Searchable is the perfect starting point for Agentic AI. 

It analyses your site, identifies visibility gaps across Google and AI search, and optimises your website for SEO and AI search.

Letting you focus on your business.

Start your 14-day free trial here: 
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

--

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2. Like the post
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If you want to start a business, you need to know the rules.

These are 15 KPIs every Founder should know: 

Follower growth can boost confidence and visibility. 

But those types of metrics don't drive sustainable growth and profitability. 
Without tracking the right KPIs, it's impossible to grow your business.  

That's why I've combined the top 15 into one cheat sheet. 

You should save it if you're serious about scaling this year 👇

But I'll give you a quick rundown here as well: 

(See the cheat sheet for how to calculate each one) 

1. Net Revenue Retention (NRR)

Measures revenue kept after churn, contractions, and expansions.
This is the north-star for SaaS/AI businesses.

2. Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)

Average revenue a customer generates over their relationship with you.
Always paired with CAC to prove ROI of growth.

3. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Average spend required to win a new customer.
Set budgets and check efficiency of growth.

4. LTV to CAC Ratio

Compares lifetime value of a customer to acquisition cost.
Validate sustainable growth. Rule of thumb: >3 is strong.

5. Monthly Active Users (MAU)

Number of unique active users in a month.
Measure adoption and stickiness.

6. Churn Rate 

Number of customers or revenue lost in a period. 
Track retention. Rising churn = weak product-market fit.

7. Burn Multiple 

Cash burned for every $1 in new ARR. 
Use it during fundraising and growth phases. 

8. EBITDA 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation. 
Measure profitability at scale.

9. Operating Cash Flow 

Net cash from operating activities. 
Confirm the business can fund itself.

10. Customer Retention Rate 

Percentage of customers who continue to buy from you over a set period. 
Measure loyalty and product-market fit.

11. Revenue Growth Rate 

Percentage increase in revenue over a given period. 
Show business momentum and scalability.

12. AI Search Visibility 

Share of prompts where your brand/product is surfaced in AI answers. 
Measure discoverability in AI-led search.

13. Runway (Cash Runway) 

How many months your business can operate before running out of cash. 
Balance growth vs. cash preservation.

14. Experiment Velocity 

Number of product, content, or GTM experiments shipped. 
Track speed of iteration and learning.

15. Gross Margin 

Profitability after direct costs, including AI infra. 
Prove scalability and efficiency to investors.

Social media is useful for many things. 

But it tells you very little about the long-term health of your business. 

These are the metrics that matter if you want to scale. 

What are the primary KPIs you're tracking in your business? 
Leave a comment below. 

--

📌 If you want a high-res PDF of this sheet:

1. Follow Chris Donnelly
2. Like the post
3. Repost to your network
4. Subscribe to: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

Claude is now considerably better than ChatGPT.

These 8 prompts will help you get 10x output:

I mean, with Claude...

You have Cowork for automation, 
Code for building (now integrated with Figma !), 
and the core model for strategic thinking.

If you're a founder, you'll get more out of prompting Claude than any other AI tool.

But most people still use it to write pretty basic content (at best)...

Follow these steps to prompt Claude properly:

✅ Be specific about context
Give Claude your company stage, team size, budget, and constraints. 

✅ Ask for reasoning
Saying "tell me why" forces the LLM to show its work and catch flawed logic.

✅ Define your output format
Once you do this, you do get usable results much faster.

✅ Set the role
Try "you're a hiring manager at a top startup" to calibrate the response, for example. 

✅ Provide examples when possible
Reference competitors, past work, or style guides even.

✅ Iterate in the same conversation
Claude remembers context. Refine answers instead of starting fresh each time.

Here are 8 prompts that turn Claude into a $10k consultant:

1. Pressure-Test My Business Idea

Forces Claude to identify the 5 biggest failure risks, analyse existing competition, and tell you what market conditions need to exist for success. 

2. Build My Go-To-Market From Scratch

Generates a 90-day GTM plan broken into pre-launch, launch week, and post-launch phases.

3. Stress-Test My Pricing

Analyses if you're underpriced, overpriced, or positioned wrong. 

4. Prepare Me For a Board Meeting

Drafts a confident board update covering progress against goals, key metrics, biggest risks, and clear asks. 

5. Evaluate Whether I Should Build or Buy

Walks through the build vs buy decision with cost, time-to-value, maintenance, and strategic risk analysis. 

6. Write a Job Description That Attracts A-Players

Creates a JD that attracts high performers by being specific about challenges, impact, and who thrives in the role. 

7. Map My Competitive Landscape

Analyses each competitor's positioning, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses. 

8. Plan My Next Hire

Tells you which hire gives you the biggest leverage based on your bottlenecks. 

Claude can be a free 24/7 strategic advisor...

But you have to know which questions to ask and how to ask them.  

These prompts will do just that. 

We built Searchable to respond to very similar prompts. (No coincidence) 

You can ask it strategic questions about your visibility against competitors... 

And it will give you detailed analytics and actions for both traditional and AI search.

We have a 14-day free trial up and running: 
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

Have you started using Claude yet? If so, what's your take? 
Drop a comment below. 

♻️ Repost to help founders in your network build smarter.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more on building with AI.

I worked at Lovable for 3 months (a now $6bn company). 

It inspired me so much, I built my own AI business...

The lessons I learned while working there were invaluable. 

I ran their marketing team, set up their education and influencer programs.
I witnessed firsthand how they operate.

Honestly, what I saw... 
It explained why they were able to grow to a $6bn valuation in 12 months.

I've explained the exact Lovable process in 22 mins here: https://lnkd.in/g2sVUekp
(It's the 2nd video on my brand new channel !). 

But I've also detailed the steps below. 

Here's their 6-step playbook to become a fast-growth startup:

✅ Step 1: Build In A Validated Trend 

Lovable spotted three massive trends colliding at the same time:

- AI proved that anyone could do creative work
- Building software was painfully slow
- Speed to market became everything

The key was they found where demand already existed.

✅ Step 2: Hire A-Players 

Lovable set an impossible mission from day one:

"We're going to be the biggest and best."

A-players thrive in that environment.

✅ Step 3: Weaponise A Mission 

Most companies have boring missions that nobody cares about.

Lovable's was specific and emotionally charged:
"We're making engineering accessible to non-technical people."

That shifts power from the technical elite to everyone else. 

✅ Step 4: Ship Fast, Learn Faster 

Most startups spend months building in secret before launching anything.
Lovable shipped an MVP called "GPT Engineer" immediately and asked for feedback. 

They iterated in hours, with the community directing how it should look. 

✅ Step 5: Build Viral Mechanisms

Lovable built virality into their product from day one. 
Every build was shareable, and every user became a distribution channel. 

✅ Step 6: Lower The Barrier, Increase The Funnel 

Lovable had massive success with a freemium model and low friction to try.
The best way to prove value is letting people experience it. 

Free tier gets people in. They convert once they've felt the value.

My time at Lovable was brief in the grand scheme but packed with lessons. 

They are proving how quickly you can grow with a small but powerful team.

You can watch the full breakdown of their process 
And subscribe to my new YouTube channel here: https://bit.ly/3OPoTAp

I cover a some extra lessons, so if you want to know it all, check it out.  

💾 And don’t forget to save this sheet to refresh your memory later. 
♻️ Repost to pass it on and follow Chris Donnelly for more on building smarter.

Demand generation ≠ lead generation.

Not knowing the difference is killing your business:

One is about visibility and interest in your business. 
The other is about actual conversions that generate revenue. 

You need both to feasibly grow a business. 

Putting the mechanisms in place early will help a lot down the line. 

Here's a clear breakdown of each: 

🫴 Demand Generation
↳ Build awareness and interest before buyers are ready to purchase.

Role: Create trust and visibility across your entire market. 

Where it sits: Top of funnel—before people are ready to buy.

Who it targets: ~95% of your total addressable market, many of whom are unaware. 

Tactics:

- Ungated content
- Thought leadership
- Educational videos
- Newsletters
- Communities

Mindset: Provide value up front so buyers trust and remember you. 

Difficulty:

- Hard to measure with traditional metrics
- Requires consistent, value-led content
- Takes time before it shows pipeline impact
- Must work with sales alignment
- Needs strategic distribution channels

How success is defined:

- Brand recall and recognition
- Trust and expertise established
- Increase in high-intent inbound over time
- Higher conversion when buyers are ready
- More efficient pipeline overall

🤝 Lead Generation
↳ Capture contact information and convert people showing buying intent.

Role: Move ready buyers quickly through validation to a sale.

Where it sits: Mid/bottom of funnel—when people are ready to talk to sales.

Who it targets: ~5% of your market that is meaningfully ready. 

Tactics:

- Landing pages with forms
- Gated eBooks
- Demos
- Free trials
- Direct-response ads

Mindset: Capture and move them through validation to a sale.

Difficulty:

- Easier to count leads and MQLs
- Shorter feedback loops
- Conversion optimisation is measurable
- Risk of low-quality leads
- Can feel productive without creating demand

How success is defined:

- Number of leads captured
- MQL and SQL counts
- Short-term conversion from form fills
- Immediate pipeline contribution
- Optimisation of capture mechanisms

Lead gen might be more measurable and feel productive.

But the pipeline will dry up if you never build demand.

✅ Demand generation fills the top of the funnel with buyers who trust you.
✅ Lead generation converts that trust into sales when buyers are ready.

But be warned, AI is shifting demand generation as we speak.  

You need to think beyond Google to the new places customers search...

Namely ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini and other AI platforms. 

Not to worry - we built Searchable to help you prepare for this.  

It ensures your business gets cited where it needs to be for demand gen. 

So you can convert that awareness into warm leads and customers. 

Start your 14-day free trial and see how you get on: 
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

♻️ Repost to help other founders increase their revenue. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more on building and scaling businesses.

Marketing teams waste $1,000s chasing trends...

But ignore the only thing that really matters: 

Having a great product. 

It’s the foundation of marketing.

Happy customers and word of mouth is, and always will be, the best marketing.

If you can develop your MVP and get real feedback from real users...

They will become your product champions for life. 

If you want compound growth, you need to prioritise your marketing properly. 

Here's what to focus on, in order:

(Scroll down for the most important layer…) 

🖼️ The Surface Level
What people focus on first (and typically get stuck on)

Goal: Get attention fast.

What this is:

- AI tools and automations
- New channels and formats
- Virality and reach tactics
- Shiny tool stacks
- Prompt tricks and hacks

What actually happens:

- Short-term traffic spikes
- Results depend on algorithms
- Messaging stays inconsistent
- Little learning compounds
- Growth remains unpredictable

🏗️ What Starts To Work
Where effort turns into tangible output.

Goal:
Create consistent high-quality output.

What this is:

- Content calendars
- Regular posting cadence
- Repurposing workflows
- Personal brands as distribution
- SEO as execution and hygiene

What actually happens:

- Output increases steadily
- Brand visibility improves
- Teams stay busy
- Attribution stays unclear
- Revenue impact remains limited

🧱 What Actually Matters
Where your marketing drives growth.

Goal:
Generate qualified demand and conversions.

What this is:

- Clear ICP and positioning
- Sales and content alignment
- Intent signals over impressions
- Warm outbound and partnerships
- SEO → AEO → GEO optimisation

What actually happens:

- Conversion rates improve
- Sales cycles shorten
- Trust compounds over time
- Marketing works before the click
- Demand becomes predictable

🏞️ What Never Changes
The foundation everything else depends on.

Goal:
Build long-term leverage.

What this is:

- Product that delivers a clear outcome
- One defined audience
- Strong value proposition
- Simple, repeatable offer
- Clear positioning and USP

What actually happens:

- Marketing becomes an asset
- AI systems understand and trust you
- Search visibility compounds
- Brand recognition strengthens
- Growth becomes sustainable

Don't waste time on surface-level tactics if your product still needs work. 

A viral post won't help if you don't have a clear ICP.

Start at the foundation and work your way up.

Ps. 

When you've established that foundation, use Searchable. 

It's an autonomous SEO & AEO Growth Engineer that analyses, fixes, and scales your website for visibility with traditional and AI search. 

Learn more and start your 14-day free trial: 
https://lnkd.in/epgXyFmi

What are you prioritising in your marketing right now? 
What needs more of your attention? 
Drop a comment below. 

♻️ Repost to help your network prioritise their marketing. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more on building and scaling smarter.

”SEO is dead.” How many times have you heard that...

It isn’t, it’s just changed drastically:

There's no excuse for neglecting your SEO. 
Google still handles 8 billion search queries per day. 

If you want to rank in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, etc, 
You need to have AEO and GEO as part of your strategy as well. 

(If you're looking for immediate AEO suggestions... 
We built a free AI Agent at Searchable you can experiment with for that: https://lnkd.in/gVwCJJDX) 

If you're not optimising for AI Search now, while it's still an advantage, 
You could lose more revenue than you think.  

Here's how to build a winning AEO strategy in 2026:

1. Understand How AI Engines Find You

AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude pull from three sources:

- Training data 
- Live web crawls 
- Trusted sources 

2. Fix Your Technical Foundation

Here's the technical checklist:

✓ Create/optimise llms.txt to guide AI crawlers
✓ Configure robots.txt to allow GPTBot, ClaudeBot, PerplexityBot
✓ Fix crawlability issues (no broken links)
✓ Optimise page load speed by compressing images
✓ Ensure mobile responsiveness by testing on mobile devices
✓ Implement structured data (schema markup)
✓ Set up XML sitemaps for all important pages
✓ Configure HTTP headers properly

If AI can't crawl your site, it can't cite you.

3. Structure Your Content For Direct Answers

AI engines favour content that directly answers questions.

- Write in Q&A format. 
- Use clear headings. 
- Answer the question in the first paragraph.
- Think like a search query: "What is [X]?" "How do I [Y]?" "Best [Z] for [A]?"

4. Implement Schema Markup

Schema markup speaks directly to search engines and AI crawlers. 

For e-commerce: Product schema 
For blogs: Article schema 
For local businesses: LocalBusiness schema 

5. Build Citation Authority

AI models cite sources they've seen referenced repeatedly.

That means:

- Getting featured in industry roundups and "best of" guides
- Earning mentions on high-authority sites. 

The more credible citations, the more AI trusts you.

6. Track And Iterate

Here's what to monitor:

- Brand mentions across AI platforms
- Which prompts surface your brand
- Competitor citations 
- Content freshness

There is a window open now to get ahead of AI search. 
But you have to be ready to accept and act on these changes. 

I know firsthand how exhausting it can be to shift gears mid-build.  

That was really the motivation behind building Searchable. 

We wanted a tool that could optimise for AEO/GEO autonomously. 

Right now, you can try Searchable's free AI Agent: https://lnkd.in/gVwCJJDX

Ask it any question about SEO, AEO, or GEO. It'll answer, in detail. 

Hope you find it useful !

Have you started pivoting for AI Search? 
Comment below with your thoughts. 

♻️ Save this for later and repost to help people get ahead of the curve.
And follow Chris Donnelly for more on AI search.

I'm 35. I started building businesses at 21.  

If I were to do it again, I'd focus on these skills: 

I've spent the better part of 15 years growing startups.
And when I say I've learned lessons the hard way, I mean it. 

Some mistakes were unavoidable, but others could have been solved faster. 

It really all came down to the skills I did or didn't have. 

If I could snap my fingers and have learned these at 21, I would. 
It would have saved countless hours of making and learning from mistakes. 

There are others, of course, but these are my top 10: 

1. AI Literacy
↳ AI is the biggest shift in how work gets done since the internet. 
↳ If you don't understand how to use it, you'll be left behind. 

2. Agency
↳ Agency is the belief that you can change your circumstances. 
↳ Without it, you'll always be waiting. Start small, but start now.  

3. Adaptability
↳ The entire business landscape will be completely different in 5 years. 
↳ If you can't adapt quickly, you'll be stuck in a dying market.

4. Critical Thinking
↳ Most people accept information at face value. 
↳ Critical thinkers question assumptions and make better decisions. 

5. Systems Thinking
↳ Systemising anything makes it easier to handle. 
↳ If you can't see the system, you can't fix it or scale it.

(Try subscribing to my newsletter to work on this !
Here: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb)

6. Public Speaking
↳ Your ability to communicate ideas clearly determines your outcomes. 
↳ It's a non-negotiable.

7. Negotiation
↳ Everything is a negotiation. Salary, contracts, partnerships, deals. 
↳ If you don't know how to negotiate, you leave money and opportunity on the table.

8. Time Management
↳ Time is your only non-renewable resource. 
↳ If you can't manage it, you'll be "busy" without making progress.

9. Delegation
↳ You can't scale if you're doing everything yourself. 
↳ Learning to delegate effectively is the only way to grow beyond yourself.

10. Pattern Recognition
↳ The best founders spot patterns early.  
↳ Pattern recognition is how you get ahead of trends.

Find the full breakdown in the carousel below 👇

Save this. You'll need it as things start to move quicker and quicker and quicker...

If you're in your 20s, learning these will put you ahead, I promise.
And if you're not, it's not too late to start. 

But do start now. Things will only get more competitive with time...

For more in-depth advice on what it takes to build smarter today, 
Subscribe to my newsletter Step by Step: https://lnkd.in/eUTCQTWb

What's one skill you're focused on in 2026? 
Comment down below. 

♻️ Save this and repost to help others upskill early on. 
And follow Chris Donnelly for more resources like this.

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