Chapter 1: The Origins of Opportunity

The year is 1850, and the scent of fortune fills the air. It’s the Californian gold rush, and everyone is eager to seize their share of wealth. Who will emerge as the most prosperous?

Take, for instance, Levi Strauss, the savvy entrepreneur who launched a business in 1853 to sell denim overalls to gold miners. Other industries that reaped the rewards included retail, entertainment, lodging, transportation, food, and even brothels, saloons, and gaming establishments¹.

While a variety of businesses flourished, the gold prospectors themselves saw limited financial success; only the earliest miners struck it rich. The lesson here is clear: during a gold rush, substantial profits are often found not in the pursuit of raw materials, but in the businesses that support that pursuit.

As we look to the marketing landscape today, we observe a similar trend. Social media platforms like Facebook have revolutionized advertising and created new career opportunities. Visionaries who anticipated this shift began to market themselves as social media managers. Soon after, experts emerged, providing guidance and consultancy on social media strategies. This cycle is a predictable aspect of free-market dynamics: whenever a new industry arises, intelligent entrepreneurs seek to capitalize on it.

The same principle applies to the world of cryptocurrency. While some individuals profit from trading Bitcoin and other digital currencies, others face losses or fall victim to scams involving meme tokens. However, one can rarely go wrong selling educational courses about crypto—like this one on Udemy: The Complete Cryptocurrency Investment Course. Promoting such courses or writing about them is also a low-risk endeavor.

Section 1.2: The Writing Boom

It’s intriguing to see the surge of aspiring writers; 81% of Americans express a desire to pen a book! During my university years, essays were often met with disdain. Perhaps the allure of writing lies in the freedom it promises from mundane corporate roles, prompting many to invest in courses that claim to hold the “secret” to writing success. For instance, consider the course: Writing With Flair: How To Become An Exceptional Writer, available on Udemy.

Are these courses genuinely valuable? Perhaps. Yet, amidst the vast resources available online—many of which are free—one might question the necessity of such investments. Personally, I have never spent money on writing courses; my writing might not be perfect, but I’ve managed to navigate without them.

The underlying truth remains: significant profits are often derived from selling dreams to dreamers.

Chapter 2: The Realities of Dream Selling

Most marketers are not providing solutions; they are marketing dreams. If you suffer from eye strain due to excessive screen time, what do marketers suggest? A massage chair? A pill? The straightforward solution would be to drink water and take a break, but that wouldn’t generate profit for marketers.

I harbor no ill will towards those selling courses; I might even create one myself. If you’re a content creator, consider developing a “meta-offer” to enhance your income, as this is where substantial earnings can be found. However, if you find yourself shopping for content creation courses, it’s prudent to critically assess what is being offered. Ask yourself:

“Do I genuinely need to purchase this course, or can I start my journey today?”

Indulging in dreams is far easier than engaging in the hard work required to realize them. It’s much simpler to buy a stylish pair of Levi’s than to venture into the gold mines.

And remember—the real winners in this game, like Levi Strauss, are the ones who sell the tools and dreams needed for success.

[1] For more insights on the Californian gold rush, check out Wikipedia.

The author explores a variety of subjects including Japan, culture, modern work, and cryptocurrency, along with occasional creative writings and reflective essays. If these topics resonate with you, consider subscribing to receive updates from the author directly.