The Impact of Social Media Marketing

“99.5% of those who claim to be social media experts are just pretenders. We are on the verge of a significant social media bubble.” — Gary Vaynerchuk.

Social media marketing (SMM) often gets a bad reputation. Many self-proclaimed “experts” tarnish the industry’s image, but the reality is that genuine SMM businesses, like Rene’s, are thriving and generating substantial revenue.

Today, SMM is rapidly expanding and shows no signs of slowing down. The pandemic led to the closure of nearly 100,000 U.S. businesses, yet those that embraced SMM services flourished. More companies are recognizing the importance of social media marketing, prompting SMM agencies to rise to meet this growing demand.

Currently, around 91% of U.S. businesses utilize social media for marketing (Statista), which is hardly surprising given that there are over 3.5 billion active social media users. Marketers are actively seeking freelancers and entrepreneurs with social media expertise. A significant 75% of marketers report increased business exposure through social media, and 90% note heightened traffic (Source).

Anyone, regardless of their background, can learn to leverage social media for their own business and establish an SMM agency, as Rene demonstrated.

Is the SMM Agency Market Saturated?

This isn’t a new phenomenon.

SMM has been around for years. Does this mean the market is saturated? Not at all. I’ve been amazed at how many young entrepreneurs are making waves in this space. For instance, Mossab Ballatif, a Moroccan entrepreneur, built a seven-figure e-commerce business within a year, becoming a millionaire at just 16.

Think about that for a moment.

Imagine earning that much at 16. At that age, I was preoccupied with video games and other trivial pursuits. It typically takes years to establish a successful business, yet this young entrepreneur must have been dedicated long before he saw results. Young entrepreneurs are now earning more than they ever imagined.

Age is irrelevant.

Billy Wilson launched his social media marketing agency (SMMA) and earned six figures within a year at the age of 20. Now, with his $1,500 course, “6-Figure Agency,” he has scaled his business to seven figures, generating over $84,000 monthly. Billy is so confident in his course that he created a private Facebook group for students who reach the six-figure milestone. By 23, he had already achieved his dream goals.

Jordan Lee, a 27-year-old digital marketing agency owner, earns over $15,000 monthly from his social media marketing services alone. He began his business in November 2018 and was making $6,000 a month within nine months. By 2021, his business was flourishing, and he was on track for a breakout year, aiming for a six-figure income. In short, these individuals are excelling.

I can’t help but reflect on my own journey.

What have I accomplished with my time? If you ask me, it’s the traditional education system that’s saturated. Meanwhile, these entrepreneurs are redefining education. Most of the successful ones I know have dropped out of school or college to pursue other paths — and they’ve done so successfully. The notion that formal education is the only route is outdated. Self-education through online courses, training, and mentorship has become the new standard.

The surge in online education has gained momentum, especially during the pandemic, thanks to the success of numerous online learners.

Having been a teacher, entrepreneur, and student within the educational system, I must acknowledge the value of formal education. However, it is indeed flawed, and in the face of the rise of online education, it struggles to compete.

Those who capitalized on social media early on saw significant returns. Learning from someone who excels in this field should be a top priority. The real potential for earning substantial income — whether five, six, or even seven figures monthly — lies in obtaining the right training and mentorship.

Someone like Rene Lacad.

So, who is he, and how did he achieve success?

Rene Lacad’s Path to Financial Success

When Rene entered Mont Sac community college, he immediately sensed it wasn’t the life he desired. “Everyone appeared drained,” he remarked. “There was no energy or hope.” His mother, a single immigrant from the Philippines with a strong belief in education, eventually asked him to leave home after he skipped an entire semester. He expressed his desire to drop out of college to pursue “other ventures.”

Ultimately, his mother came around, allowing him back home on the condition that he pay rent and secure a job — which he did by washing dishes for $8/hour. Though he disliked the job, he appreciated the freedom it afforded him to seek a more fulfilling position. This led him to a car sales role.

Starting as a car washer at $12/hour, Rene transitioned into sales after six months, seizing the opportunity to learn the art of selling, which would later contribute to his success as a business owner.

Within a year, he became the top seller at the dealership, experiencing his first taste of financial independence, earning between $5,000 and $7,000 monthly. He treated his girlfriend to exotic vacations, purchased a new car, and moved out of his mother’s house.

What Rene Lacad Did Next Altered His Life’s Course

Despite his achievements as a car salesman, Rene sought more. He refused to settle for mediocrity, dedicating his time to exploring investments, stocks, real estate, and alternative income sources. This focus eventually led to his dismissal from his job.

Once again unemployed, Rene quickly secured another position at a car dealership. However, he continued searching for his big break.

His life changed dramatically after he saw a commercial on YouTube by Tai Lopez, a marketing expert whose company was hiring. He eagerly applied for a customer service role, knowing it was a risk, but he was ready for a change. The entrepreneurial drive within him was tired of settling.

This decision turned out to be life-changing.

The Value of Mentorship

Being in a supportive, dynamic environment energized Rene. For the first time, he felt confident he was where he belonged. While he had limited contact with Tai Lopez, he was immersed in a vibrant learning atmosphere, gaining access to marketing programs and insights.

Soon after, Rene transitioned into sales, leading to a pivotal moment when Tai Lopez reached out to ask if he wanted to learn marketing.

Rene stepped into the big leagues.

Now working behind the scenes of Tai Lopez’s multi-million dollar enterprise, he absorbed crucial marketing and business knowledge, including Facebook ads, Google ads, content creation, and understanding psychological biases.

Embracing Failure on the Path to Success

Rene’s initial venture, a social media marketing agency, didn’t succeed.

Despite his expertise, it was evident he still had much to learn. Refusing to give up, he continued working for Lopez while building a dropshipping business on the side. He juggled both responsibilities, and while his side business found some success, it ultimately fell short of profitability, prompting him to close it.

Many of us can relate to this experience. Sometimes, no matter how hard we strive, success eludes us. It’s essential to keep our heads high and not be shaken by the noise of failure.

I’ve taken numerous courses, read countless books, and invested long hours with little to show for it. In the business world, preparation for setbacks is vital. Often, things worsen before they improve. Success often hinges on one breakthrough. So, if you’re struggling in your business, don’t lose heart. Stay persistent. You’ve got this!

Without the risks Rene took and the failures he faced, he wouldn’t be the millionaire he is today. Plain and simple. The next step he took was transformative.

Josh Weber, a filmmaker and friend of Rene's, sought someone to handle the marketing for his wife’s new business. Initially hesitant due to his prior failures, Rene ultimately agreed after some persuasion from Josh.

And thus, Rene’s SMM agency was born, quickly becoming a success.

He earned $2,500, and as he acquired more clients, revenue began to flow. Rene eventually left his job with Tai Lopez and became self-employed. Fast forward to today: he has generated over $25 million in sales for his clients and diversified into various business ventures, including a service-based business, a physical product business, a personal brand, and investments in Amazon and stocks. His growing assets made him a millionaire.

Now, Rene is his own boss, living life on his terms, managing multiple businesses, employing numerous people, supporting his mother and family, and epitomizing the self-made entrepreneur.

8 Lessons Learned from Rene’s 90-Day Challenge

If you were wealthy and living your dream life, would you consider starting over from scratch?

Rene did just that.

Now, let’s delve into the core of Rene’s journey to a million dollars and how he applied Parkinson’s Law to optimize his time and enhance productivity. To add to the challenge, Rene abstained from sex and alcohol while limiting his daily expenses to just $5 to demonstrate to his followers (and himself) that anyone could replicate his success.

And he certainly delivered on his commitments.

Here are the lessons I gleaned from building a successful online business:

1. You Don’t Need Money to Start a Business

> “People believe you need money to launch a business. No more excuses. Begin your research.” — Rene

Unlike many so-called “social media marketing gurus,” Rene practices what he preaches. During this challenge, he spent no money building a second business, yet he managed to grow it and achieve sales. The misconception that starting a business requires significant financial resources is simply false.

Money can be beneficial but isn’t a necessity.

Rene allocated $5 a day for food and refrained from spending on advertisements or promotional efforts. Instead, he relied on email marketing, reached out to influencers, and followed up with them; some appreciated the product he sent and helped promote it. Every tactic he employed was cost-free. No money required.

2. Visualize Your Goals, Create a Plan, and Take Action

> “The primary reason many fail is due to lack of preparation or a solid foundation. To avoid this, I created a spreadsheet to track my progress and provide clarity on my daily objectives. By the way, I despise spreadsheets.” — Rene

If you enjoy personal development literature, you’re likely familiar with manifestation's power. However, there’s a difference between reading about it and witnessing it in action. While it may seem trivial, manifestation without setting clear goals and executing plans is ineffective.

Throughout the challenge, Rene meticulously planned every detail, leveraging Parkinson’s Law to focus on essential tasks. He created spreadsheets, outlined strategies, and maintained communication with influencers, among other things he shared on his YouTube and TikTok channels.

Detailed planning and adhering to a timeline signify commitment to growth. If you aim to expand an online business, treat it like a legitimate endeavor.

3. The College Conundrum

> “As a college dropout, I lacked a plan, yet my life turned out well. Choose your passion and build a business around it.” — Rene

Numerous successful individuals, including Rene, champion self-education and online learning. This isn’t to undermine the importance of foundational education; it’s simply that better alternatives exist today.

Consider this: the average college tuition and fees can range from $10,000 to $50,000 annually. Business schools, in particular, can be so costly that they lead to crippling debt. Even Google is looking to disrupt the traditional degree model. According to Student Loan Hero, 69% of the Class of 2019 took out loans, graduating with an average debt of $29,900.

The narrative surrounding business schools and college education as guaranteed pathways to success is misleading. It’s time to embrace learning from individuals with real-world expertise in their fields. Moreover, online courses are typically significantly cheaper than traditional tuition and often come with refund policies and payment plans that colleges do not offer.

4. Quality Content Reigns Supreme

> “I can’t emphasize this enough: content is king. Regardless of your field, producing high-quality content is always a sound investment. The more you create, the more attention you attract, and where attention goes, revenue follows.” — Rene

It’s frustrating to pour effort into content — whether videos, articles, or social media posts — only to receive little to no engagement. I know the feeling; it’s disheartening. However, the key to overcoming this is consistency.

Producing quality content consistently leads to better results over time, increasing your chances of creating something that goes viral. The images above illustrate what two years of dedication and perseverance can achieve.

5. Seek a Mentor

> “If your mentor earns six figures, you may be fortunate to make six figures yourself. Learn from someone making millions, and don’t be surprised when you reach six figures in two or three years. Surround yourself with success, and you’ll inevitably become successful through osmosis.” — Rene

Without Warren Buffett, we might not have Bill Gates. Without Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey may not exist. And without Tai Lopez, there would be no Rene Lacad.

He not only found a mentor but also immersed himself in their world, acquiring the knowledge necessary to become a mentor in his own right.

Find a mentor, absorb their wisdom, and replicate their strategies. If possible, become genuinely supportive of their efforts. You never know, they may recognize your dedication.

6. Businesses Require Initial Investment

> “Businesses are front-loaded. Initial results may be slow, but they build momentum over time. It’s like rolling a snowball uphill; the effort may seem minimal at first, but once it gains mass, it rolls downhill rapidly.” — Rene

When starting a business, progress is often slow, which can lead to frustration and abandonment. Initially, you may find yourself working diligently with little to show for it. Unless you’re exceptionally fortunate or possess unique resources, earning potential is typically limited.

Rene’s second venture was less than two months old. By day 51 of his challenge, he was earning $2,000 daily through organic traffic. Rene could have ended the challenge early, having already demonstrated that success is achievable with just the internet, a laptop, and determination.

Business is a strategic game. Sometimes, all it takes is one breakthrough for everything to change.

7. Focus on What You Can Control

> “To succeed, you must fully embrace yourself — flaws included. Instead of viewing them as shortcomings, see them as part of your wholeness. You don’t need to change; you must play the hand you’ve been dealt to the best of your ability.” — Rene

In business, when obstacles arise, think creatively. I observed Rene do this repeatedly. When faced with pressure, he contemplated giving up. We all experience such moments, but these are the defining moments that can either strengthen or break us.

Expect to encounter unexpected hurdles. Rene faced website issues, critics draining his motivation, unproductive marketing efforts, and a sudden ban from Instagram.

Wasting time on insignificant matters hinders progress. Focus on what you can control.

8. Circumstances Are Irrelevant

> “People often say, ‘Take it easy. Don’t work so hard,’ but they underestimate human potential. The mind is incredibly powerful, and when pushed to its limits, it reveals new capacities.” — Rene

Regardless of the online business you wish to start — whether it’s SMM, copywriting, Amazon FBA, or e-commerce — expertise is not a prerequisite. You don’t need to be technologically or business-savvy. You can grow a business without ever revealing your identity.

All of these skills can be learned.

Rene himself admitted he struggled with technology, yet that didn’t prevent him from learning and advancing. With persistence, time, and practice, success is attainable. Once you start generating income, you can hire others to handle tasks that overwhelm you, allowing you to concentrate on your strengths.

What stands between you and your desired life is yourself. Circumstances are inconsequential. There’s no shame in starting anew.

What Can You Achieve in the Next 90 Days?

Rene Lacad became a millionaire through his SMM agency and other ventures, and I’m confident he’ll do it again. He’s proven it not once, but twice.

If Rene can generate significant daily revenue from a new business he built from scratch, what’s holding you back? Launching a business within a year is entirely feasible.

So, how much did Rene earn during his 90-day challenge with a new personal brand?

Drumroll, please…!

While it may not be a million dollars, it’s undoubtedly a substantial amount earned in a short time. Just think of the transformation that could occur in your life with 90 days of dedicated focus and effort.

Can you learn how to establish an SMM business? Can you acquire new business skills? Can you become the next six-figure SMM entrepreneur? Absolutely. If there’s one thing I learned from Rene, it’s that anyone — regardless of their circumstances, background, or financial situation — can achieve their goals if they commit to the process.