Episode 17: “Making Others’ Success Your Own" with Casey Gauss (#ThisIsMyEra the Podcast)
What’s it like when your success means helping other people succeed? Casey Gauss is the co-founder and CEO of Viral Launch, a company that helps entrepreneurs forge success on Amazon. After teaching himself to code and dropping out of college, he built Viral Launch from the ground up into an eight-figure company with more than 40 employees.
Not only did he make Viral Launch hugely successful, Casey did so with minimal initial investment and while struggling to make ends meet. The result is a company that keeps his passion for helping others at the center of its mission. If you’re interested in selling products on Amazon, you’ll get incredible advice from this podcast – and if you haven’t thought about it before, you might be tempted to!
Find your underlying passions.
It might be surprising to learn that Casey’s passion isn’t in ecommerce. Instead, his values are at the core of what he does. What’s important to him is helping other people succeed. Viral Launch does just that, providing all the tools necessary for Amazon entrepreneurs to find lasting success with their products. If you allow your values to guide your aspirations you’re certain to make this your era, even if it might be in an industry or field you didn’t expect. Keeping your values as a priority will provide the momentum and drive you need to succeed.
When there’s a barrier to entry, find your way in.
In this episode Casey outlines a valuable strategy for how to enter the competitive Amazon market, even though it might seem like it’s too late to find a niche on Amazon that isn’t already saturated. (If you want to know the secrets, skip ahead to minute 12 of the podcast… but you’ll definitely want to listen to the full episode!) Casey’s advice serves as a metaphor that’s helpful when facing other challenges: if an opportunity seems like it’s already passed you by, find another way in. What unique approach can you take in order to offer value in a saturated arena?
Don’t fall for immediate gratification!
A trap that Casey often sees people falling into is the lure of instant gratification – it’s easy to take the path with quicker returns, even though greater success is just a little farther down the road. As an example, in this episode Casey tells the story of two friends who used Viral Launch to create a side business selling on Amazon. After about a month of up-front hard work, they’re now netting $10-12k per month… all while still keeping their full-time jobs. Don’t settle for less when you can work a little harder, investing more time and effort. The results will be greater, lasting, and worth it.
TAKE MASSIVE ACTION NOW
Make time for connections.
Every day, Casey strives to have lunch with a different member of the Viral Launch team. Then, when he gets home from work, he prioritizes dedicating an hour to spending quality time with his wife before diving back into work. Even though his schedule is packed, connecting with people remains a priority.
Where can you take time out of your day to deepen a relationship? Maybe it’s having lunch with a friend, or coffee with someone who can help give you advice or solve a problem. Consider how people in your network can help support your success, and how you can help mentor and support others.
Start the day by moving.
Casey finds that by starting his days with a workout at the gym, he’s more engaged throughout the rest of the day. (Even better - because he works out with other Viral Launch team members, every day starts with community and connection!)
Whether your activity of choice is a walk around the neighborhood, yoga, or an intense training session, try committing to it at the start of your day. Does it improve your mood, focus, or energy level?
Episode Outline:
1:00: Introduction
2:20: Casey’s story - how he dropped out of college and learned how to code.
4:30: Why he coded Viral Launch while wearing gym socks on his hands.
7:00: What it felt like to pay himself for the first time
9:15: Casey’s vision for Viral Launch in 2020
12:00: How Viral Launch provides the tools to become successful on Amazon (plus some killer advice for Amazon success)
15:00: How to find the right product niche on Amazon.
17:00: Mistakes people make when launching products on Amazon and how to avoid them.
20:20: What’s next for Casey
22:30: How he first developed his passion for helping others.
25:00: What Casey’s regular day looks like.
Episode Links:
Connect with Viral Launch:
Check out their website at viral-launch.com
Use the coupon code TIME for 15% off any Viral Launch product or service.
Connect with #ThisIsMyEra on Facebook (@thisismyeraofficial)
Connect with #ThisIsMyEra on Instagram (@thisismyeraofficial)
Join the conversation across all platforms with the hashtag #ThisIsMyEra
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