Crushing It - Gary Vaynerchuk : Fast-track your way to biz success and profits

Scan Time: 3-5 minutes / Read time: 7-9 minutes

Chapters in book: 15 / Chapters in here: 12

Hey rebel solopreneurs 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Are you struggling to turn your online followers into paying customers for your digital products?

If you don't fix this problem, your business will stay tiny while others get rich selling their online courses and digital templates.

Crushing it! from Gary Vaynerchuk will help you build a powerful personal brand on social media, so you can turn your expertise into digital products people actually want to buy.

Just like how in The Avengers, the team needed to come together and use their unique strengths to defeat the enemy, you need to pull together your authentic voice, expertise, and the right social platforms to crush your competition!

Ready to build a thriving digital product business without the constant hustle that burns you out?

Let's jump right in!

💰 Multi-millionaire entrepreneurs who love this book

🚫 Traditional methods which the author disagrees with

• Making products before anyone knows who you are

• Spreading yourself thin across too many social platforms

• Acting too perfect and polished in all your content

🍹 The book's core solution

• Personal Brand Power

• You'll discover exactly how to build trust with your audience by consistently creating helpful content that showcases your expertise (and hey, you don't even need fancy equipment - your smartphone will do!)

• This leads to a loyal audience that eagerly buys your digital products because they already know, like, and trust you

🔮 The author's journey: Regular wine guy becomes social media superstar.

• Gary Vaynerchuk wasn't always famous - he started by stocking shelves in his immigrant dad's liquor store

• He desperately wanted to grow their tiny wine shop but had no marketing budget

• Then disaster struck: huge retailers like Costco and Walmart started selling the same wines at much lower prices

• Customers were leaving in droves - the family business was about to go under

· · ·

• AHA MOMENT! Gary realized he could use the internet to stand out in a totally different way

• He noticed wine experts were all stuffy and boring, while regular people just wanted simple advice

• His big insight: authenticity + helpful content + new platforms = massive growth opportunity

• Instead of copying other wine businesses, he created Wine Library TV - a brutally honest daily YouTube show filmed with a $400 camera

· · ·

• His raw, energetic videos exploded the family wine business from $3 million to $60 million in sales

• He became an in-demand speaker charging $50,000+ per talk (while still recording videos between meetings!)

• Most importantly, Gary went from unknown wine store clerk to world-famous marketing expert by just being himself

· · ·

Time to explore if Chloe, a solopreneur can use these ideas to go from struggling fitness trainer to digital product superstar!

Here we gooooo!

📖 The story: Chloe's journey to fitness influencer success.

Meet Chloe:

• Her idea: Creating effective, no-equipment workout programs that busy people can do at home

• Her target audience: Women who want to get fit but don't have time for the gym

• Her money making plan: Building an audience through Instagram and YouTube videos, then selling workout program templates and meal plans (using ConvertKit for her newsletter and Kajabi for her digital products)

• Her dream: Making enough money from her digital fitness products to quit her day job (and finally having the freedom to work from anywhere while helping thousands of women transform their bodies!)

🆘 The crisis

Chloe was posting workout videos on YouTube and Instagram for months but barely getting any views.

She was about to delete her channels and give up on her fitness business dreams.

While working on her laptop at a boba shop, she overheard someone excitedly talking about social media strategy and turned to see a man with spiky hair gesturing wildly.

The man was Gary, a successful entrepreneur who helps other business owners grow using social media.

Chloe told Gary about her struggling fitness channels and disappointing product sales.

Boom-shakalaka! I can totally help you turn this around! Gary said, striking a superhero pose like he was about to take flight.

For the first time in forever, Chloe felt that breathless, electric spark of hope that maybe - just maybe - her fitness dream wasn't dead after all.

Chapter 1: 🚀 Brand Power-Up: Why nobody knows who you are (yet)

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe was worried her fitness niche was too crowded and that she didn't have anything special to offer

• Core Problem: No one knows who you are or what you offer

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• Whamma-jamma!, You gotta know about Brand Power-Up, Chloe!, hollered Gary

• Your personal brand is your most valuable business asset and ANYONE can build one today

• You don't need special connections, fancy degrees, or tons of money to start

• ➡️ Start posting your journey and expertise on social media TODAY (even if it's not perfect)

• Just like in The Karate Kid when Daniel had to "wax on, wax off" before becoming a karate master, you need to put in consistent work on your brand before seeing big results

· · ·

🏄 Example

• David Rock (DRock) was a regular guy working as a restaurant server when he met Gary

• Despite zero video experience, he offered to film Gary's daily content with just his phone

• Instead of taking courses first, he learned by doing - filming, editing, and posting daily content

• Within 18 months, DRock became Gary's full-time videographer earning six figures, traveling the world, and building his own following of 100K+ on Instagram

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Moly! blurted Chloe, her jaw dropping

• I've been waiting to get "good enough" before putting myself out there

• I need to start sharing my fitness journey NOW, even if I'm not perfect yet

• Core Solution: Start sharing content now instead of waiting to be "ready"

Chapter 2: 💎 Brand Success Blueprint: The secret sauce top creators won't tell you

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe wondered if she needed to copy trending fitness influencers to succeed

• Core Problem: Trying to copy popular influencers instead of being yourself

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You need to understand Brand Success Blueprint, Chloe!, exclaimed Gary, knocking over his cup in excitement

• Authenticity is your superpower - your unique voice will attract the right audience

• Being passionate about helping people get fit will keep you going when growth is slow

• ➡️ List 3-5 things that make your approach to fitness different and highlight those in every post

• Just like in Forrest Gump when Forrest just kept running his own race regardless of what others thought, you need to stay true to your authentic self even when it's tempting to copy others

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Rich Roll was a 40-year-old alcoholic lawyer who couldn't even climb stairs without getting winded

• Instead of copying other fitness influencers, he shared his unique plant-based approach when "vegan" was still considered extreme

• He ignored critics who said his ultra-endurance + plant-based niche was too small to build a business

• By staying true to his authentic story, Rich built a podcast with 200+ million downloads, wrote a bestseller, and created plant-based nutrition courses generating over $2 million annually

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Guacamole! exclaimed Chloe, jumping from her chair

• I've been trying to copy other fitness influencers instead of highlighting my unique approach

• I'll focus on what makes me different: effective workouts for busy women that don't require equipment

• Core Solution: Embrace your unique style to attract your perfect audience

Chapter 3: 🎬 Idea Machine: Why your content is getting ignored

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe was posting random workout videos without any strategy behind them

• Core Problem: Creating random content that doesn't lead to sales

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You need to become an Idea Machine, Chloe!, boomed Gary, making an explosion gesture with his hands

• Content is the fuel for your personal brand and digital product sales

• Your free stuff must be so helpful that people think your paid stuff must be even better

• ➡️ Create a weekly content plan with specific posts that showcase solutions your paid products offer

• Just like in The Matrix when Neo had to understand "there is no spoon" to bend reality, you need to see that you can create endless helpful content from what you already know

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Pat Flynn was an architect who got laid off during the 2008 recession with a baby on the way

• Instead of hoarding his knowledge, he began documenting exactly how he was making money online

• He published real income reports showing his failures and successes (starting with just $7,858.55 in his first month)

• By giving away his best strategies for free, Pat built such deep trust that his Smart Passive Income courses now generate over $3 million yearly from an audience willing to pay for his premium material

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Smokes! blurted Chloe, slapping the table

• I've been creating generic workout content instead of solving specific problems

• I'll create a series showing busy moms how to get fit in 15-minute daily sessions

• Core Solution: Make free content that gives a taste of what people pay for

Chapter 4: 🛑 Excuse Busters: The real reason you haven't started yet

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on her fear of judgment was stopping her from showing her personality

• She worried people would criticize her workout techniques or think she wasn't qualified enough

• Core Problem: Too scared to show your real personality on camera

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• Blippity-blop!, You gotta crush those Excuse Busters, Chloe!, hollered Gary, doing a dramatic whisper

• Being scared of what others will say stops most people from building successful brands

• Every person who sells digital products has felt the same fears you feel right now

• ➡️ Make one video this week where you openly talk about your biggest insecurity

• Just like in The King's Speech when King George had to overcome his fear of public speaking to lead a nation, you must push through your fear of judgment to lead your audience

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Alexa Vaynerchuk (Gary's sister-in-law) was a stay-at-home mom with two kids under 5

• Friends told her it was "impossible" to start a business with young children and no experience

• Instead of waiting for "the right time," she launched First Build between diaper changes and nap times

• Despite imposter syndrome and mom-guilt, Alexa built her e-commerce store to $800K in annual revenue in just 2 years while still being present for her children's important moments

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Cow! exclaimed Chloe, blinking rapidly

• I've been letting my fear of criticism keep me from being myself on camera

• I need to embrace my quirky personality instead of trying to be a "perfect" fitness instructor

• Core Solution: Share your real struggles so people trust you enough to buy from you

Chapter 5: ⏰ Time Superpower: The hidden minutes that will make you rich

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe was struggling to create content while working a full-time job

• Core Problem: "No time" excuse while watching 2+ hours of Netflix daily

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You need to develop your Time Superpower, Chloe!, exclaimed Gary, rubbing his hands together excitedly

• Everyone has the same 24 hours, but successful people use their time wisely

• The time you spend scrolling social media could be used building your digital product business

• ➡️ Track exactly how you spend your time for 3 days and identify 10 hours you can reclaim weekly

• Just like in Groundhog Day when Phil had to make the most of his repeated day, you need to optimize how you use every hour available to you

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Brittany Xavier was working a dull 9-5 job while dreaming of creating a fashion blog

• She had zero fashion industry connections and a young daughter to care for

• Instead of watching Netflix after work, she woke up at 4:30AM to create content, used lunch breaks to post on social media, and shot photos every weekend

• By repurposing her "wasted hours," Brittany grew her fashion blog to over 1.4 million followers, quit her corporate job within 18 months, and now earns $25K+ per sponsored post for brands like Chanel and Dior

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Macaroni! blurted Chloe, looking upward thoughtfully

• I've been wasting two hours every night scrolling through social media

• I can use those hours to batch record workout videos and create my digital products

• Core Solution: Replace entertainment time with content creation time

Chapter 6: 🚀 Takeoff Plan: The mistake costing you thousands

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on how she jumped into creating content without having a clear strategy

• She was posting randomly across five different platforms with no consistent message

• Core Problem: Spreading yourself too thin across too many platforms

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You must create a solid Takeoff Plan, Chloe!, boomed Gary, adjusting an imaginary cape

• Starting with the right foundation will save you years of wasted effort

• You need a clear value proposition and content strategy before launching products

• ➡️ Pick just TWO platforms that match your strengths and delete the rest from your phone

• Just like in Inception when they needed a clear plan before entering dreams, you need a good strategy before you start making content

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Louie Blaka worked at a clothing store but dreamed of becoming a men's style influencer

• Instead of trying to be on every platform, he first wrote down exactly who his audience was: young professionals who wanted style tips without breaking the bank

• He focused exclusively on Instagram and YouTube based on their visual strengths, ignoring Twitter and Facebook entirely

• By concentrating his limited time on just two platforms, Louie built a following of 300K in 14 months, landed partnerships with Nordstrom and Express worth $200K annually, and launched a digital style guide that sold 5,000 copies in its first week

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Toledo! exclaimed Chloe with a slow nod

• I've been spreading myself too thin across too many platforms

• I'll focus on YouTube for workout tutorials and Instagram for daily tips and community building

• Core Solution: Go deep on fewer platforms instead of shallow on many

Chapter 7: 🧲 Attention Magnets: How to get eyes on your content

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on her videos getting lost in the sea of fitness content

• She was creating good workouts but nobody was finding them

• Core Problem: Your content isn't getting found in searches

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• Zippity-doodah!, You need to master Attention Magnets, Chloe!, hollered Gary, sharply clapping his hands

• Even amazing content fails if nobody sees it - visibility is critical

• You need to understand the algorithm of each platform you use

• ➡️ Study the titles, thumbnails and keywords of the top 10 fitness videos in your niche

• Just like in Field of Dreams where "if you build it, they will come" proved true, your content needs to be discoverable for your audience to find you

· · ·

🏄 Example

• The Dude Perfect guys were just college roommates filming basketball trick shots on a cheap camera

• Their first videos barely got any views because they used generic titles like "Basketball Shots"

• They studied what made videos appear in search results and recommendations, then changed to titles like "World Record Edition | Dude Perfect" with optimized thumbnails

• By mastering YouTube's algorithm, they grew from 0 to 58 million subscribers, built a merchandise empire worth $25 million, and even launched their own TV show and touring business

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Mozzarella! blurted Chloe, fist pumping in excitement

• I've been using generic titles and thumbnails that don't grab attention

• I need to create challenge-based workout series that people want to share with friends

• Core Solution: Optimize your content to be found in searches and feeds

Chapter 8: 💫 Platform Power: The social media mistake killing your growth

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on feeling overwhelmed trying to be everywhere at once

• She was posting the exact same content across all platforms with poor results

• Core Problem: Posting identical content on every platform

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• Zibbity-zobbity!, You must harness Platform Power, Chloe!, exclaimed Gary, jumping in his chair

• Each social platform has different strengths and audience expectations

• You need to adapt your content for each platform while maintaining your voice

• ➡️ Create a cheat sheet showing how to modify your content for each platform's specific format

• Just like in Avatar when Jake had to learn the special rules of Pandora to fit in, you need to know how each platform works and what people like there

· · ·

🏄 Example

• DJ Khaled was a 40-year-old music producer whose career had stalled despite his talent

• While younger artists were getting attention, he was being forgotten because he used the same old marketing approaches

• Instead of doubling down on traditional music promotion, he embraced Snapchat's unique format with raw, unfiltered glimpses into his life and motivational "keys to success"

• By adapting his content specifically for Snapchat's format, Khaled gained 6 million followers in just 6 months, revitalized his music career with a #1 album, and landed endorsement deals with Apple, Ciroc, and Weight Watchers worth over $20 million

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Pepperoni! exclaimed Chloe, her eyes widening

• I've been lazily posting the same content everywhere instead of tailoring it

• I'll use Instagram for quick tips and motivation, and YouTube for full workouts and technique tutorials

• Core Solution: Tailor your content to match each platform's unique strengths

Chapter 9: 📹 Watch-Worthy Videos: Why people click away from your videos

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on her YouTube videos getting low view counts and poor retention

• Her workout videos were technically good but people weren't watching to the end

• Core Problem: Making boring workout videos people click away from

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You need to create Watch-Worthy Videos, Chloe!, boomed Gary, striking a superhero pose

• YouTube likes videos that people watch all the way to the end

• Your fun personality matters just as much as your workout tips

• ➡️ Start each video with a 10-second hook showing the end result or a surprising fact

• Just like in The Truman Show when people couldn't stop watching because they cared about Truman's life, your fitness videos need a story that makes people want to keep watching

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Casey Neistat was a 34-year-old filmmaker struggling to stand out in a sea of YouTubers

• Instead of just posting typical workout or product review videos, he turned his life into a daily story

• He hooked viewers in the first 15 seconds with unexpected challenges or questions, then wove practical advice into entertaining personal adventures

• By combining storytelling with useful content, Casey grew his channel from 500K to 12M subscribers, sold his company to CNN for $25 million, and now generates over $5M yearly from brand deals while helping millions with his practical life and business advice

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Cannoli! blurted Chloe, dramatically gesturing

• I've been creating dry, instructional videos with no personality or story

• I'll share my own fitness struggles and wins alongside the workout instructions

• Core Solution: Add personal stories and emotional hooks to keep viewers watching

Chapter 10: 📸 Visual Power: The Instagram secret that sells products

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on her Instagram account having decent followers but no engagement

• People followed but rarely commented or shared her content

• Core Problem: Lots of followers but no one buying your products

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• Razzle-dazzle!, You need to leverage Visual Power, Chloe!, exclaimed Gary, dropping his phone in excitement

• Instagram is great for showing the "before" and "after" of your workout programs

• Stories help people feel close to you while your main feed shows off your brand

• ➡️ Create a carousel post showing dramatic before/after transformation with specific results

• Just like in The Devil Wears Prada when Andy's visual transformation told a powerful story, your Instagram needs to visually communicate the journey your digital products offer

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Kayla Itsines was a personal trainer from Australia with just a small local client base

• While other fitness influencers posted perfect body selfies, she decided to showcase her clients' real transformation results instead of herself

• She created Instagram carousel posts showing dramatic 12-week transformations with specific measurements and the exact workout program used

• By focusing on proof rather than promises, Kayla built a following of 14.9 million, sold over 4 million copies of her Bikini Body Guide at $52 each, and eventually sold her Sweat app business for a reported $400 million

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Smackers! exclaimed Chloe, her hands covering her mouth in surprise

• I've been posting random workout photos without showing the results they create

• I need to showcase real transformations and use carousel posts to deliver mini-tutorials

• Core Solution: Show proof of results to convert followers into buyers

Chapter 11: 🎙️ Voice Connection: The missing link in your customer connection

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on how her audience seemed to know her workouts but not her as a person

• There was little emotional connection with her followers

• Core Problem: Audience knows your content but not YOU

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You should explore Voice Connection, Chloe!, hollered Gary, making an explosion gesture

• Podcasting creates deeper relationships than visual content alone

• Your voice in someone's ears for 30+ minutes builds amazing trust

• ➡️ Launch a simple weekly podcast answering the top 3 questions from your audience

• Just like in Her when the main character feels close to someone just by hearing their voice, podcasts can help your audience feel like they really know you

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Tim Ferriss had written a bestselling book but found his audience relationship remained shallow

• While other authors stuck to book signings and blog posts, Tim experimented with long-form podcast interviews

• He created The Tim Ferriss Show with deep 2-3 hour conversations that made listeners feel like they were in the room with him and his guests

• By using audio to build a more intimate connection, Tim's podcast has been downloaded over 800 million times, drives 70% of his book sales, and generates $5-7 million annually through sponsorships while establishing trust that converts to his course sales

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Guacamole! blurted Chloe, looking upward thoughtfully

• I've been focusing only on showing exercises without explaining the why behind them

• I'll start a podcast sharing the science of fitness and interviewing success stories

• Core Solution: Use audio content to create a personal bond with listeners

Chapter 12: 🔊 Voice Revolution: The future platform you're ignoring

🔥 The challenge

• Chloe reflected on how she was only focusing on today's platforms

• She worried about investing time in platforms that might become obsolete

• Core Problem: Ignoring new platforms that could explode your reach

· · ·

🌈 The big idea

• You need to prepare for the Voice Revolution, Chloe!, exclaimed Gary, with a dramatic whisper

• Devices like Alexa and Google Home are changing how people find and use content

• People who start using these new ways to share content early will have a big head start

• ➡️ Spend just 15 minutes creating one piece of content for a new platform each week

• Just like in Back to the Future when Doc Brown could see what was coming next, you need to position your brand for emerging platforms before your competitors

· · ·

🏄 Example

• Gary himself saw most marketers ignoring voice platforms like Alexa because they seemed too new

• Instead of waiting until voice devices became popular, Gary jumped in early with a simple "Daily Motivation" audio tip for Amazon Echo when most marketers were ignoring it

• He spent just 15 minutes per week recording short motivational content specifically formatted for voice search

• By being an early adopter, Gary's daily flash briefing reached 40,000 daily listeners within 3 months, earned him speaking opportunities as a voice marketing expert, and positioned his agency to win voice strategy contracts with major brands worth millions before competitors even understood the platform

· · ·

🎁 The breakthrough

• Holy Moly! exclaimed Chloe with a slow nod

• I've been ignoring new platforms because they seem too complicated

• I need to at least experiment with voice content to understand its potential

• Core Solution: Test new platforms with minimal time investment

🏆 The parting

Gary told Chloe this would be their last coffee shop strategy session but to keep him updated on her progress.

Just like Captain America never gave up the fight no matter the odds, you gotta keep showing up for your audience every single day, even when it feels like nobody's watching, Gary said with a grin.

He gave her a fist bump and adjusted his imaginary cape one last time.

Lemme know when those digital products start selling like crazy!

🎉 The happy ending

• Six months later, Chloe's YouTube channel had grown to 50,000 subscribers and her workout program was selling 15-20 copies daily at $47 each.

• She went from making zero dollars from her fitness obsession to generating over $25,000 monthly from her digital products.

• Best of all, she finally quit her day job and moved to Bali where she could create content from her villa between beach workouts and smoothie breaks (talk about living the dream!).

🧘‍♀️ The simple success recipe

The key lessons that transformed the business:

1. Build your personal brand first - People need to know and trust you before they'll buy your digital products (your unique quirks are actually your biggest strength!)

2. Create helpful content every day - Show up daily with useful fitness tips that actually solve problems (like those 5-minute ab workouts that really work for busy moms!)

3. Focus on 2-3 social media apps only - Instead of being average everywhere, be exceptional on the platforms that showcase what you're best at (YouTube for workouts, Instagram for inspiration)

4. Share your journey - Talk about both your wins and struggles to seem real (people connect more with fitness trainers who admit they struggle sometimes too!)

5. Change your content for each app - What works on Instagram won't work the same on YouTube or podcasts (it's like wearing gym clothes to a wedding - wrong outfit, wrong place!)

6. Show the results people get - Show the changes your workouts create, not just the exercises (before/after pics make people want to try your workout program right now!)

7. Try new apps before others do - Test new ways to share content before competitors to get ahead (remember when people laughed at TikTok until fitness influencers started making millions there?)

✨ Loosely inspired by...

• Chloe Ting, a fitness YouTuber who creates workout challenges and healthy recipes

• She stood out by offering free, apartment-friendly workout programs that require minimal equipment

• Her 2-Week Shred Challenge videos have been viewed over 200 million times, helping her build a community of millions and launch successful digital products

🥂 Your turn!

That's it, my fellow rebels!

You now have the blueprint to build a personal brand that turns your expertise into profitable digital products.

As Gary says, "No matter what you sell, your business is a media company first" – so start creating content that showcases your unique perspective.

Today, commit to posting one piece of valuable content that helps your ideal customer solve a specific problem.

Your personal brand is waiting to be built, and just like Doctor Strange who could see multiple futures, you now have the vision to see the amazing digital product business you can create!

Keep rocking 🚀 🍩

Yours 'making success painless and fun' vijay peduru 🦸‍♂️