Question: “How do I protect my idea?” 

“I have a great idea for a new product, and I want to find someone to back me – an angel investor or whatever. I’ve heard about confidentiality agreements, but I’m not sure they can legally protect me. What can I do if the money guy tries to cheat me and take a controlling position in the business?” – JJ

My Response: I get it. You love your idea. You are sure it’s worth a billion dollars, and you worry about being taken advantage of. So you want your potential investors to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) before you will show it to them.

But here’s the thing. It’s highly unlikely that they will sign an NDA. And even if they do, an NDA won’t ensure that you get what you want out of the deal. And the reason is this. (Warning: This may hurt your feelings.) Your product is probably not nearly as great as you think it is. In fact, it’s probably not especially good at all. And if it is good, there are probably another hundred people out there hawking a very similar product to a thousand other potential investors.

Ideas for new businesses (almost all ideas, really) don’t arrive in a vacuum. They are born in an ocean of developing innovations that are in the common consciousness of the market. You believe your great idea sprang from the center of your mind, but it actually came from everything you’ve been reading, watching, and thinking about – along with, as I said, many other smart and observant people.

So that’s why I believe you won’t get anyone serious – anyone that is accustomed to pitches – to sign an NDA.

But let’s say you do get someone to do it. How can you be sure you won’t get screwed? Well, that depends on your expectations. Most of the people that have tried to sell business ideas to me have had no idea what such ideas are worth in the marketplace.

From an investor’s point of view, this is how I think of it: As a rule, I value a general idea as being worth about 5% of the business, depending on how well articulated it is. The development of the product is worth about 20%, the marketing is worth another 25%, and the capital is worth about 50%.

These are rough numbers. They depend on the industry and the timing and whatever else you bring to the table. But they are not far off. If you think your idea is worth 50% of the business, you are living in La La Land.

If you can get 10% for it, grab it.

From SL re GM’s letter in the March 19 issue (“Why are the Dems so upset about DOGE?”) 

“I agree with GM. How can any sane, tax-paying citizen object to reducing the amount of waste, fraud, and inefficiency within the federal government? Just about every president in recent memory has pledged to do the same thing, including both Clintons, both Bushes, Obama, and even, when he was younger, Sleepy Joe himself. They all made these pronouncements and promises when they were running for office – because they knew that most American voters wanted to clean up the swamp. The difference between them and Trump now is that Trump has put someone competent enough in charge of the job and also given him the support he needs to finish it. The Dems reaction? Let’s incinerate the very cars we used to love because they are green!”

Re my review of The Blind Watchmaker in the March 13 issue 

From CD: “Interesting book. However, my favorite is The God Delusion. I have always, since a very young age, thought that religion was just silly. I could never understand why smart people that I looked up to were believers. I always kept quiet about my beliefs, thinking I was on my own. The God Delusion was such a relief! Thanks, Mark, always enjoy your letter…”

My Response: Thanks, CD. I appreciate your suggestion. I’m putting it on my to-read list!

From GT: “Thanks for recommending The Blind Watchmaker. I’m reading it now and, so far, it’s as good as you said it was.”

From PL re the “Just Briefs” issues 

“I’m enjoying the ‘Just Briefs’ issues. I read them when I want to be amused, rather than enlightened. In the last one, I loved the clips of that guy who sings to farm animals. Where do you get these? You must be spending way too much time on YouTube.”

My Response: Thanks, PL. And yes, I am! (See one of my favorites in today’s PS.)

From SH: re Big Pharma 

“Whenever we come into the US, we see Pharma ads for every conceivable illness. Such is not the case here in Germany! Yes, obesity is a huge problem, much of it to do with poor nutrition. It can be seen in every segment of society. But as you know, America is short-term thinking, and many people want everything cheap, including health care. Cheap means low price, but also poor quality.

“What many question here in Europe, is why so much money is spent for elections, on politicians. Why are US presidential elections so long in taking place? Germany elects in less than six weeks!” – SH

“Big Pharma can pay the lawsuits and still make billions!” – BW

Food for Thought 
 
Why are the Dems so upset about DOGE? 

GM sent this in, quoting billionaire investor Bill Ackman:

“Can we agree that we have $36 trillion of national debt growing at a rapid rate, that must be refinanced and issued at a materially higher interest rate as our bonds come due and as new funds are needed? And that we had a $1.8 trillion deficit in fiscal 2024?

And can we also agree that “there is an enormous amount of fraud, waste, and inappropriate spending in our government budget?”

Two facts: “Musk has a proven ability to take over dysfunctional organizations and turn them into highly functioning ones while massively reducing wasteful overhead and other spending.

“Trump won the election with a mandate for eliminating wasteful government spending and ending regulations that interfere with our country’s progress.

“DOGE is just getting started and has already identified a massive amount of waste and likely fraud and has begun cutting a material amount of costs.

“It is axiomatic that those who are beneficiaries of waste, fraud, and unnecessary government spending will be the most threatened by the cuts that DOGE is making in these programs. The president has stated clearly that he is overseeing DOGE’s activities and that no important decisions will be made without his consent….

“Other efforts over the last many decades to eliminate government waste and fraud have totally failed.

“DOGE is our best hope for fixing our fundamentally flawed and highly ineffective bureaucratic system for running our country.”

From TS: Do you know why runners run counterclockwise? 

“Running on the track more than a hundred years ago was clockwise, as all races (200m, 400m, 800m…) during the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 were all done clockwise.

“Strangely enough, runners expressed their discomfort and even pain when running in this direction, so international bodies, starting in 1913, adopted running against the direction of the Olympic races and made them counterclockwise.

“Modern science has proven things that confirm that counterclockwise rotation is prevalent in nature, as:

“The blood inside the human body begins its cycle counterclockwise.

“The electrons around the nucleus rotate counterclockwise.

“Also, if we go outside the scope of the Earth, we find the moon rotating around the Earth counterclockwise.

“The Earth rotates around the sun counterclockwise.

“The planets rotate around the sun counterclockwise.

“The sun and its group revolve around the galaxy counterclockwise.

“And the entire galaxies revolve counterclockwise.

“Muslims have also been circumambulating the Kaaba counterclockwise for 1400 years.”

Re my Feb. 28 “Report Card” on Trump: 

“I thought your piece on Trump’s second term (so far) was good and well-balanced. I didn’t vote for him, but I’m rooting for him.” – JP

“If it’s not impudent to say so, Mark, I think your writing is getting better. The essay on the first month of DT’s second term was excellent. You made several points I’ve been thinking but hadn’t yet figured out how to say.” – PLC

“What a MAGA loser you’ve turned into! I was disgusted by your so-called ‘Report Card’ on Trump. He’s the world’s next Hitler. And Elon Musk is worse!” – RF

From JG re the “Collecting Art” chapter in the Feb. 21 issue 

“I used to be fascinated by my grandfather’s art collection. I loved the art that he bought. The pieces really added beauty to his house, and the fact that the art appreciated in value was compelling. As I got older though, I realized something. The real pleasure and feeling you get is the feeling of beauty that the artist felt when he created the piece. Thus, the real pleasure is creating.”

From CM re my piece on the Arab-Israeli conflict: 

“Antisemitism is the canary in the coal mine. It never stops with the Jews. Do I see antisemitism as a dangerous threat? 100%.

“Prior to Nov. 5, I had been seriously considering moving to Israel…. Funny how life turns out. Trump wins, and I’m staying in the US. Since Nov. 6, life has become more tolerable and hopeful for Jews in the US. However, the Golden Age of American Jewry is over.

“Trump has stacked the deck with supporters and lovers of Israel. Overnight, the Jewish community in the US went from sadness to gladness – just like in the biblical Scroll of Esther. I pray that he continues to succeed and save this country from the mentally deranged.

“Keep doing the great work you do.”

From AS re the cost of losing weight:

“Based on your update in the Jan. 3 issue, I figure you are at about 185 lbs. by now. I finally got my doctor to prescribe a weight-loss drug for me. Unfortunately, my insurance won’t cover it. I can’t afford to pay $11,000 a year for it, so short of assassinating a health insurance CEO, I will never be a size 34 in pants again.”

My Response: You have several options. The best is to get a prescription from a doctor. You don’t have to be diabetic per se. You can be diagnosed as pre-diabetic. There are several ways this can be diagnosed, including your BMI (body mass index). If you can find a doctor that does that, the cost can be greatly reduced. In some cases, you can pay as little as $25 a month for Ozempic and, if the doctor agrees, continue for as many as 48 months.

The second best (in my non-expert opinion) is to get a prescription for compounded semaglutide, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy but isn’t FDA-approved. From what I’ve read, though, it’s the same thing.

You may also be able to get Wegovy for $25 (or less!) with the Wegovy Savings Card if you have a valid prescription for the drug, have private or commercial insurance, and meet the other eligibility requirements.

JS on understanding money supply: 

“I found this opinion piece from The Epoch Times – ‘Money Supply Growth Accelerates and Hits a 27-Month High’ – fascinating.

“This might be a timely topic for your newsletter, as ‘accountability’ seems to be on the horizon. It may be time to hold those who spread emotional rhetoric instead of factual truth accountable.”

 
Recommended by DG: 

“I was looking through the list of books in the Jan. 10 issue that you’re thinking of reading in 2025, and I thought I’d suggest adding one. In fact, I’ve sent you a copy. It’s called Harry’s Game and it’s set during Northern Ireland’s Troubles. It’s a great story, well worth the read.

“It was also a TV program, also very good. You can watch it on You Tube. Not sure about the quality, though.”

LJ asks for my advice on marriage:

“Somewhere around 2011 or 2012, you gave a talk at AWAI’s copywriting conference. Funnily enough, what stuck out most to me was your advice on marriage. Specifically, your decision to stop being preoccupied with making money and enjoy spending time with your wife.

“First, how has that gone for you? Second, if it’s gone well, how did you do it?

“I’m 35, love being married to my wife and spending time with my daughter. I find that I often get spun up on a moneymaking idea, though. I don’t want to miss some of the best times of my life because I’m daydreaming about conversion rates.

“Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.”

My Response: Good question!

Here’s the answer, such as it is.

When I was 33, I decided to make “getting rich” the number one priority in my life. It worked. I became a millionaire within two years and a deca-millionaire four years after that. I retired at 39, thinking I had all the money I needed. But my lifestyle (and my family’s lifestyle) had been upgraded considerably by then, and I wasn’t emotionally willing to scale back. So I went back to work at 40. Financially speaking, I could have retired when I was 50 – but I was loving what I was doing, so I changed my priority hierarchy and took “getting rich” off the top. In fact, I erased it completely from my ambitions. Instead, I paid attention to whatever I wanted to, which included my family. I realized pretty quickly that even though I could stop working entirely, I didn’t want to. I did stop doing work I didn’t enjoy, work that previously I was doing only to increase my wealth, and I focused on other interest and goals, such as writing a blog and 24 books, producing three movies, and starting three non-profit enterprises.

So, the answer to your question, the honest answer, is that I never did that thing that I said I was going to do and politicians say they are going to do when in fact they are trying to escape their jobs. I never spent all that extra time on my family. I spent some extra time with them. I wish I had spent more. But I continued to work at least eight hours a day on my projects, which included a half-dozen businesses I kept consulting for over the years.

I can say this, though. I managed to give my family enough time and attention that K didn’t divorce me, my kids and their spouses seem happy to talk with me, and I’m enjoying the company, whenever I can, of six fantastic grandkids.

A personal note from longtime reader DC: “I have a question and seek your advice, please.” 

“Previously your advice – whether shared in your writings, your talks, or in person – has always been helpful, appreciated, and usually timely.

“A couple of years ago, I had to go through a rough and contentious divorce…. I know I did the right thing, but financially it wiped me out and necessitated a large debt hole. I just turned 60 and am healthier and happier than ever…. Income is solid, but it largely goes to servicing debt.

“Today, I read your writings on debt and will follow the ideas you shared. I am starting all over again. Is there any further advice or pointers you can share to help me on my path out of debt?”

My Response: Thanks for reaching out and for being so candid about your situation. I think there is a lot you can do to get back on track and start enjoying the benefits of your talents, your concerns, and your ambitions. One thing I’m going to do is have one of my books – The Pledge – sent to you. It’s about starting over. And it’s very pragmatic. After you’ve had a chance to read it, we can have a chat… either just the two of us or maybe make it something we can share with others.

From KW re my article about “Growers and Tenders” in last week’s issue: 

“Growers and Tenders… interesting concept. I have always considered myself an efficiency guy (Tender). I realized early on in my corporate career that I am not the visionary type. However, if you want to turn around your unprofitable company/division, I am your guy. That’s the way I always thought of this concept. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!”

My Response: I agree. If you are an “efficiency guy,” I’d say you are a Tender. And as you say, as someone who thinks (and prioritizes your work) as a Tender, you can contribute to the business by paying attention to how all the many parts of your business are running – repairing broken parts; streamlining protocols, processes, and procedures that are no longer running as well as they once did; eliminating processes, protocols, and procedures and firing or establishing different objectives for employees who are no longer contributing positively to the bottom line.

Growers can sometimes get obsessed with growing revenues. And when they do, they need a Tender around to take care of the bottom line, which is ultimately more important to the future of the company.

A Question from KJ, a fellow BJJ enthusiast:

“What made you start your martial arts journey in 1998 in BJJ? Was it UFC 1 winner Royce Gracie? For me, it was the podcasters ex-Navy Seal Jocko Willink and Joe Rogan.”

My Response: My father, who was a literature professor and had no interest in sports, once told me that a good grappler will beat a good boxer. That stuck with me. When my boys were old enough to wrestle, I began looking for places they could do that. (Their school didn’t have a wrestling team.) One day I was driving down Federal Highway in Boca Raton and noticed a new storefront business: “Reylson Gracie Jiu Jitsu.” I knew that Jiu Jitsu was largely a grappling art and that the Gracie family had somehow brought it to a new level down in Brazil.

I enrolled my three boys, and the owner, Reylson Gracie, persuaded me to take lessons, too. I did. And I fell in love with it. My boys eventually dropped it, but I’m still practicing nearly 30 years later.

I agree with you about UFC 1. Nobody outside of the BJJ and UFC world today knows who Royce Gracie is. The name Jocko Willink is known to at least a million people. Joe Rogan? Half a billion?

An “Excellent” Grade on My Dec. 27 Post-Election Analysis 

“Excellent Mark! To sum it up, I believe that the public in general was fed up with being bullshit to. From the state of Biden’s mental acuity to all of the phony social ills that required fixing. As A. Lincoln said, ‘You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.’ I think the vote was a scream of ‘Enuf!’” – JM

“You were definitely right about the key issues. And right about the outcome. The Democrats spent most of their TV time and money advertising all the risks of a Trump re-election but provided very little detail about what they were going to do. That’s a cardinal sin in marketing. We still don’t know what their theory of ‘securing the border’ was. We don’t know how a $25K first homeowner down payment grant would reduce grocery prices. Lousy campaign.” – CA

“Very well done, Mark! And I rarely use ‘very.’ For me, I gave up on The New York Times and Washington Post, CNN, PBS, and NBC eight years ago. Not because I don’t trust them, but because I concluded they were irrelevant. They neither reflected nor changed the opinions of most Americans. That conclusion was reinforced by the last election. You well explain the reasons why they lost relevancy. Thank you for that.” – SL

“Does it seem like Big Corporations get on and off the ‘social’ bandwagon when the timing seems right? Do they ever give a damn about the cause? DEI and ESG were losers from the beginning. Are Big Corps stupid? I think not. Are they Greedy? For sure. Does owning Big Corporation Stocks make me a hypocrite? Maybe, yes…” – JS

From BG: Praise for My Books 

“I’ve been following your writing for years and I’m a huge fan! I’ve read at least a dozen of your books on business and investing, and – since I’m an aspiring copywriter – all of your books on advertising. I read Great Leads twice!”

A Grinchy Happy New Year from Regular Contributor AS 

“Certain things will happen this new year, and I can’t wait. The deluge of advertisements for gyms and health clubs will fill our TVs, and tax return savings from H&R Block are coming.

“Weather forecasters will tell us, ‘Unless it’s completely necessary, stay home today because a giant snowstorm is upon us,’ and then we will get pounded by a half-inch of snow.

“Ozempic and Wegovy are making up 10% of all pharmaceutical drugs being sold in the US. Due to the high cost of these drugs, the rich and famous will not only remain rich and famous but will also have great figures. The rest of us will continue to bounce from one failed diet craze to the next, join health clubs this new year but stop going by Feb. 10, and search for pants that are too small for our chubby bodies but stretch just enough for us to button them.

“The new year will be marked by dozens of awards shows. We will be filled with panic as we try to watch all the movies, streaming series, short films, and television shows that are up for awards BEFORE the awards are presented. There are rumors of a new awards show. That show will hand out awards to the participants of the awards shows themselves.

“The three celebrities who do not receive awards will be placated by the joy they feel from their recent weight loss.

“Republicans beware. Jan. 20, the Democrats are set to storm the Capitol, armed with pea shooters, wet gym towels, and the carboard inside rolls from Christmas wrapping paper. After which Congress will try to outlaw pea shooters, but the Jolly Green Giant lobby will be too powerful for that to happen.

“Happy New Year!”

The November issue – and the “plastic bottle debate”: 

“Man, the last three topics in the issue hit me like a freight train! Talk about a roller coaster of emotions!! Challenges of Charity: Kicked my ass!!! Inertia: Inspired me!!! Lifelong Lessons from Arnold: Reminder not to take things for granted!!!

“Here we go again!!!! Thank you!” – BW
“Your piece about water in plastic stuck in my highly vibrational brain. As you might recall, I’m a molecular water guy, so I advocate for glass whenever possible. Google says drinking from plastic is safe, and at the same time says: ‘Most plastic water bottles are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic. At least 150 chemicals are known to leach from PET plastic beverage bottles into the liquid inside, including heavy metals like antimony and lead, and hormone-disruptors like BPA.’” – KM

“I’ve had a similar debate with my husband. Question: Does K approve of your solution? I would guess that she prefers the ‘guest’ bottles to be sealed.” – AC

My Response: Sorry, AC, I should have been clear. The reused bottles are strictly for me. Guests continue to drink from unsealed bottles.

I don’t want to read about politics!

“I know the political situation is on everyone’s mind these days… but, frankly, ‘both sides’ of this past election weren’t worth my time to write about [in my blog]. I know you try to focus on the ‘issues.’ I only wish they could.” – BK

My Response: I’ve tried to disassociate from politics, but I am just so drawn to the prospect of being able to irk so many readers at the same time. It’s irresistible! However, in response to similar and other comments I’ve received from readers, I’ve once again reinvented my blog in a way that I hope will be easier and more enjoyable for all.

Starting right now, I’m going to be publishing not twice a week or once a month, but once a week. Four “mini” issues per month. See “Inside This Issue,” above, for details.

Kind words about my books: 

“I wanted to reach out and personally thank you for your book Ready, Fire, Aim. It’s truly transformed my life and my approach to business. I can honestly say that much of the growth of my company has been guided by the principles I learned from this book.” – EJ

“Ten years ago, I was deeply disappointed that I had not reached my potential in business, health, relationships, and my hobby of music. After a lot of searching, I came upon Seven Years to Seven Figures and The Pledge. These books changed my life. And you are right. Reaching seven figures in net worth in seven years is totally doable. (Three and a half for me!) I wanted you to know that someone out there followed your stuff verbatim and it actually worked! I have six of your books and they have been a continued source of growth and inspiration to this day.” – RD

My Response: Thanks EJ and RD – and congratulations on your impressive success!

Staying connected: 

“It’s been a while since I last reached out, but the inspiration I continue to draw from your books and emails has kept me connected to your ideas.” – JV

My Response: Thanks for your note JV. One of the rewards of writing this blog is staying connected with so many people like you that I’ve met and worked with all over the world.