You may recognize him from his logo or even his daily inspirational quotes on his Instagram page. Jason Stone, aka @Millionaire_Mentor to his followers on Instagram, sat down with me and shared his personal story on how the brand came to be and what tips he has for others looking to capitalize off the space.
Known for his early year success in the automotive industry and performance with Treadstone Engineering, Inc., Stone now helps others follow in his footsteps. Having successfully launched multiple six and seven figure Instagram and internet platforms, Stone has become a well-known social media influencer across the country.
Meet The ‘Millionaire_Mentor’
I started off as a mechanical engineer and went to college (yes, I went to college). I used my degree to start an engineering firm, called Treadstone Performance. While many people don;t know me by that business, it’s still very much active, and a hobby-turned passion. I liked fast cars and tinkering with cars under the hood. That turned into a business.
Fast forward ten years into the business, I now have ‘Millionaire Mentor’, which most people know me by. But, what people don’t know is this now successful brand, was born out of my own personal tragedy. I actually had a personal account before the Millionaire_Mentor Instagram account.
Capitalizing Off Personal Adversity
My house was robbed one weekend and I deleted my social media accounts because of it. I would post watches on social media, because I had a few nice watches. It felt like an inside job, or someone that knew who I was. I became pissed with the idea of social media, and took a complete break from it. That was how Millionaire Mentor came about–through adversity and the trouble it caused in my personal life.
Returning As A Brand, Not as a Person
I decided to get back onto social media, but not as myself. I came back to social media as a “brand” rather than a person. That’s how it started. I wanted to give back tot the people and help teach and motivate others, because I felt that’s what I was good at. I would always help those closest to me.
If you have a hobby that is the best way to start off a business, because you’re already an expert in it. But, if you just have an idea of something you think you can do, just to make some money, it may never be a business for you.
Million Dollar Tips
But, the entrepreneur isn’t shy about some of his pitfalls he’s made along the way. Stone told me that when he first started out, he learned the hard way, and recommends others learn from his mistakes.
“When I first started, my biggest mistake was not asking questions, or even the right questions,” said Stone.
“I thought I could do it all without asking for help, because I believed I knew it all. What you have to understand that in this space, you have to ask questions and you can’t be afraid to network. If that means finding a mentor, enrolling in a paid course, and self-educating,
“Attention is the new currency, and where is all that attention at the moment? Instagram and Facebook,” the entrepreneur added.
#1 –Say Goodbye to Your Personal Life
It all starts with saying goodbye to your private life. I believe that every CEO should look to establish a personal brand of sorts. People buy from people, not businesses. So, if you can become the face of your brand, you eventually gain consumer trust and are able to exponentially grow your business.
#2 –Establishing Your Own Personal Brand
The first step in becoming a thought leader within your space is to create your own personal brand. You can do this by influencing others to invest in your products or services, or by simply sharing your thoughts or expressions.
But, isn’t that what a thought leader is by definition? Expressing your opinions and feelings towards controversial topics or providing value as a successful entrepreneur within your realm.
The “LDT” Model
By following and implementing my “LDT” model (learn, do, and teach), people will begin to follow you for your value. That’s how you grow your audience.
“Most importantly, you need to figure out whether this is something you can be excited about every morning when you wake up. It takes years to grow the business and earn the respect of your followers and competitors. If you’re starting a business just to make money, that’s not going to work. You have to do something you’re passionate about, that you’re going to be excited about for years to come.”
Consistency
When it comes to producing content, consistency is everything. You need to put yourself and your brand out there so people are able to live vicariously through your content. If you’re not taking consistent action, you cannot successfully master your field, or more importantly, earn the respect of your colleagues and competitors.
Go Behind The Scenes
Always, go behind the scenes. If people don’t know you’re out there and doing things, your brand dies. People need to know that you’re alive and that your brand is your business and it’s active.
Video, Video, Video!
Whenever possible, utilize video content. This means hopping on IGTV on the gram; stories on Snapchat, and Facebook Live. People need to be able to connect with you.
The Most Successful Marketing Tool is Free
The best form of advertising in today’s digital space is the power of the internet. Word of mouth, especially through well-known influencers, can help drive your brand upward and outward.
#3 –Deliver Value Over Everything
You MUST provide and deliver value to your audience. Why else would someone want to follow you or hit that “like” button? If they can learn something from you, be inspired by you, or become motivated as a result of the content you produce, that sets you apart from the rest of users on social media.
According to Stone, the major myth that people believe that successful entrepreneurs and investors like him can do is the ability to save one’s business with a “one-liner” or a five minute conversation.
“I’m not a superhero here to save your business with a bunch of fancy words; at the end of the day, you either want it, or you don’t. You either work for success, or you don’t. You either get disciplined quick and motivate yourself, or you don’t. I can motivate you every day with my account and brand, but how bad do you want it and what are you willing to do to earn it? In my opinion, ideas are shit, execution is everything.”
To stay updated on Jason’s content, follow him on Instagram at @Millionaire_Mentor or visit his website, Mill Mentor.
