Why Having a Business Partner is the Key to Success (And Why I’m Looking for One in Fridley, Minnesota)

Why Having a Business Partner is the Key to Success (And Why I’m Looking for One in Fridley, Minnesota)

Entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely road. You put in the hours, carry the risk, and try to juggle everything on your own. But here’s the truth: success in business is almost impossible without a strong partner by your side.

I’ve learned that having the right business partner isn’t just an advantage—it’s mandatory.

Here’s why I believe in partnership—and why I’m looking to connect with someone local here in Fridley, Minnesota, who shares the same vision.


Why Business Partners Win

Two Brains Solve Problems Faster
Ideas flow better when you’ve got someone to bounce them off of. Partners challenge each other, spot blind spots, and create better solutions together.

Shared Risk, Shared Reward
Carrying the full weight of a business alone is exhausting. With a partner, the burden is lighter, and the wins are even sweeter when celebrated together.

Complimentary Skills Multiply Success
Maybe one of us is a “people person” and the other is a “systems thinker.” Maybe one shines in sales while the other excels in strategy. Together, we cover more ground and play to our strengths.

Accountability & Motivation
It’s easy to stall when you’re on your own. A partner keeps you sharp, focused, and moving forward.

A Bigger Network, More Opportunities
Each person brings their own relationships and connections. Combine those, and the doors open much wider.


Why I’m Looking for a Partner in Fridley

I live right here in Fridley, Minnesota, and I know the Twin Cities area is full of smart, creative, and ambitious people. My goal is to build something meaningful, profitable, and sustainable—but I don’t want to do it alone.

I’m looking for a partner who is:

  • A people person who enjoys connecting with others.

  • A self-starter who takes action without waiting for permission.

  • Cold-call capable and not afraid of outreach.

  • Internet friendly with some digital savvy.

  • Open-minded to new ideas and opportunities.

  • Creative and willing to think outside the box.

If that sounds like you, then maybe we should talk.


Let’s Build Something Together

Success doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when two ambitious people lock arms, combine their strengths, and create something that neither could build alone.

If you live in or near Fridley, Minnesota, and you’re looking for a partner to build with, let’s connect.

What is the Ideal Profile for a Prospective Wealthy Affiliate Member?

What is the Ideal Profile for a Prospective Wealthy Affiliate Member?

Wealthy Affiliate is designed for people who want to learn, build, and grow an online business. While anyone can benefit from the training and community, there are certain characteristics that make someone especially well-suited to thrive in the program. If you’re wondering whether Wealthy Affiliate is a good fit, here’s the ideal profile of a prospective member:

  • Curious Learner
    Open to learning new strategies, tools, and techniques for building an online business.

  • Self-Motivated
    Has the drive to take action and follow through on lessons without someone constantly pushing them.

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit
    Interested in creating something of their own rather than relying only on a traditional 9-to-5 job.

  • Patience for Growth
    Understands that success in affiliate marketing is not instant, but requires consistent effort over time.

  • Tech-Comfortable (or Willing to Learn)
    Not afraid of using digital tools, websites, and online platforms—or willing to develop those skills.

  • Goal-Oriented
    Has a vision for financial freedom, flexibility, or a lifestyle they want to build, and is ready to set milestones.

  • Community-Oriented
    Enjoys connecting with like-minded people, asking questions, and sharing insights with others in the Wealthy Affiliate community.

  • Problem-Solver
    Sees challenges as opportunities to learn and improve, rather than roadblocks.

  • Resilient and Persistent
    Willing to keep trying, adjusting, and experimenting until results begin to show.

  • Open to Multiple Income Streams
    Understands the value of building long-term, sustainable online income with recurring commissions and diverse revenue sources.

  • Seeks Financial Independence
    Wants to build a business that provides freedom, security, and flexibility.

  • Willing to Invest in Themselves
    Sees personal and professional growth as worthwhile, and views training and mentorship as an investment rather than a cost.

Wealthy Affiliate in Business for Over 20 Years

This is going to be a long post, but an important one. So grab a coffee, tea, or beer and give yourself a 10-15 minutes to get through it.

It is an important milestone. Today Wealthy Affiliate turns 20. This truly marks a significant day in our business, and one that few businesses ever get to experience.

As a company, we have defied all statistical odds.

Most companies SHOULD have failed at this point, but we haven’t. Not only have we not failed, we have continued to evolve and improve as a service over the last 20 years. But how did we do it? And why are we still motivated to continue with the same brand after all this time?

I want to answer these questions and more in the coming post. I know that you can learn a lot from our experiences, our successes, and just as many failures over the years.

How It All Started…

Carson and I met in college where we were attending for Computer Science back in 2001. In fact, Carson “tipped’ me off about this “affiliate marketing” thing in one of our classes. He told me that people were making money online with it (and he was), so I figured I would try to figure it out.

It was quite secretive as he didn’t want to “give me the secrets”, so I went to work and figured it out. It took me three months to make my first sale, and at just over the year mark I was earning more than my profs at school through this “affiliate marketing” thing. So was Carson, independently successful with his own affiliate marketing business.

But we didn’t start Wealthy Affiliate then. In fact, it was years later when we bumped into each other and we pitched each other the idea of joining forces and building something together within the online world. We knew that between us and our differing skill sets, we could create something substantial.

But where do we start?

We Started Meeting Weekly to Brainstorm Business Ideas…

We didn’t come up with the idea for Wealthy Affiliate right away. In fact, we came up with many other ideas.

One of them was Uber, before it became Uber (we missed the boat on that one).

Another one was a health platform that would offer personalize diet plans, supplements, and workout schedules.

Another one was a kiosk at a mall that would be digitized and that would allow the stores to offer real time coupons (which also exists now).

But none of those stuck. After spending months meeting with Carson at a local restaurant (in Victoria, BC), we had come up with the PERFECT idea for a joint business. Why don’t we teach people exactly what we are doing and how we are succeeding with Affiliate Marketing. The idea was born.

A short week or two later, on September 10, 2005, Wealthy Affiliate officially came to life when we clicked the button bring this platform alive. A platform that was purely focused on PPC (Pay Per Click) marketing, and each week we gave people a keyword list, and ad samples, along with a few affiliate programs. It was $29.99 per month, or $359.88 per year…and that is ALL we offered.

It started to sell, we had our first sale the day we launched, and then from there it started to snowball. We were helping people, they were loving our service, and people started to share our platform.

It was simple. We were two friends with a vision. We hit “publish” on what seemed like a small idea at the time: create a place where people could learn affiliate marketing in an honest, straightforward way. What started as a simple platform for research and training has become a global community, a hub for entrepreneurs, and a living, breathing ecosystem that has supported millions of people in building businesses online.

GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT at MagicBrad.com/WA

Communism, Capitalism, Socialism

  • Communism – An economic and political system where all property is collectively owned, and wealth is distributed based on need.

  • Socialism – An economic system where the government or community owns and manages key industries, aiming for more equal wealth distribution while still allowing some private property.

  • Capitalism – An economic system where businesses and property are privately owned, and goods and services are exchanged in free markets for profit.

Why Direct Mail Lasts Longer Than a Click on the Internet

Why Direct Mail Lasts Longer Than a Click on the Internet

In today’s fast-paced digital world, most advertising disappears in the blink of an eye. A single click, a quick scroll, or a swipe can instantly erase an online ad from memory. But when it comes to creating meaningful, lasting impressions, direct mail delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) still stands tall as one of the most powerful and reliable marketing tools available.

Ask MagicBrad about MailBoxPower

https://MagicBrad.com/MBP

Unlike a fleeting digital impression, a physical postcard or letter lingers. It arrives in a mailbox, gets handled, placed on the counter, maybe pinned to the refrigerator, and often revisited. That’s why studies continue to show that direct mail has a longer lifespan than digital ads and generates higher response rates.

The Staying Power of Direct Mail

  • Physical Presence – A postcard sits on a desk or kitchen counter, keeping your brand visible.

  • Personalized Experience – People engage more deeply with tangible mail, especially when it’s customized with their name, interests, or even a picture.

  • Trust & Credibility – Printed mail feels more authentic and trustworthy compared to the fleeting flood of online ads.

  • Less Competition – While inboxes are overflowing with spam and promotions, the physical mailbox has less clutter and more opportunity to stand out.

Magic Brad and Mailbox Power

Here in the Twin Cities and beyond, Magic Brad is passionate about helping businesses grow through creative, effective marketing strategies. One of his favorite tools is MailBoxPower, a software that makes direct mail automation simple, smart, and effective.

With MailBoxPower, businesses can:

  • Send personalized postcards and greeting cards automatically.

  • Create custom gifts and branded merchandise to strengthen relationships.

  • Automate birthday, holiday, and “thank you” campaigns that keep customers engaged year-round.

And here’s the best part—Magic Brad is not only a MailBoxPower user, but also an affiliate partner. That means he can show you exactly how to leverage this tool to:

  • Sell more products and services.

  • Stay top of mind with clients and prospects.

  • Generate repeat business and referrals—auto-magically.

The Bottom Line

While online ads may fade in seconds, direct mail delivered by the USPS continues to deliver lasting impressions, trust, and results. If you want your marketing message to live longer than a click, direct mail is the smart move.

? Ready to learn how to put direct mail to work for your business? Connect with Magic Brad today and discover how MailBoxPower can help you sell more, build stronger customer relationships, and create marketing that lasts.

Ask MagicBrad about MailBoxPower

https://MagicBrad.com/MBP

Becky Rill | Insurance Agent | Direct Mail Solutions

 

Marketing Ideas for Insurance Agents: How Direct Mail Software Can Boost Your Business Success

As an insurance agent, you already know the importance of building strong, long-term relationships with your clients. Whether you specialize in life, health, auto, or home insurance, your success depends on being remembered when people need you most. In today’s digital-heavy world, many agents focus solely on email or social media. But there’s a powerful and often overlooked strategy that can set you apart: direct mail marketing powered by automation software.

TRY MAILBOX POWER https://MagicBrad.com/MBP

Why Direct Mail Still Works for Insurance Agents

Direct mail may sound old-fashioned, but the numbers don’t lie. Inboxes are crowded, and people are bombarded with digital ads every day. A personalized postcard or greeting card in the mailbox cuts through the noise. It’s tangible, memorable, and far more likely to be opened than another email lost in the shuffle.

For insurance agents, this means:

  • Staying top-of-mind with clients between renewals.

  • Building trust through personal touches like birthday or holiday cards.

  • Generating referrals by thanking customers for introductions.

  • Closing more sales with timely follow-ups.

The Power of Direct Mail Software

Manually sending hundreds of postcards or letters each month can be overwhelming. That’s where direct mail softwarecomes in. With automation tools, you can create campaigns that run almost on autopilot, saving time and ensuring consistency.

Here’s what modern direct mail software offers insurance agents:

  • Automated Campaigns – Set up birthday, anniversary, or renewal reminders once, and the system handles the rest.

  • Personalization – Easily add client names, policy details, or custom messages to make each piece feel personal.

  • Scalability – Whether you have 50 clients or 5,000, software can manage the workload.

  • Integration – Many platforms connect with your CRM, so client data flows seamlessly into your campaigns.

Practical Marketing Ideas Using Direct Mail

Here are some proven ways insurance agents can use direct mail software to grow their business:

  1. Policy Renewal Reminders – Send a friendly postcard 30 days before renewal.

  2. Client Appreciation Cards – Thank clients for their loyalty and remind them you’re always available.

  3. Birthday and Holiday Greetings – Simple touches that keep you memorable.

  4. Referral Requests – Reward clients who introduce you to friends and family.

  5. Educational Mailers – Share tips on saving money, preventing claims, or understanding coverage.

Why This Matters for Your Success

Insurance is a people business. Your clients want to feel valued, not just sold to. By combining old-school relationship marketing with new-school automation tools, you create a system that consistently nurtures connections and builds loyalty. Over time, this translates to more renewals, more referrals, and more revenue.

If you’re an insurance agent looking for fresh marketing ideas to grow your business success, consider adding direct mail software to your toolkit. It’s a proven way to stand out, stay connected, and supercharge your results.

TRY MAILBOX POWER https://MagicBrad.com/MBP

Be My (next) Featured Guest on YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn

Be My (Next) Featured Guest on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

Are you a Real Estate Agent, Magician, or Self-Employed Entrepreneur looking to boost your visibility and attract more clients? Imagine sharing your story, skills, and services across YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn—all in one powerful video interview.

I’m MagicBrad, and I host engaging conversations with movers, shakers, and creative minds from all walks of life. Whether you’re selling homes, performing illusions, or running your own business, my livestream interviews help you connect with a wider audience and build trust fast.

TRY MailBoxPower

Why Be a Featured Guest?

  • For Real Estate Agents – Position yourself as the go-to pro in your community. Share market tips, success stories, and your unique approach to serving clients.

  • For Magicians – Show off your personality, promote your shows, and reveal a glimpse behind the curtain to intrigue potential clients and event planners.

  • For Self-Employed Entrepreneurs – Tell your origin story, highlight your offers, and demonstrate your expertise in a casual, conversational format.

What You’ll Get:

  • Multi-platform exposure on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

  • A shareable video asset you can post anywhere.

  • An opportunity to network with my audience and fellow guests.

  • The MagicBrad touch—making sure the interview is relaxed, engaging, and memorable.

Real Estate Agents – Let’s Make You the Local Hero!

If you’re in real estate, this is your chance to stand out in your market. We’ll talk about your business, your community, and how you help people find their dream homes. It’s the perfect way to earn credibility and top-of-mind awareness.

? Claim your spotlight today: https://TheSynergyCafe.com

REAL ESTATE AGENTS…
TRY THIS SOFTWARE: MagicBrad.com/MBP

 

How to Be SUCCESSFUL as a Real Estate Agent [5 CRUCIAL tips]

How to Be SUCCESSFUL as a Real Estate Agent [5 CRUCIAL Tips]

The real estate industry can be exciting, fast-paced, and extremely rewarding—but it can also be incredibly competitive. Whether you’re just starting your career or trying to break through to the next level, knowing how to succeed as a real estate agent can make all the difference. The key is mastering both mindset and method. Below are 5 crucial tips that successful real estate professionals swear by.


1. Master Your Market

To succeed, you need to become the go-to expert in your local area. Study market trends, understand neighborhood dynamics, and know what types of properties are in demand. Clients want someone who knows more than they can Google.

ACTION STEP: Create a local market update email or social media post each week. Include home price trends, community events, and real estate tips to establish your credibility.


2. Build a Brand, Not Just a Business

Your personal brand is your reputation—and in real estate, reputation is everything. What do you want people to think when they hear your name? Professional? Reliable? Approachable? Find your unique style and stick to it.

ACTION STEP: Design a professional logo, use consistent colors and fonts, and create a branded website and social media presence. Tools like Canva and MailBoxPower can help you stand out.


3. Leverage Relationships, Not Just Leads

Real estate is a people business. Your future clients are likely already in your circle—or just one introduction away. Instead of chasing cold leads, nurture warm relationships.

ACTION STEP: Send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, or pop-by gifts. Automate your relationship marketing with tools like Mailbox Power to stay top of mind without feeling salesy.


4. Stay Consistent with Follow-Up

The fortune is in the follow-up. Most real estate deals don’t happen on the first conversation, yet many agents give up too soon. Have a system in place to stay in touch without being pushy.

ACTION STEP: Use a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system to track leads and set reminders for calls, texts, and check-ins. Schedule “Follow-Up Fridays” to catch up with prospects and past clients.


5. Keep Learning and Stay Adaptable

The real estate landscape is always evolving. Algorithms change. Interest rates fluctuate. Client expectations shift. The best agents are lifelong learners who adapt quickly.

ACTION STEP: Attend webinars, take online courses, and join local or national real estate masterminds. Learn from mentors and stay connected with others in the business.


BONUS: Automate What You Can

Don’t burn out doing everything manually. Success often comes from working smarter, not harder. Automate your marketing, communication, and scheduling as much as possible.

TIP: Consider using Mailbox Power for automated direct mail and client gifting, so you can focus on closing deals and building relationships.
? MagicBrad.com/MBP


Final Thoughts

Being a successful real estate agent isn’t about being the loudest voice or the biggest spender. It’s about being consistent, adding value, and staying connected. If you take action on these 5 crucial tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a sustainable and profitable real estate career.

Now go out there, make connections, and sell with confidence.

Helping Minneapolis Nonprofits to Raise Money to Support their Cause

Helping Minneapolis Nonprofits Raise Money to Support Their Cause

In the heart of the Twin Cities—Minneapolis and Saint Paul—nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in supporting community development, health, education, the arts, and social services. Many of these nonprofits operate on tight budgets, relying on volunteers, grants, and fundraising events to keep their missions alive. If you’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities looking for ways to increase your funding and amplify your impact, this post is for you.

The Challenge: Fundraising in a Crowded Space

With so many amazing causes competing for limited donor dollars, it’s more important than ever for nonprofits in Minneapolis and Saint Paul to get creative and strategic with their fundraising efforts. Traditional events like silent auctions, benefit concerts, and gala dinners still have value—but blending them with engaging entertainment, digital promotions, and community partnerships can dramatically improve your results.

The Solution: Partnering with Local Fundraising Experts

Many local organizations have found success by partnering with event marketing professionals who specialize in fun and memorable fundraising events in the Twin Cities. Whether you’re planning a small donor appreciation gathering or a city-wide community fundraiser, getting the right support.

Would you like to explore collaboration opportunities with me?

BRAD MagicBrad GUDIM