I recently watched a fascinating video by marketing strategist Adam Erhart where he shared how he built a 7-figure online business using five simple rules that most businesses ignore. What struck me wasn’t just the simplicity of his approach, but how it aligns with what I’ve seen work time and again in my decades of building online businesses.
The core of Adam’s message resonates deeply with me: simplicity scales, complexity fails. This is something I’ve preached for years, yet so many entrepreneurs still overcomplicate their path to success.
The Rule of One: Focus Creates Freedom
The first rule Adam shared was the “Rule of One” – focusing on one person, one problem, one path, and one platform. This approach transformed his business, and I’ve seen it work countless times with my clients too.
When you try to help everyone, you end up helping no one effectively. I made this mistake early in my career, spreading myself too thin across multiple platforms and audience segments. The breakthrough came when I narrowed my focus.
The most powerful insight Adam shared was that your ideal client is often a past version of yourself. This creates an authentic connection because you truly understand their challenges. For example, if you escaped the 9-to-5 grind to build an online business, your ideal clients are likely those still stuck in that same situation.
Embracing Discomfort as Data
What really hit home for me was Adam’s perspective on discomfort. He framed it not as something to avoid, but as valuable data pointing to areas needing attention in your business.
I’ve coached countless entrepreneurs who get stuck in endless planning and learning cycles because they’re avoiding the discomfort of taking action. But as Adam wisely noted, growth doesn’t start with certainty—it starts with discomfort.
The progression he shared from Dan Sullivan makes perfect sense:
- Start with commitment (making a decision)
- Find courage (acting despite fear)
- Develop capability (through consistent action)
- Build confidence (as a result of proven capability)
This framework has been instrumental in my own business growth. Too many entrepreneurs wait for confidence before taking action, when confidence actually comes after you’ve done the work.
Your Marketing is a Mirror
Another profound insight was that marketing reflects how you see yourself and your business. If you’re uncertain about your value, your marketing will communicate that uncertainty to potential clients.
I’ve seen this play out repeatedly with businesses I’ve consulted for. Their marketing problems weren’t technical issues with funnels or copy—they were mindset problems. When business owners truly believe in the value they provide, their marketing transforms.
This isn’t about false confidence or hype. It’s about genuine conviction in the value of what you offer. As Adam put it, if your product or service can improve someone’s life, you don’t just have an opportunity to help—you have an obligation.
The Power of Subtraction
The fourth rule focused on delegation and automation—something I’ve championed for years. Adam shared a brilliant formula for determining what tasks deserve your attention:
Every task you do needs to earn you at least four times your hourly rate. Otherwise, delegate it, automate it, or delete it.
This “buyback rate” concept has helped me reclaim countless hours for high-value activities. For someone earning $100,000 annually, any task that can be outsourced for less than $12.50 per hour should be delegated immediately.
Growth often comes not from doing more, but from doing less of the wrong things. This has been true in my business and for countless entrepreneurs I’ve mentored.
Building Assets, Not Just Content
The final rule Adam shared was about building owned assets rather than just creating content. This distinction is crucial in today’s digital landscape where algorithm changes can destroy visibility overnight.
I’ve always emphasized the importance of building email lists and customer databases—channels you control. While social media platforms come and go, your owned audience remains a stable asset that can generate predictable revenue.
Every piece of content should do more than just perform; it should pull people closer to your owned channels. This creates long-term momentum and business stability.
Adam’s five rules aren’t revolutionary, but they’re remarkably effective because they focus on fundamentals that stand the test of time. In a world of marketing complexity, sometimes the simplest approach is the most powerful.
If you’re struggling to grow your business, I’d recommend starting with these five rules. Focus on one ideal client, lean into discomfort, align your marketing with your true beliefs, delegate low-value tasks, and build assets you own. These fundamentals have built countless successful businesses—including mine.
