Relatability Beats Excellence

Shaan and Sam discuss how their relatability and "achievable" persona has become a key asset in their content creation, particularly in fitness and business advice. They believe being perceived as attainable rather than exceptional creates stronger audience connection.

Key Points:

  • The "Guy Next Door" Appeal:

    • Not trying to be unattainably perfect
    • Presenting achievable fitness goals (like "4 nice abs" vs "19 abs")
    • Being relatable rather than intimidating
  • Content Creation Philosophy:

    • Make things seem achievable but acknowledge work is required
    • Don't position themselves as experts or significantly more successful
    • Limited research and preparation adds to authenticity
  • Why Their Approach Works:

    • Audience frequently comments "you make everything seem achievable"
    • Creates stronger connection with listeners
    • People can envision themselves achieving similar results
  • Their Self-Assessment:

    • "We're not that smart"
    • "We're not that successful"
    • "We don't do that much research"
    • These admissions actually strengthen their appeal
  • Business Impact:

    • Relatability leads to engagement
    • Creates opportunities (free products, partnerships)
    • Builds loyal following who trust their advice

The core message is that being perceived as slightly ahead but still within reach is more valuable than positioning yourself as an unreachable expert or ideal.

SP

Sam Parr

Host of MFM and fitness influencer

Sam Parr is a serial entrepreneur and business media pioneer.

In 2016, he founded The Hustle, a business news media company that started in his kitchen with just $12 and grew to eight figures in revenue.

Sam led the charge in making newsletters popular when few believed in their potential.

After four successful years, he sold The Hustle to HubSpot, a publicly traded company. Now operating as HubSpot Media, The Hustle reaches 3 million readers daily, employs a team of nearly 100, and has been the launchpad for dozens of its staff to found their own media companies and newsletters.

Sam remains the host of the popular business podcast, My First Million, and continues to start and sell companies. He also co-founded Hampton, a highly vetted community for entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs, and teaches people to write better through his platform, Copy That.

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Fitness Influencer