Cuore del Léone Academy

Once, someone inquired, "Roger, with $25,000 as a real estate investor, what's your move?" I grinned, replying, "I'd steer clear of buying property." Confused, they retorted, "Why not? That's my plan!" I countered, "Not wise." They urged me to share my strategy. Agreeing, I began, "I'd opt for two paths: Firstly, I'd turn into a hard money lender, loaning to investors against property collateral. Given the risk, I'd charge top rates. If they falter, I claim the property. Alternatively, I'd establish a private fund, pool capital, and acquire an apartment complex, surpassing simple flips." Impressed, they exclaimed, "Wow, that's ingenious!" I smiled, encouragingly nudging them, "So, what's holding you back? You've got some fuel to go on, so go get it!!"

Critics might concur, but the rationale is this: work smarter, not harder. Leverage is key. To elaborate, if you lend your capital at 15%-18% interest as transactional funding, you could recoup that return in as little as 30 minutes. In contrast, it could take an average of 6-12 months (depending on the market and downtimes) to achieve a comparable return as a house flipper (that is, if you can ever get close to those margins). I wouldn't even recommend becoming a wholesaler. Instead, become the bank. Use your own personal capital to start (or a small collective among friends), and as you gain momentum, then leverage by pooling or syndicating your funds if you prefer that route. While you're waiting to lend, place that capital into interest-bearing accounts so that your capital is always growing, even at a mere 1-2%. This way it is never stagnate.

"In the modern world, the pursuit of status has become a powerful force. The means by which status is signaled vary, but there is a common theme: SUBTLETY AND RESTRAINT are often valued over ostentation." — David Riesman

I recently had a confidential discussion with a couple of high rollers about my business plans. They were astounded. They looked at me and exclaimed, "How on earth did you come up with that? You realize you're going to revolutionize the luxury industry, right?" I smiled and affirmed, "That's the intention." Then I inquired, "Are you gentlemen interested?" They leaned forward and asked, "What's the cost to get involved?" I replied, "Your faith, your belief, and your dedication." They froze for a moment. I swore I heard a pin drop. Here's the unvarnished truth...

People will praise you. They'll proclaim you're the smartest businessperson they've ever encountered. They'll predict you'll be the next multimillionaire or billionaire. I've experienced this firsthand. But when it's time for commitment, for writing the check... they hesitate, sweat, and stutter, conjuring up reasons why they can't proceed. Actions speak louder than words.

As entrepreneurs, we must persist and remember that for every nine rejections, there's one approval.

Billionaire Secret:

I recently had the chance to converse with a billionaire tech CEO, and she imparted a crucial insight. She told me, "Roger, there's one thing we do that's vital to our success: the constant and perpetual act of reinvention. We're always evolving."

This principle holds true regardless of your industry; change is inevitable. If you resist adaptation, preferring the comfort of the familiar, your business will falter. You must continually reinvent yourself, your business, and your life. This isn't about being inauthentic or indecisive; it's about navigating the currents of change.

Successful individuals understand that riding the wave makes the journey smoother and progress swifter. Don't fight the current; emulate the billionaires. Reinvent yourself, align with the times, trends, and market demands. If that means shifting to a different market, then embrace the change. It's all about the journey, not the shoes you are wearing.

Be Blessed! Until next time...
'
In Your Corner,
Roger Vierra Jr.

Believing in oneself is essential; it's the key to inspiring belief in others. Faith acts as a magnet, drawing in those who recognize your worth.

Your crowd will determine your success speed. Highly successful-minded people will find it incredibly difficult to succeed because the people they spend time together with do not dream as big as they, therefore, they cannot comprehend that the dreams or visions they have are possible.

They will tell you to dream on or tell you that those types of thoughts and plans are for wealthy people — but not for you. In other words, "You don't qualify... to them, that is." This poisonous thinking is what kills innovators and dreamers. Your greatest influence is NOT the books you read or how many YouTube videos you watch. It is who you spend most of your time around.

It requires discipline, sacrifice, an excessive amount of time and the support from those around you. If the people around you say that it is impossible, or laugh and scoff at you? Walk away from them. They are TOXIC to you. But if they say, "Whoa... that's big. But I will tell you one thing that I can say with the utmost confidence; if anyone can do it, YOU CAN. You're crazy enough to pull it off!" Then you know that you have the right support system behind you.

— Roger Vierra Jr.

. Walk away.

Business Distractions: The Hidden Thief of Success

One of the greatest challenges for new businesses, especially in the e-commerce sector, is the barrage of distractions that can derail your focus and hinder your progress. It's imperative to recognize and address these interruptions immediately, ensuring your communication channels are used effectively and efficiently.

When starting a business, the obstacles are numerous, and distractions only add to the complexity. Recently, I've encountered a flood of inquiries from fellow e-commerce store owners via messenger, text, and email, often with questions irrelevant to their needs. Queries like "Do you offer global shipping?" or "What are your discount rates?" from individuals who reside within the United States, are prime examples of time-wasting distractions. These questions, while seemingly innocent, can siphon valuable time and energy from your core business activities.

Moreover, some competitors disguise themselves as collaborators, seeking to extract information under the guise of mutual benefit. For instance, a recent request I received to "collaborate and share ideas" is akin to Jeff Bezos sitting down with the Walton family to share business secrets. It’s not practical, nor is it beneficial to engage in such exchanges. These interactions are often a form of phishing, aimed at uncovering your business strategies without genuine intent to collaborate.

In business, it’s crucial to maintain a lion-hearted approach, safeguarding your time and resources from these distractions. Be discerning about who you engage with and protect your entrepreneurial vision with vigilance. As I often tell my mentees, understanding the true nature of your business environment is essential. In the same way that spiritual distractions can divert you from your purpose, business distractions can rob you of your birthright and potential success.

Remember, if you are called to be an entrepreneur, your business is an extension of your purpose and a means to bless others. Guard it diligently. Stay focused. Stay strong. Be the Cuore del Leone.

To Your Success,
Roger Vierra Jr.

MY PROMISE TO YOU:

Building luxury brands is an intricate and demanding endeavor. As we've discussed many times, it's far from easy. There are moments of discouragement and doubt, but I find solace in taking a step back, reflecting, and recharging before diving back in with renewed vigor. Yet, despite the challenges, I cannot simply walk away from this path. There’s a compelling sense that this is a task entrusted to me by God, a mission I must fulfill.

Why luxury? I can't entirely say. But I believe that when God calls you to something, it's often aligned with your deepest passions. He knows that when your heart is truly in it, you'll give it everything you've got and strive to be the best. It might seem a bit unconventional to some, but that’s my belief.

We will move forward, one step at a time. I understand that we might not have access to the most premium materials right now due to their cost or scarcity. However, we will start with the best we can obtain and, as we grow and gain traction, we will build something phenomenal. Our aim is to create a legacy that endures for decades, even centuries.

Consider the legacy of certain watch brands that began in the 1700s and are still revered in 2024. If they could achieve such timeless success, why can't we? I believe we can.

Let’s remain steadfast in our pursuit, knowing that the dream we are building is worth every effort. Together, we will create brands that stand the test of time.

To your success,
Roger Vierra Jr.

Building interest in our businesses or brands cannot be forced; it must be earned. While we'd love for the world to naturally gravitate towards our ventures, the reality is different. Our strategy, therefore, must focus on identifying small areas of interest and amplifying them within our business framework.

Attempting to cater to everyone is an arduous and impractical task. Instead, consider creating focused subdivisions within your business, each dedicated to specific sectors or segments. These segments should be managed by the strongest teams and supported by robust systems to maximize their potential. This approach, which I term "segmented significance," ensures that each part works synergistically to complete the overall business structure.

For instance, if you own a real estate company, marketing and advertising are essential. But let's delve deeper. The concept of "grit" extends beyond merely getting involved; it's about addressing the finer details and underlying challenges. Grit involves tackling the hidden, often neglected aspects of your business, much like cleaning the hard-to-reach grime in your kitchen tiles. By focusing on the micronomics of your business, you can build a lasting empire.

Breaking down your business into its most intricate components allows you to assign processes, implement systems, and identify the right people for each role. This meticulous approach not only fulfills your team members but also drives business prosperity. Cutting corners undermines your business's integrity and potential. Many entrepreneurs fail because they overlook the importance of understanding their business at the granular level. By mastering these details, you can swiftly address issues and prevent significant losses to both your business and your investors.

Wishing you success and prosperity in all your endeavors.

To Your Success,
Roger Vierra Jr.
Fellow Entrepreneur

Success requires time. It includes a natural process of elimination: if you can't withstand the challenges, you will be removed. The toughest moments come when you lose friends, loved ones, and sometimes your sanity. It involves a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. The expression "blood, sweat, and tears" originates from the Rocky movie series. This series deeply impacted millions, urging us to question ourselves: "Are we ready to persevere?" By accepting the challenge, we acknowledge the upfront rules. Life offers no quick fixes. Those who seem to have had a "lucky break" likely haven't revealed all they endured. Keep pushing forward. Let them mock you. Remember, this is your journey... not theirs. Seize the moment!

Reach for the sky. Even if your shoestrings are untied. You don't plan to run anyway, right?
True entrepreneurs don't run.