Creators, founders, and me… do the reps, crunch the numbers, reap the rewards!
“Success isn’t about talent; it’s a numbers game.”
– Me
I know that sounds controversial, but hear me out.
To get good at anything, you must do it a lot – a real lot.
I’m thinking now of Michael Jordan, Taylor Swift, and others.
Do you think Jordan could slam dunk on the first try? Or, Taylor being able to sing so well after the first year?
Now, I want you to picture your favorite founder or creator. Eve Arnold? Tim Ferris? Alex H? We all love their work.
So what do they all have in common?
Every one of them practices relentlessly.
According to the 10,000-hour rule from Gladwell, it takes thousands of hours of practice to master a skill.
Apart from practice, getting seen online also takes repetition and numbers.
Whether it’s making sales calls, writing, or coding, repetition is key. The more you do something, the better you get at it as will the reception from others.
So, let’s see why the path to success in communications is all about playing the numbers game and how you can use this to your advantage.
Success online is all about playing the numbers game.
I’ve seen creators on X, like Boysie, who skyrocketed their engagement by interacting 300 times a day.
It wasn’t magic—it was consistency.
Then there’s the writer, Lea Bardot, who committed to publishing daily from the start.
And now, their audiences have grown exponentially, and their writing has improved incredibly.
Let’s not forget my buddy, a coder, who practically lived at their keyboard. Coding 24/7 for months. His relentless effort led to the creation of a groundbreaking app.
These examples show that online success isn’t about sporadic bursts of effort but about consistent, daily actions.
Reality is peeps, the more you do, the more you learn, and the more you earn.
And, that sounds to me the closer you get to your goals.
It’s all about the numbers.
When I learned about numbers.
It all began with my first ‘startup,’ back in 1994, when I started a media/PR company.
When I started, I had no clients, no staff, and was very thin on the experience. I had barely graduated and just resigned from an office job I hated.
For a month, I hit the streets, knocking on the doors of potential clients every single day. I’d leave my portfolio and business card and follow up with a call.
I can say it was exhausting and often discouraging, but I kept going.
Finally, after countless rejections and no responses (it was close to 80), I landed my first gig.
That first success wasn’t luck—it was the result of relentless effort and playing the numbers game.
By putting myself out there repeatedly, and getting sore feet, I increased my chances of success.
Moreover, I learned that persistence and volume are key to breaking through, especially when starting from scratch.
Believe me, the numbers game works if you’re willing to play it.
Listen to Michael Jordan’s thoughts on practice:
What are the common number game obstacles?
“It’s all in your head.”
– Anon
I know that might sound controversial, but it’s true, obstacles are rarely physical but mental.
One major obstacle for me at the start was the fear of failure. When I was afraid to fail, I never took the necessary risks to go forward.
Next is perfectionism—the idea that everything must be perfect before you start. You know the drill like your product must be ‘perfect’ before launch. The perfect mindset is a trap and will keep you stuck in planning mode forever.
Then there’s the issue of impatience. Success takes time, and if you expect instant results, you’ll give up too soon.
Lastly, if you don’t believe in your ability to succeed, you’ll sabotage your efforts before you even begin.
How can you overcome your mental barriers to success?
Ok, overcoming mindset roadblocks ain’t easy but it is crucial for playing the numbers game effectively, here’s how:
- Craft a story: My father used to say, “Dress the part,” and boy how right he was. Get your collateral and story ready! Prepare your story in a way that dresses you for success. Customers most of the time run away from naked bodies.
- Commit to learning: Invest time in expanding your knowledge. There will always be gaps in our knowledge, that’s a given. Whether it’s through online courses, books, or seminars, staying informed keeps you ahead of the curve and boosts your confidence.
- Build good habits: Establish daily success routines. Small, consistent actions, even 1% ones, add up over time and create momentum. Whether it’s writing every morning or reaching out to potential clients, habits build success.
- Find a mentor: In my first startup my mentor was a lady called Maude. What a godsend, she was already successful in my field and gave me valuable insights, feedback, and encouragement, helping me stay motivated and gunning for the prize.
Remember, mastering the numbers game isn’t just about hard work; it’s about working smart and staying resilient.
Wrapping up
“Luck has nothing to do with success.”
– Me
Luck is just persistence and strategy.
I was lucky to learn that actions, taken consistently, lead to growth.
Don’t get discouraged by setbacks; each one is a step toward your goal. The goal of a solid communications game.
Embrace the journey, and remember, it’s not about where you start, but how persistently you play the game.
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