Making Of A DM

In this episode, I'm calling out something I see at every level of entrepreneurship: Everybody has ideas. Very few people actually execute them. You don't need the perfect website. You don't need the fancy office. You don't need another piece of software, a bigger warehouse, the perfect CRM, or some new AI tool. You need customers. You need revenue. And you need to get your ass out into the marketplace and sell something. I've spent the last few weeks reviewing applications from young entrepreneurs for our Next Gen Deal Maker competition, where I'm giving away $30,000 of my own money. One of the questions we ask is simple: "If you won $20,000, what would you do with it?" The answers taught me a lot. Bigger warehouses. New signs. More inventory. Better-looking offices. New equipment. But most of them were missing the thing that actually matters: How is this going to help you get more customers and make more money? In this episode, I'm breaking down why entrepreneurs overcomplicate business, confuse activity with productivity, and use what they DON'T have as an excuse for why they can't execute with what they already have. If you've got a million-dollar idea but you're still waiting for everything to be perfect before you start... This episode is for you. Show highlights include: The message I received from someone who went on to generate over $100 million in affiliate sales [02:22] Why having access to information means nothing if you don't implement it [04:46] What young entrepreneurs told me they'd do with an extra $20,000 [07:08] Why growing revenue should come before adding new products and expenses [09:05] The difference between being busy and actually being productive [13:40] Why spending money doesn't automatically mean you're building a business [14:37] Why being poor doesn't help the poor — and the importance of timing your generosity [17:01] How understanding WHO you're selling to can completely change your business [19:25] How I made millions without fancy software, social media, or even an iPhone [24:24] Why using what you don't have as an excuse is keeping you stuck [27:20] The real reason all your technology and tools still aren't making you money [28:55] Why complexity is killing your execution [29:00] The four things you need to get clear on before doing anything else [39:40] Why "I need this before I can do that" isn't a business problem — it's a YOU problem [40:48] I started building businesses before social media. Before CRMs. Before AI. Before online ads. I was living at my parents' house, using a landline, putting out bandit signs, handing out flyers, answering my own phone, and writing leads down with a pen and piece of paper. And guess what? I made money. Why? Because I wasn't sitting around waiting for the perfect system. I was talking to people. I was solving problems. I was making offers. I was executing. Today, entrepreneurs have more tools, technology, information, and opportunities than we've ever had before. Yet somehow, people have convinced themselves they need MORE before they can start. More money. More equipment. A better website. A nicer office. A bigger warehouse. Another course. Another software. Another plan. You don't. Know who you're selling to. Know what problem you're solving. Know what your value is. Then get in front of people and SELL. Everything else can come later. Your million-dollar idea isn't worth a million dollars because you thought of it. It's worth something when you execute against it. When customers pay you. When you solve real problems. When you create revenue. When you build something that actually works. Stop playing business and go be in business. Stop waiting until you're ready. You'll never feel completely ready. Stop waiting for someone to validate you. Stop waiting for someone to save you. Nobody is coming. Get in the game. Execute. And make today count. Welcome to The Making of a DM Podcast, where real estate, entrepreneurship, and deal making collide. Hosted by Mark Evans DM — the "DM" stands for Deal Maker — a 12X bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and family man, this podcast offers you a front-row seat to the strategies and mindset that help entrepreneurs scale their businesses for maximum profitability and freedom. Mark's journey began in the blue-collar world, running a gutter business before transitioning into real estate, where he flipped over 5000 deals. Now, as the owner of multiple successful businesses, Mark shares the lessons he's learned along the way to financial independence. Whether you're flipping properties, building business empires, or seeking ways to stop trading time for money, this podcast will show you how to level up your business and your life. Check out these resources: Who Is Mark Evans DM?: https://www.markevansdm.com/who-is-mark Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevansdm/ Grab Mark's book, Magician Vs. Mule: https://vip.markevansdm.com/book-offer Want to be part of the Deal Maker Alliance? www.dealMakerAlliance.com/app Free Masterclass: Get Mark's Business Buying Blueprint: https://vip.markevansdm.com/masterclass

In this episode, I'm talking about something none of us can buy more of: Time. Life has a way of punching you in the face with reality. One minute you're building businesses, chasing goals, raising your family, and handling a hundred things at once. The next minute, you get a phone call or text that reminds you just how quickly everything can change. Over the last few weeks, I've watched people close to me deal with losing parents, received news about my own uncle's health, and found myself thinking about a question we all eventually have to answer: When your time is up, are you going to be thinking about everything you did... or everything you wish you would have done? In this episode, I'm sharing why you have to stop waiting for the perfect time, stop sitting around talking about your problems, and start taking action on the things that actually matter. Because while you're waiting... The clock is running. Show highlights include: The difficult life events that reminded me how quickly everything can change [02:26] The question I ask myself when I think about my own deathbed [03:15] Why being afraid to fail or look stupid is wasting the time you have [04:54] What a group of 10–16-year-olds taught me about execution [05:45] Why I immediately planned a Cincinnati Reds trip after learning about my uncle's health [07:23] The difference between talking about a problem and actually solving it [08:20] Why "I'll do it next month" can become one of your biggest regrets [09:00] The daily habits that keep me moving when life gets difficult [11:52] Why one relationship or connection can completely change someone's trajectory [21:15] How getting into the right room can accelerate your growth [25:21] The question you need to ask yourself before you reach the end of your life [28:20] Why the secret isn't knowing more — it's showing up and executing [30:19] Life is always going to have good stuff happening and bad stuff happening at the same time. That's life. You can't control every problem that shows up. But you can control what you do next. When I found out one of my uncle's dreams was to go to a Cincinnati Reds game, I couldn't solve his health problems. But I could solve that. So instead of saying, "We'll do it sometime," I got the tickets. I got the hotel. I got 12 of us together. Because what if next month never comes? That's the lesson. Stop kicking the can down the road. Stop waiting until business slows down. Stop waiting until you have more money. Stop waiting until you're less scared. Stop waiting for the perfect time. Keep your feet moving. When you're stuck, keep your feet moving. When you're mad, keep your feet moving. When life knocks you down, keep your feet moving. And when things are going better than you ever imagined... Keep your feet moving. One day, that's going to be you and me lying there at the end. I don't want to be saying, "I should've." I want to know I laid it all on the table. I showed up. I took the risk. I got knocked down and got back up. I spent time with the people I loved. I gave. I grew. I built. And I made the damn time count. Because while you're waiting... The clock is running. Welcome to The Making of a DM Podcast, where real estate, entrepreneurship, and deal making collide. Hosted by Mark Evans DM — the "DM" stands for Deal Maker — a 12X bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and family man, this podcast offers you a front-row seat to the strategies and mindset that help entrepreneurs scale their businesses for maximum profitability and freedom. Mark's journey began in the blue-collar world, running a gutter business before transitioning into real estate, where he flipped over 5000 deals. Now, as the owner of multiple successful businesses, Mark shares the lessons he's learned along the way to financial independence. Whether you're flipping properties, building business empires, or seeking ways to stop trading time for money, this podcast will show you how to level up your business and your life. Check out these resources: Who Is Mark Evans DM?: https://www.markevansdm.com/who-is-mark Follow Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevansdm/ Grab Mark's book, Magician Vs. Mule: https://vip.markevansdm.com/book-offer Want to be part of the Deal Maker Alliance? www.dealMakerAlliance.com/app Free Masterclass: Get Mark's Business Buying Blueprint: https://vip.markevansdm.com/masterclass

In this episode, I'm giving you a real-life lesson on relationship capital — sparked by an email I received literally minutes before recording this show. Here's the truth: you can spend years building your reputation, your network, and relationships with the right people… and destroy opportunities in seconds because you let your emotions do the talking. I share the story of someone I met through the real estate and car world who responded emotionally after I reached back out to reconnect. Instead of keeping the door open, one email showed me everything I needed to know — and potentially closed the door on deals, introductions, money, and opportunities he doesn't even know exist. That's why this episode isn't really about one email. It's about how you act and react when you're building relationships. I break down what relationship capital actually means, why paying to get into the right rooms doesn't automatically earn you relationships, and why the biggest players I know tend to be some of the most humble people in the room. If you're building a business, growing your network, or trying to get access to bigger opportunities, this is your PSA: Don't let a temporary emotion create a permanent consequence. Show highlights include: Why relationship capital is about more than simply knowing people [04:45] The small daily actions I use to build stronger relationships [05:40] Why paying to enter the right room doesn't automatically earn you relationship capital [08:00] Why takers might win today — but almost always lose long term [08:40] How someone's reputation inside a community can quietly cost them opportunities [09:29] Why the biggest players are often the most humble people in the room [10:30] The emotional email that sparked this entire episode [14:17] How one reaction can shut the door on deals and opportunities you never knew existed [16:44] Why your texts and emails should never be written in the heat of emotion [23:47] The 24-hour rule I recommend before sending an emotional response [23:47] Why your time is your biggest asset — and who you invest it in matters [26:14] How investing in the right relationships can create opportunities for decades [28:21] I've spent my entire life building relationship capital. I've done it right. I've done it drastically wrong. I've been taken advantage of. And every time, I've gotten better at recognizing the people I want in my world. Because real relationship capital isn't about asking: "What can this person do for me?" It's about showing up. Being valuable. Making introductions. Celebrating people's wins. Being there during their losses. And being a genuinely good human being without calculating the immediate ROI. And if you're pissed off? Write the email. Put it in your drafts. Wait 24 hours. Then read it again. Because the message that feels good to send today could cost you millions in relationships, deals, introductions, and opportunities tomorrow. Your reputation travels faster than you do. Build it wisely. Welcome to The Making of a DM Podcast, where real estate, entrepreneurship, and deal making collide. Hosted by Mark Evans DM — the "DM" stands for Deal Maker — a 12X bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and family man, this podcast offers you a front-row seat to the strategies and mindset that help entrepreneurs scale their businesses for maximum profitability and freedom. Mark's journey began in the blue-collar world, running a gutter business before transitioning into real estate, where he flipped over 5,000 deals. Now, as the owner of multiple successful businesses, Mark shares the lessons he's learned along the way to financial independence. Whether you're flipping properties, building business empires, or seeking ways to stop trading time for money, this podcast will show you how to level up your business and your life. Check out these resources: Who Is Mark Evans DM?: Learn More Follow Mark on Instagram: @markevansdm Grab Mark's book, Magician Vs. Mule: Get Your Copy Want to be part of the Deal Maker Alliance? Join Now Free Masterclass: Get Mark's Business Buying Blueprint: Sign Up

In this episode, I'm challenging one of the biggest lies entrepreneurs have been sold: That success is measured by how hard you hustle. After spending a week in the Hamptons surrounded by highly successful entrepreneurs and multi-generational wealth, I noticed something that completely shifted my perspective. The people with the most freedom weren't trying to impress anyone. They weren't flashing expensive watches or driving exotic cars everywhere they went. They were investing in their health, spending time with their families, protecting their privacy, and living life on their own terms. That's when it hit me... The real flex isn't money. It's having options. In this episode, I share the biggest lessons I took away from that trip, why hustle eventually has an expiration date, and how to stop chasing things you think you want so you can start building the life you actually want. I also walk you through a simple exercise that will help you gain clarity on your priorities and start making decisions that align with your future instead of your distractions. If you've been grinding for years but still feel like something is missing, this episode is for you. Show highlights include: Why the wealthiest entrepreneurs are shifting from hustle culture to health culture [07:30] The surprising lesson I learned after spending a week in the Hamptons [04:44] Why the ultimate status symbol isn't luxury—it's optionality [16:13] How your health produces the highest ROI you'll ever receive [09:06] The hidden cost of distractions and shiny object syndrome [19:30] The simple framework I use to discover what I truly want out of life [21:28] Why defining your "perfect day" creates better business decisions [23:51] How understanding the season of life you're in changes everything [31:00] Why networking isn't enough—and why community is the real competitive advantage [37:15] The parenting moment that reminded me what real success actually looks like [44:31] I also explain why so many entrepreneurs keep chasing bigger businesses, bigger houses, and bigger paychecks... Only to discover they still don't have the life they actually wanted. Because the goal was never more stuff. The goal was always more freedom. More choices. More time with the people who matter most. You don't need another trophy. You don't need another watch. You don't need another title. What you really want is control over your life. To wake up without an alarm. To be at your kid's horseback riding lesson on a Tuesday afternoon. To take your family on a trip without asking permission. To say "no" because you want to—not because you have to. That's the game. Build a business that creates options. Build your health so you can enjoy them. Build a life that makes all the hard work worth it. Welcome to The Making of a DM Podcast, where real estate, entrepreneurship, and deal making collide. Hosted by Mark Evans DM — the "DM" stands for Deal Maker — a 12X bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and family man, this podcast offers you a front-row seat to the strategies and mindset that help entrepreneurs scale their businesses for maximum profitability and freedom. Mark's journey began in the blue-collar world, running a gutter business before transitioning into real estate, where he flipped over 5,000 deals. Now, as the owner of multiple successful businesses, Mark shares the lessons he's learned along the way to financial independence. Whether you're flipping properties, building business empires, or seeking ways to stop trading time for money, this podcast will show you how to level up your business and your life. Check out these resources: Who Is Mark Evans DM?: Learn More Follow Mark on Instagram: @markevansdm Grab Mark's book, Magician Vs. Mule: Get Your Copy Want to be part of the Deal Maker Alliance? Join Now Free "Perfect Life" Exercise: Download Here

In this episode, I'm sharing why being the black sheep in your family, your business, or your circle of friends might be the greatest advantage you'll ever have. After spending the Fourth of July with my family, I found myself reflecting on something I know so many entrepreneurs experience: feeling like you're living on a completely different planet than the people around you. It's not because you're better than them. It's because you want a different life. While so many conversations revolve around gossip, drama, and the past, I want to talk about the future. Business. Growth. Health. Investments. Family. Creating opportunities. Building something that outlives me. In this episode, I explain why protecting your mindset is one of the most important things you'll ever do, why taking advice from people who haven't built the life you want is dangerous, and why finding the right room can completely change the trajectory of your future. If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit in… this episode is for you. Show highlights include: Why feeling like the black sheep is actually a sign you're growing [04:42] The simple filter I use before taking advice from anyone [08:42] Why proximity is power—but can also be your biggest liability [12:16] How average conversations quietly create average lives [03:30] The real cost of surrounding yourself with people who don't share your vision [14:31] Why you need to protect your mindset from other people's limitations [14:31] The difference between family you're born into and the community you intentionally build [16:13] Why entrepreneurs need a room where they can be completely authentic [23:42] How the right relationships compound your growth faster than anything else [26:44] Why success isn't just about making more money—it's about becoming a better person [21:56] I also share why I created the Deal Maker Family and the Deal Maker Alliance in the first place. Not because people need another networking group. Because entrepreneurs need a place where talking about growth is normal. A place where asking for help isn't weakness. A place where people challenge you to think bigger, execute faster, and become the best version of yourself. You don't have to stop loving your family. But you do have to stop letting their limitations become your own. Find people who inspire you. Find people who challenge you. Find people who are building the kind of life you want to build. Because when you surround yourself with winners, success starts to feel normal. And if you've always felt like the black sheep... Don't apologize for it. That's your advantage. Welcome to The Making of a DM Podcast, where real estate, entrepreneurship, and deal making collide. Hosted by Mark Evans DM — the "DM" stands for Deal Maker — a 12X bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and family man, this podcast offers you a front-row seat to the strategies and mindset that help entrepreneurs scale their businesses for maximum profitability and freedom. Mark's journey began in the blue-collar world, running a gutter business before transitioning into real estate, where he flipped over 5,000 deals. Now, as the owner of multiple successful businesses, Mark shares the lessons he's learned along the way to financial independence. Whether you're flipping properties, building business empires, or seeking ways to stop trading time for money, this podcast will show you how to level up your business and your life. Check out these resources: Who Is Mark Evans DM?: Learn More Follow Mark on Instagram: @markevansdm Grab Mark's book, Magician Vs. Mule: Get Your Copy Want to be part of the Deal Maker Alliance? Join Now Free Masterclass: Get Mark's Business Buying Blueprint: Sign Up