Big Idea to Bestseller, Episode #121

Big Idea to Bestseller with Jake Kelfer

Jake Kelfer is the founder of “Big Idea to Bestseller.” He is a lifestyle entrepreneur, life elevator, and coach to ambitious entrepreneurs and freedom seekers helping them write and launch bestselling books to grow their businesses, boost their credibility, and create a massive impact.

He is a 3x bestselling author, a high-energy motivational speaker, investor, and the founder of the Professional Basketball Combine which has helped 70+ NBA draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro basketball into their reality. He and his work have been featured in Forbes, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and many other major media outlets.

Listen in for some great takeaways from Jake’s journey as an entrepreneur and how he’s helping others fulfill their dream of becoming an author.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in…

  • [2:14] Learn more about Jake Kelfer and his businesses
  • [7:04] Why you get to decide what success looks like
  • [10:00] How Jake landed his job with the Lakers from a networking call
  • [15:56] How Jake’s job made him realize he was good with people
  • [19:53] Why Jake decided to add public speaking to his repertoire
  • [22:25] Jake explains the role of an NBA Draft Coach
  • [25:25] The idea behind Jake’s company, “Big Idea To Bestseller”
  • [29:40] Using the “ACE” process to find joy in the process
  • [32:18] Why Jake believes it’s important to elevate others
  • [35:22] Life is about the ability to choose what you want
  • [37:50] What Jake did today that brought him joy

Learn more about Jake Kelfer and his businesses

As a 5’8” Jewish kid, Jake jokes that he learned early on that he wouldn’t fulfill his dream of becoming a professional basketball player. So he got a degree in Sports Management from USC to help other players make their dream of playing professional basketball a reality.

He took everything he’d learned and got a job with the LA Lakers. He worked with Kobe during his final NBA season. Kobe made an unbelievable impact on the world and Jake knew he wanted to make an impact, too. He thought he’d have to make a lot of money first.

But when you have a message and a calling, you need to go for it. So Jake wrote his first book at 23. He became an Amazon Best Seller. He started traveling the world as a motivational speaker. Then he wrote a second book, which also became a best-seller.

He launched the Professional Basketball Combine which helped 70+ NBA draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro basketball into their reality. Then he wrote his third best-seller. His mission has always been the same: To help people turn their dreams into a reality and become the hero of their own story.

How Jake landed his job with the Lakers from a networking call

While in college, Jake was involved in the Sports Business Association and started inviting key people from the Lakers and Clippers to come and speak to their members. But he also needed to find a job. He made a list of every sports team he’d be interested in working with. He sorted each team by interest and location. The Lakers were at the top of the list.

He reached out to the “Corporate Partnerships” division at the Lakers and connected with a woman who was also a USC grad. On a call with her, she said they were opening up assistant positions for the next season. She thought he’d be a good fit and offered to interview him.

He asked her what he could do to improve his odds of getting the job—and then did those things. He was offered the job with the Lakers and became a first-year assistant. Jake emphasizes that everything you want is one person away. Everything you desire might simply be a conversation away.

If you don’t have conversations, you will not have conversions. Conversions can lead to new customers, new friendships, and new deals. The more conversations you have, the more opportunities you will have throughout your life.

How do you network the right way to build connections? Listen to hear Jake’s thoughts!

The idea behind Jake’s company, “Big Idea To Bestseller”

Jake hit Amazon’s Best-Seller list three times before he turned 28. He leveraged his books into networking opportunities, media appearances, and more. Everyone wanted to learn what his technique was. “Big Idea to Bestseller” came from his desire to help people who’ve always dreamt of writing a book.

Jake’s main focus is geared toward helping them write and publish a book in 4–6 months. It takes time, energy, and effort. There’s a reason many people haven’t written a book. After they launch the book, they have a program to help them get PR.

But one of Jake’s favorite strategies is to have clients write their book, buy copies, and give them to prospects, podcast hosts, and people they want to connect with. Why? When you give someone a book, even if it just sits on their desk, it’s working for you. How? They’re constantly seeing your name. The next time they need a speaker on your topic, you will be top of mind.

Why Jake believes it’s important to elevate others

Jake notes that a big reason why we slow down, don’t start, and stay where we are is because we compare ourselves to others. Comparison stops us from taking action. It holds us back from pursuing our dreams. Most people are comparing themselves to someone else’s chapter eight when they’re on chapter one. By doing that, they put themselves at a disadvantage. It leads to spiraling thoughts of “I’m not good enough.”

When you stop comparing yourself to others and focus on what you desire, that’s when you move forward. When you start playing your game, it’s fun. It’s simple yet revolutionary.

What is your definition of success? For some people, it’s making enough money to quit their jobs at 35, live in a van, and travel the world. Others want a family, children, and a roof over their heads. Others want to become billion-dollar CEOs and change the world. There is no wrong way to create joy in your life. But you must take action, make connections, and enjoy yourself during the pursuit of success.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Jake Kelfer

Bio

Jake Kelfer is a lifestyle entrepreneur, life elevator, and coach to ambitious entrepreneurs and freedom seekers helping people write and launch bestselling books. He is a 3x bestselling author, a high-energy motivational speaker, investor, and the founder of the Professional Basketball Combine which has helped 70+ NBA draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro basketball into their reality. He and his work have been featured on Forbes, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and many other major media outlets.

Connect With Mitlin Financial

Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset Show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest’s content linked on this site.

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