The 7-11-4 Hack: How to Get Into People’s Heads

One of the most fascinating insights Daniel Priestley shares is the 7-11-4 Hack. This concept is rooted in the idea that people have a limited number of “slots” in their brains for remembering others. To stand out, you need to occupy one of those slots.

Here’s how it works:

• 7 Hours: People need to spend approximately 7 hours engaging with your content or brand.
• 11 Interactions: They need to interact with you or your brand 11 times.
• 4 Platforms: These interactions should occur across at least 4 different platforms (e.g., YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, podcasts).

Why does this matter?
When someone spends 7 hours, 11 interactions, and engages with you across 4 platforms, they form a parasocial relationship with you. This is the same kind of relationship people feel with celebrities or influencers—they feel like they know you, even if they’ve never met you.

Practical Tip: If you’re just starting out, focus on creating content across multiple platforms. For example, post on LinkedIn, share videos on YouTube, and engage with your audience on Instagram. The goal is to create enough touchpoints so that people remember you.

The New Rules of Success in the Digital Age

The world has shifted from the industrial age to the digital age, and the rules of success have changed dramatically. In the industrial age, success was about gaining skills, finding a job, and working for an employer. But in the digital age, success is about building a personal brand and attaching it to a scalable business model.

Key Takeaway: The digital age rewards those who can create unique intellectual property and position it next to a scalable, elegant business model.

The Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship

If you’re just starting out, Daniel recommends an entrepreneurial apprenticeship. This is where you work in a small team (less than 12 people) and have direct contact with an entrepreneur who has a personal brand.

Why this works:

• You learn the new rules of building a personal brand and scaling a business.
• You gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
• You avoid the common mistake of jumping into entrepreneurship too early without the necessary skills.

Practical Example: Daniel himself worked as a “number two” for an entrepreneur for two years. During that time, the business grew from zero to six million dollars in revenue and from zero to 60 employees. This experience gave him the foundation he needed to build his own successful businesses.

The Power of Personal Branding

In the digital age, your personal brand is your most valuable asset. It’s the key to attracting capital, talent, and customers. But building a personal brand isn’t about becoming an influencer with millions of followers. It’s about becoming a key person of influence in your niche.

Key Takeaway: You don’t need millions of followers to be successful. If you have 5,000 to 50,000 highly engaged followers in a high-value niche, that’s enough to make seven figures.

The 5 P’s of Personal Branding

Daniel outlines the 5 P’s that every entrepreneur should focus on to build a strong personal brand:

1. Pitch: Learn to pitch your ideas effectively. Whether it’s in person, on video, or on a podcast, your ability to communicate your value is crucial.
2. Publish: Create content across multiple platforms. This could be videos, podcasts, books, or social media posts.
3. Productize: Turn your skills and knowledge into scalable products or services. This could be an online course, a book, or a software tool.
4. Profile: Build your profile by winning awards, speaking at events, and getting media coverage.
5. Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships to scale your business. This could be a capital partner, a distribution partner, or a product partner.

Practical Tip: Start by publishing content regularly. Even if you don’t have a huge following, consistency is key. Over time, your content will compound, and you’ll build a loyal audience.

The Entrepreneur Sweet Spot: Passion, Problem, Payment

One of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face is figuring out what to focus on. Daniel introduces the concept of the Entrepreneur Sweet Spot, which is the intersection of three key elements:

1. Passion: What are you passionate about?
2. Problem: What problem are you solving for others?
3. Payment: Are people willing to pay for your solution?

Key Takeaway: The sweet spot is where your passion, the problem you solve, and the payment you receive align. If you’re missing any of these elements, you’ll feel unfulfilled or struggle to make money.

Practical Example: If you’re passionate about fitness, solving the problem of helping people lose weight, and people are willing to pay for your solution (e.g., an online fitness program), then you’ve found your sweet spot.

The Importance of Environment

Your environment plays a crucial role in your success. As Daniel puts it, “Environment dictates performance.” If you’re surrounded by people who are scaling businesses and building personal brands, it will feel effortless. But if you’re in an environment where no one is doing these things, it will feel impossible.

Practical Tips for Changing Your Environment:

• Go High: Find the highest place in your city and spend time there. Being physically high can give you a new perspective on your problems.
• Meet Ahead: Connect with people who are a few steps ahead of you. Meet them in a five-star hotel or a high-end coffee shop to elevate your mindset.
• Join a Community: Enroll in a course or join an entrepreneur accelerator where everyone is learning the same things you are.

Key Takeaway: If you want to succeed, surround yourself with people who are already doing what you want to do.

The Future of AI and Entrepreneurship

We’re living in the early stages of the AI revolution, and the opportunities are endless. Daniel compares AI to electricity in the 1830s—we’ve just started generating it, but we haven’t yet built all the applications that will run on it.

Key Takeaway: Every industry will be impacted by AI, and there will be countless opportunities to create new businesses and products.

Practical Example: Daniel’s team created an AI bot that reads and understands 250 video case studies. When a salesperson talks to a customer, the bot suggests the most relevant case study based on the customer’s needs. This has made the sales team incredibly effective.

Final Thoughts: The Mountain of Value

One of the most powerful lessons Daniel shares is the idea that you’re already standing on a mountain of value. Many people feel stuck because they’re too focused on the “mountain on the horizon” (e.g., someone else’s success) and fail to see the value they already have.

Key Takeaway: Your story, your background, and your relatability are all part of your mountain of value. Start where you are, and focus on creating content, building relationships, and solving problems.

Conclusion

The digital age has created unprecedented opportunities for those who are willing to adapt and embrace the new rules of success. By following the 7-11-4 Hack, building a personal brand, and focusing on your Entrepreneur Sweet Spot, you can thrive in this new era.

Remember, success isn’t about having millions of followers or being the next Elon Musk. It’s about creating value, building relationships, and positioning yourself as a key person of influence in your niche.

So, what are you waiting for? Start building your personal brand today, and take the first step toward creating a scalable, impactful business.

Call to Action: If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, share your story in the comments below. Let’s build a community of like-minded individuals who are ready to thrive in the digital age. And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to share it with someone who needs to hear it!