Jay Yang: You Can Just Do Things

What if success isn’t just about working hard, but about creating your own opportunities?

Today we’re here with teen phenom and author of the new book, You Can Just Do Things, Jay Yang. I met Jay last year through our friend and past guest of the show, Noah Kagan.

At 17, Jay sent Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, a 19-page pitch deck breaking down gaps in his social media and email marketing—and how to fix them. That landed him a role as Head of Content, where he led social media campaigns, including the one that made Million Dollar Weekend a New York Times bestseller.

In the following months, Jay went ahead and wrote and published and launched a book himself. I love the gumption on this kid. Building six-figure brands before he could legally drink, Jay is all about taking action, and what he has to say is worth a close listen. Your procrastination and excuses don’t stand a chance. 

On this episode with the prodigal young entrepreneur Jay Yang, you’ll discover:

• How to balance deep work with constant demands of influencer culture
• Why mastering the art of cold outreach can be a superpower, especially for introverts
• What skill stacks will be most relevant in an increasingly unpredictable future
• Why talent doesn’t matter if you don’t have the courage to fight for the opportunity to share it with the world
• And much more…

In this episode of The Abel James Show, we sit down with Jay Yang, a teenage prodigy and author of "You Can Just Do Things." Jay shares his journey from a high school student reaching out to Noah Kagan to help with marketing, to becoming an integral part of the launch of "Million Dollar Weekend," a New York Times bestseller. Jay's story is one of taking initiative, mastering the art of cold outreach, and understanding the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. We delve into his experiences with entrepreneurship, his decision to write and self-publish his own book, and his insights on the skills needed for future success.

Jay also discusses the importance of balancing deep work with the demands of influencer culture, and how empathy and intentionality play crucial roles in successful marketing and entrepreneurship. He shares his thoughts on education, the value of college experiences, and how he navigated the decision to drop out after a year. Throughout the conversation, Jay emphasizes the significance of relentless learning, the courage to pursue one's unique path, and the power of building meaningful relationships. Join us as we explore these themes and more with the inspiring Jay Yang.

I also want give a quick thank you to all of you who have reached out with well-wishes.

(In case you missed the last episode, early this summer I was seriously injured in an a high-speed hit-and-run. I’m still recovering from a gnarly concussion, herniated discs, and ligament damage. The other driver fled, but I’m grateful to have a team of Docs and Pros helping me recover. I’m making good progress with physical and balance therapy and I’ll keep you all updated.)

This episode is brought to you by:
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