August Drop

So here’s something new...

I cold emailed a business owner on a whim, and it turned into a potential off market deal.

No broker or public listing. Literally just dropped the team a few emails trying to find the owner and here we are.

Leading up to the first convo, I was having some serious competency doubts. But I crushed it.

For real. I surprised myself with how fluent I sounded on business acquisition strategy, deal structure, due diligence, valuation. All the good stuff.

Turns out, just doing the thing actually works.

Being sidelined by those who fail to see your potential is a great motivator to go do it.

Now the process itself? Way more than I expected.

But big fun. Could see myself doing more of this.

Even the boring stuff starts to be enjoyable when it's tied to something real you're working on.

What’s wild is that a year ago, this would’ve felt impossible.

But small steps compound. Every rep or pod/book/convo builds actual knowledge on the thing.

Similar to what I referenced back in June too: “The more you do the more you believe you can do”

So if you’ve been itching to buy a business, launch something, or do something bold…keep hitting the small things over and over.

There’s no better way to learn than to do. There’s no easier way to do than the small things.

You’ll surprise yourself when you jump in the arena.

My buddy Samson can help.

There’s also this fire tweet found by uncle Shaan:

Speaking of AI… (from last month)

My company sent us a survey something about:
“Do you use AI in your work?”

I had to laugh. What am I gonna say?

“Nah man, I manually upload my soul to the cloud every morning just for fun.”

Yes, of course I use AI. I wouldn’t dare tell you what I’m building with it though haha.

I literally answered “oh no amigo, I get the credit”.

Let’s just say the tools are getting sharper.

But like I said in July, most of them still feel like a cold spam sandwich with off brand mustard.

Know what’s valuable, and toss the rest.

TL;DR: Do the Thing

• Cold emailed a business → got the meeting → might have a deal

• Scary = good

• Action → Knowledge → Skill → Repeat

• Shaan, Hormozi, and even Steve Jobs agree: execution beats planning

• Yes I use AI. You probably do too.

Alright, I’m done yapping. Let’s get into the August events…

Sorry for not being on time.

August Events

Thu, Aug 7 — CYP: Networking with Purpose (Chamber of Commerce)

Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: 4922 O’Hear Ave., North Charleston
Why Go: Structured speed networking with 100+ professionals.

Register $20

Tue, Aug 12

AI-Driven Prototyping Workshop (ProductTank Charleston)

Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Charleston Tech Center
Why Go: Build a prototype then kick it on the rooftop with tech folks.

Register Here.

Operationalizing AI in the Enterprise (Charleston Tech Meetup)

Time: Immediately after
Same venue: Two tracks. Bounce between demos and bar convo with startup VCs.

Wed, Aug 13

CREW Charleston Luncheon

Time: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Segra Club at Riley Park
Why Go: CRE finance panel followed by VIP tour of the ballpark. Classy real estate play.

Link

Charleston Business & Brews – NIL & College Athletics

Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
Location: Uptown Social, King Street
Why Go: Anniversary edition, free entry, and 300+ RSVPs. When I drove by last months meet up it was so packed.

Link

Thu, Aug 14

Charleston Agentic Ai fro Amateurs - Using Manus AI for Small Biz

Time: 5:30–7:30+ PM
Location: CDC Learning Center- 4 Conroy St Ste A · Charleston, SC
Why Go: Learn a bit about agentic Ai and how you can apply it. Manus Ai is next level model that can operate multiple agents at once. Full disclosure, it is Chinese though.

Link

Thu, Aug 21

MPCC Luncheon w/ Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

Time: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM
Location: Omar Shrine Center
Why Go: Lt. Gov keynote on small biz policy. Packed house expected.

Check it out here. $35 before Aug 18th, $45 after

Tue, Aug 26 — Impact: Business of Healthcare (Chamber)

Time: 9:00–10:00 AM
Location: Palmetto Goodwill HQ
Why Go: Top hospital execs talk hiring, budgets, and innovation.

Link. $25 member, $50 non members

Wrap-Up

That’s a wrap for August. Thanks again for sticking with me through these drops.

Each one is just me piecong together different things.

If you like, pass it along to someone who needs to hear it.

If not… send it to your worst enemy

Bye,
— Josh
a.k.a. the mayor

P.S. if you want a good read “Expert Ownership” worth every minute. My Post about it. Amazon link.