Building Confidence Through Action

This week I had an incredible conversation with Bart Merrell—the "Side Hustle Samurai"—who's never worked a traditional corporate job and has built multiple income streams by simply asking one question:

“How can I monetize this?”

Bart’s story isn’t another “quit your job and chase freedom” narrative. It’s about what I teach in The Connector Method™:

• Action creates evidence

• Evidence builds confidence

• Confidence accelerates results

Listen Below

The Power of Strategic Pivots

When Bart’s dream of joining the FBI closed overnight (eye surgery disqualified him), he didn’t spiral into analysis paralysis. He took the next opportunity—helping run bungee towers in Japan.

That pivot created evidence. Evidence that he could adapt, thrive, and build a 27-year international business worth $300K+ at its peak.

This isn’t luck. It’s exactly how The Connector Method™ works:

• Action revealed truth (he belonged in business, not law enforcement)

• Authenticity removed friction (his work ethic and character created lasting partnerships)

• Evidence built confidence (each success made the next leap easier)

What You Might Be Overlooking

Bart told me his family’s “acres of pig poop” story—literal millions sitting under their noses in composted manure they never capitalized on.

It’s the perfect metaphor: most professionals overlook their own “acres of diamonds.”

• The tools you already use.

• The systems you’ve already built.

• The problems you’ve already solved.

Your expertise isn’t waiting to be discovered. It’s waiting to be connected.

Evidence-Based Confidence in Real Time

Even after losing his leg last year, Bart asked the same question: How can I monetize this? Within six months, he was consulting new amputees, turning his experience into guidance.

That’s the heart of evidence-based confidence. When life happens, the story you document becomes your leverage.

Your Action Step This Week

Audit your own “acres of diamonds”:

1. What tools or systems do you use that others constantly ask you about?

2. What problem have you solved (personally or professionally) that others are still struggling with?

3. What would you teach if you knew people would actually listen?

Then ask: How can I monetize this?

Not because money is the goal—because monetization forces clarity. It crystallizes your value proposition and turns your expertise into a system others can follow.

Speaking of Systems...

If you’re ready to stop overlooking what’s already in front of you, here are two ways I can help:

• The Connector Method™ Mini-Course is coming. Learn the step-by-step system to turn what you already know into monetizable assets. Join the early access list.

• Strategic Clarity Sessions are booking into September. If you need a roadmap that works with your life (not against it), let’s talk.

Next week, I’ll be unpacking the difference between authenticity and performance in business—and why only one builds sustainable income.

Until then, start your evidence library. Take one action this week that proves you already deserve your next level.

—Makeda

P.S. Listen to my full conversation with Bart on the Seed & Society Podcast. Also check out His 25 side hustle ideas for 2025 if you need inspiration.

📧 Hit reply and tell me: What’s one thing you’re already doing that you could monetize?

The content shared by Seed & Society™ is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter, blog, or website constitutes financial, investment, or legal advice. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. Always do your own research and consult professionals before making financial decisions.