Joe Polish: 10:15
Man, I’ve had my share of tough times. I mean, I started out as a broke carpet cleaner struggling to make ends meet. There were days I couldn’t even pay my bills and I felt like a total failure. But here’s the thing those struggles taught me resilience. They forced me to get creative, to hustle, and to figure out how to market myself.
And let me tell you, marketing saved my life. It wasn’t just about making money. It was about learning how to connect with people, solve problems, and create value. That’s where the magic happens. What’s been one of your biggest challenges?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 10:46
Joe, talk about genius recovery. What was the inspiration behind Genius Recovery and how it works?
Joe Polish: 10:53
Genius Recovery was born out of my own struggles with addiction and my mission to change the way people view and treat addicts with compassion, not judgment. I’ve been in recovery for over 20 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how addiction is often a response to trauma or biochemical imbalances. The goal with Genius Recovery is to share the best, most effective treatments and create a safe space for people in recovery and those who support them. If you want to learn more or support the cause, check out geniusrecovery.org. What’s your take on how society handles addiction?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 11:25
Yeah, talk about the Joe. What’s the best investment you’ve made? Or some of the best investments you’ve made in personal? Your personal growth or your marketing education?
Joe Polish: 11:37
The best investments I’ve made in personal growth. Honestly, it’s been a mix of books, experiences and relationships. Books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield have been huge for shifting my mindset. But beyond books, it’s been about surrounding myself with the right people, mentors, peers, and even clients who push me to grow. And of course, creating Genius Network has been a massive personal growth journey in itself.
If you’re looking for a resource that really dives into building meaningful connections. Grab my book. What’s in it for them and what’s in it for them? It’s packed with insights that will change how you approach relationships and growth. What’s been your most impactful investment in yourself?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 12:19
Joe, I’d love for you to tell people if someone’s thinking of joining Genius Network, how do you explain how it works? And about Genius Network itself?
Joe Polish: 12:31
Genius network is like the ultimate playground for achievement minded entrepreneurs. It’s not just about business, it’s about building a life that works. The group is packed with some of the smartest, most innovative people on the planet, all sharing ideas, strategies, and connections that can 10X your business. We focus on solving problems, seizing opportunities, and creating real impact. If you’re serious about growth and want to be in a room where everyone’s getting smarter, this is the place to be.
And hey, if you’re looking for a way to make your business easy, lucrative, and fun, check out Self-coaching at business.com. It’s a game-changer for entrepreneurs who are tired of the grind. So what’s your biggest goal right now?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 13:13
So talk about the value of direct response marketing and copywriting, and some of the other elements that are so important in direct response and copywriting.
Joe Polish: 13:25
Direct response and copywriting are the lifeblood of effective marketing. The key is clarity, simplicity in making it all about the reader. People don’t care about you. They care about what’s in it for them. That’s why every headline, every offer, every call to action needs to hit them where it matters most.
Their desires, their fears, their problems. And here’s the thing. Great copy doesn’t just sell. It connects. It tells a story, builds trust, and creates a relationship.
If you can master that, you’re unstoppable. What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your marketing right now?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 13:57
Do you have — what are some of the resources and mentors that you’ve had that you recommend people check out in direct response marketing and copywriting?
Joe Polish: 14:07
When it comes to direct response marketing, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the absolute legends. Dan Kennedy is a name that comes up immediately. His work on magnetic marketing is foundational. Gary Halbert, who was a genius, his ability to craft compelling sales letters that grab attention and drive action is unmatched. And John Carlton, man, his kick ass copywriting approach is pure gold.
If you’re serious about mastering direct response, dive into their work. And hey, if you want to keep sharpening your skills, check out the I Love Marketing podcast at I Love Marketing podcasts. It’s packed with insights from the best in the business. Who’s been your go-to inspiration in marketing?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 14:49
So what mistakes have you made in business that you learned the most from some of those mistakes?
Joe Polish: 14:57
Man, mistakes are where the real learning happens. One of the biggest ones I made early on was thinking that being good at what I did, carpet cleaning was enough to get clients. I didn’t understand marketing, so I struggled like crazy. Another was not valuing my time and saying yes to the wrong people or projects that cost me energy, money and focus. But every screw up taught me something.
And honestly, those lessons are what shaped the way I approach business now. What’s a mistake you’ve learned the most from?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 15:24
What’s the future look like? What do you see in the future for Genius Network and Genius Recovery? What’s next for you?
Joe Polish: 15:32
The future for Genius Network and Genius recovery. It’s all about expansion and impact. With Genius Network, I’m constantly looking for ways to bring in even more brilliant minds, solve bigger problems, and create deeper connections. So for Genius Recovery, the mission is to keep changing the global conversation about addiction, treating addicts with compassion, not judgment, and finding the most effective treatments out there. We’re even exploring integrating AI to make recovery resources more accessible to anyone, anywhere.
What’s your vision for the future of your work?
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 16:05
I love this. So first of all, Joe, I want to thank you. I want to thank you. I want to encourage people to check out geniusnetwork.com.
There’s a lot of resources, podcasts about the annual event that comes up that you do and many more videos. So thank you so much.
Joe Polish: 16:22
You’re welcome man. I appreciate you saying that. And yeah geniusnetwork.com is packed with resources, podcasts and all kinds of stuff to help entrepreneurs level up. If you’re serious about breakthroughs, check out the Genius Network Podcast at geniusnetwork.com. It’s where the best minds in business share their secrets.
Keep crushing it, and let’s stay connected.
Dr. Jeremy Weisz: 16:45
Thanks, Joe. Thanks everyone.
Joe Polish: 16:46
You’re welcome man, thanks for the great conversation. Take care and we’ll catch up soon.
