I have some big news.
The Stupidpreneur Newsletter just acquired Peak Shift 🎉
More details coming soon! Now to the point of today’s email.
Most folks talk about “personal branding” like it’s something you buy.
Truth?
You build it, one bold move and one hard-nosed call at a time.
Even if AI does 90% of the grunt work, agency and taste are muscles you have to flex — repeatedly.
Here’s how I did it (and still do, every damn day):
Ask “Why?” before “How?”: It’s easy to get lost in tactics. Write out your real reason for why each newsletter exists. Don’t just chase trends.
Curate like your life depends on it: Expose yourself to great writing, killer marketing, wild campaigns. Don’t just consume — study. Take notes on what moves you and what falls flat.
Feedback is king: Send your drafts to people who give a shit. Listen to what lands, what bombed, and refine. Every bit you keep builds your taste. Every risk you take builds your agency.
I wish I could say there’s one shortcut, but that’s what makes all this worth it.
The hard work is the moat — the separation between you and the machines.
If you take anything from this week, let it be this: Agency and taste are skills. You can learn them, mess up, start over, and get better.
Ready to stop sounding like everybody else?
Your next email, ad, or landing page could be the one people remember.
Make it yours.
If you want feedback — hit reply. I’ll roast your draft (with love).
Stay stupid. Stay brave.
Have a nice weekend.
– Shashank