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Is This the Rise or Fall of Capitalism?

Mar 14, 2025
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Hey there,

The question on everyone’s mind: Is capitalism in decline, or is it simply evolving? Well honestly, that's not exactly what I'm here to talk about.

For those feeling financially stuck, it’s easy to see the system as something that only benefits the rich. But what if capitalism wasn’t just for the wealthiest few? What if it were a system ANYONE could use to create their own wealth? It’s a concept that’s never been more alive.


Opportunity Is Everywhere - If You’re Willing to Look

 

From real estate and stocks to e-commerce, today’s market has opened more doors than ever for those who know where to look. Yes, inflation is high, and the economy feels uncertain - but did you know that an average of 4.4 million startups are launched every year in the United States?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 saw a record 5.4 million new business applications - a staggering 53% jump from 2019. While 2022 saw a slight drop to 5,044,748 new businesses (a 7.4% decrease due to inflation and post-pandemic effects), it’s still an impressive number that proves one thing: people are still betting on opportunity.

Capitalism doesn’t require millions in the bank to get started. It just takes some creativity and grit to stand out, even in a crowded market.

 

Find Your Niche - Even in a Saturated Market

 

Consider this: a creator has gone viral on social media by combining fashion and performance art. Her videos feature fashion pieces mimicking the appearance and “behavior” of objects crushed by hydraulic presses, alongside other playful content.

HYDRAULIC PRESS GIRL - 100 PRESSES Smac McCreanor

 

Her originality helped her carve out a unique niche, attracting a massive following and turning her creativity into income. 

The takeaway? If you’re creative enough, you can make a niche out of quite literally anything - even things that may seem 'odd' at first glance.

Finding a niche doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel - it can be taking a unique approach to an industry or field that might seem well-established.

For me, that journey was in real estate. I knew real estate was a great asset, but I didn’t love traditional real estate investing. That's when I discovered self-storage - and everything changed.

Self-storage is part real estate, part business, and that blend of stability and entrepreneurship clicked for me. The business aspect of it meant I could use my skills in identifying problems, coming up with creative solutions, and maximizing revenue.

Our 'niche' approach, is that we're heavily focused on the customer experience. We saw that most people found self-storage inconvenient - so we developed software solutions to fix that. From online access to streamlined renting, we became a customer-first business, improving every interaction for our clients. It’s proof that when you find a problem to solve, you can create real value.

 

Don’t know where to get started? Here are some quick tips:

 

  • Look at Your Passions: Start with what you love. If it feels like work before you even start, it’s going to be an uphill battle. Think of something that excites you and add a twist to make it stand out.

  • Find What’s Missing: In any industry, there are gaps - things no one’s improving. Self-storage had tons of potential, but few providers focused on the customer experience. By identifying and fixing those gaps, we’ve been able to serve our customers better and grow faster.

  • Adapt Popular Trends: Many successful ventures start by observing popular trends and creating something fresh. A viral creator recently did this with a quirky, niche appeal by designing fashion that “acts” like objects getting crushed by a hydraulic press. By leaning into novelty and originality, she turned a niche into a huge following and income source.

  • Engage Your Audience on Social Media: Testing your ideas on social media is a low-risk way to get feedback, refine your approach, and gain traction. Share your process, ask for opinions, and show how your unique spin offers something fresh.

 


 

Don't miss out:

 

This Week's Must-Watch 📹

 

What if you could take over a struggling company and see not just a small lift but a total sales explosion? 🤯

In this video, I show you how I transformed a mismanaged hunting business and tripled its sales almost immediately. You’ll see the strategies behind spotting potential, aligning the right incentives, and empowering experts to do what they do best.


How I Acquired a Failing Business and Tripled Its Sales in Weeks | AJ Osborne Podcast Ep 7

 

 

What’s Buzzing on Social Media 📱

 

Ever wonder if entrepreneurship really leads to the freedom everyone talks about? In one of my recent videos, I explore a choice every entrepreneur faces: struggle now to enjoy later, or enjoy now and struggle later?

 

Watch Reel Now 

 

Many people dream of running their own show, picturing flexible schedules and easy days. But the truth? Starting out often means long hours, personal sacrifices, and pushing through setbacks. It’s challenging, but it’s also where the growth happens. Those who commit to the journey often find that the reward - a life with real freedom and fulfillment - is more than worth the effort. 

What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the reel 👆

 

Wrap-Up:

 

You know, my journey through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship has taught me a lot about the true nature of capitalism. There were times when I felt like I was fighting an uphill battle.

 

But through those struggles, I soon realized that capitalism isn’t just a playground for the wealthy - it’s a canvas for anyone willing to take risks and innovate. It's about finding opportunities in unexpected places, just like I did when I shifted my focus to self-storage. I discovered a niche where I could leverage my strengths—turning challenges into thriving solutions.

 

So if you’re feeling stuck, remember this: capitalism is there for the taking. It’s about identifying what needs improvement and daring to make it better. What unique ideas do you have brewing? Let’s embrace this journey together!

 

Thanks for reading, and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether it’s about finding your niche, taking on the challenges of entrepreneurship, or just making the most of what’s out there. Keep an eye out for the next edition, and until then, happy hustling!

 

Talk soon,
AJ

 

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Welcome to the AJ Osborne Playbook! I'm AJ, and I provide insights into financial independence, entrepreneurship, business, and life. With over 20 years of experience and a portfolio that's transacted over $400M, I have found financial freedom. Now, I want to help others achieve the same.
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