Creators of Web3

Web3 continues to make massive advances and promises to disrupt even more industries going forward. Today, we take a look at what is really happening in Web3 right now, some of the biggest trends that we have witnessed recently, and what we believe they mean for the industry. Tune in for more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:04] Trends in professionalism that Eric is witnessing at Single Grain. [01:30] Will reflects on the FTX collapse and what it means for big brands in the Web3 industry. [02:40] How the amateurs are being flushed out to make way for serious professionals. [02:55] An increasing focus on wisdom, experience, and accomplishments. [03:25] Why we don't believe we'll see a bull market for a while still. Tweetables: “The flipper, the speculation mentality, that is gone and that is a blessing. That is what I want to continue to see [in Web3]. As more money comes in, there are more people that are serious.” — @ericosiu [0:01:05] “A lot of amateurs that are in it just for the quick buck or in it just because of Web3 are being flushed out completely. What's left are the adults coming in [to build] the real stuff.” — @wilxlee [0:02:41] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

During his talk at Art Basel, Wil was asked about the three things that he would advise someone launching an NFT project to focus on and why. Today our hosts share their answers. Tune in for some insightful information on business plans, missions, and understanding your ‘why', along with plenty of examples of what people in the industry have done right and wrong. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:23] Why do you need to have a business plan if you are launching an NFT project? [01:17] Why you should lead with your mission and not how you're going to make money. [02:51] Why you can't copy what everyone else is doing, you have to have something original. [04:20] The importance of having clarity on your ‘why'. Tweetables: “The bigger your mission, the more people are likely to follow it and also stick around too.” — @ericosiu [0:01:50] “The ups are super high and the downs are super low. And if you do not have some sort of reason as to why you're doing what you're doing and why you're in the space, you can so easily be drowned out by the noise, by the marketplace.” — @wilxlee [0:04:29] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Art Basel Miami Miami NFT BZL SpaceX DoodlePutt VeeFriends Cockpunch Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Single Grain

ChatGPT is an AI chat interface that is incredibly useful and time-saving. Today our hosts discuss how this and other forms of AI relate to Web3. Tuning in you'll hear about how ChatGPT works, the research Wil did into how AI can help enhance Web3, and what Wil was able to achieve using AI. Tune in for a better understanding of AI and Web3 as well as speculations on where this kind of technology is likely to take us in the near future. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:05] Wil's thoughts on AI and Web3 [00:19] The research Wil did into how AI can help enhance Web3. [01:08] Some context into ChatGPT. [01:48] How ChatGPT relates to community and Web3. [02:19] The complexity of the algorithms that it can come up with. [03:45] Tools that you can use to figure out how this all works. [03:56] Why you should familiarize yourself with these tools. Tweetables: “Not only was the AI able to actually spit out a smart contract but also it was able to design new tokenomics if you give it enough variables.” — @wilxlee [0:00:34] “I think this is just the very beginning. In two to three years, we're going to see something like this [ChatGPT] really start to challenge Google.” — @ericosiu [0:02:13] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: ChatGPT Stable Diffusion Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Single Grain

Nike's RTFKT has been teasing a drop of metal boxes that were at some point valued at 2+ETH. What this product actually ended up being was a 0.1ETH discount that would be applied upon the purchase of Nike's new self-lacing shoes (which are not available for shipping outside of the USA). In this episode, our hosts discuss the anger that this caused, the tension between Nike's corporate background and Web3's focus on the community, and how they can improve loyalty among their Web3 community going forward. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:07] The backstory to RTFKT's horrendous merch drop. [00:43] The frustration at the fact that they don't ship outside of the USA. [01:28] The impact that this has had on RTFKT's holders' sentiment and loyalty. [02:07] Eric's prediction that RTFKT will pick up their sense of professionalism. [02:26] The struggle between Nike's corporate background and Web3's focus on the community. [03:07] Wilson's proposed solution. Tweetables: “It seems that [RTFKT] is missing their bearings a little bit in terms of community first and making their holders feel like they're a different class, whereas everyone is seen as consumers right now.” — @wilxlee [0:01:15] “I think RTFKT, because they are owned by Nike, will pick up their sense of professionalism faster.” — @ericosiu [0:02:08] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: RTFKT Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Single Grain

Last year's NFT or Art Basel was the height of the NFT market. Having just returned from NFT Basel 2022, Eric and Wil share their views on this year's event and what it says about the NFT market going forward. Tune in to find out what Eric and Wil gained from this year's NFT Basel and why they are cautiously optimistic about the NFT space. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:04] Some background into last year's NFT Basel. [00:40] Wil's take on this year's NFT Basel. [01:07] The types of meetings Wilson attended. [01:55] The geographic limitations of NFT Basel in Miami. [02:14] Eric's experience of last year's NFT Basel compared to this year's. [02:53] Why this year was smaller but more productive for Eric. [04:02] Why Wil believes that people are cautiously optimistic about the market? Tweetables: “I think this down market is proving who's going to be around for the long term.” — @ericosiu [0:03:45] “The common theme is just people are getting very cautiously optimistic. They're cautious about the uncertainties that are in front of us in the short term, but optimistic about the long term.” — @wilxlee [0:04:07] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Art Basel Miami Miami NFT BZL Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Single Grain

When you are dealing with anger from your community, it's important to take a step back and gain perspective. In today's conversation, we unpack the difference between useful feedback and unwarranted anger, and how to determine when you should engage. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] An overview of the anger we've been seeing in our communities. [00:29] Examples of when Wil chooses not to engage with anger in his community. [01:28] Why you need to protect your mental health. [02:07] How to differentiate between respectful feedback and unwarranted angry comments. [02:40] How a member of Wil's community has inspired him. Tweetables: “My way of dealing with it is to not engage, there is no point in engaging because you're stooping down to their level. And it's truly a reflection of how they feel at that current time. It's not really a reflection of who you are as a person.” — @wilxlee [0:01:05] “You have to protect yourself. Because at the end of the day, people are going to take whatever you give them.” — @ericosiu [0:01:30] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Traveling for an extended period of time, whether it's to attend an event or go on holiday, can be incredibly invigorating. In today's episode, Eric breaks down his recent three-week trip in which he visited Dublin, London, and New York. He breaks down what he learned from attending conferences in each city, and offers his advice for anyone looking to travel more by being hired to speak. To learn more about our key takeaways from long periods of travel, make sure you tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:26] The conferences that Eric recently spoke at in Dublin, London, and New York. [01:05] How traveling allows you to form deep relationships and create content. [02:13] Eric's advice if you are just starting out as a speaker. [03:40] Why providing value is essential if you want to be invited to conferences. [05:04] How to take advantage of travel to meet other people in your field. [06:28] What does solo strategizing means for Eric? [07:16] The inspiring and energizing effects of travel. Tweetables: “Going to these events allows you to find like-minded people and build a deeper relationship.” — @ericosiu [0:01:38] “The caveat is actually to do good work. To have something valuable to share before you even think about doing these things. Otherwise, you're on stage and you have no value, no substance, nothing to add to people's lives. Then why would they want you there?” — @wilxlee [0:03:42] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Teamwork Asana YPO Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

It's always a good time to network and make connections, and one of the best ways to do so is through common interests. Tune in as we discuss the best ways to connect with people (both online and offline) and how to identify the many ways you can add value when reaching out to new people! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:06] The new checkmark feature on Twitter and why you should get yourself verified. [00:37] Why now is a good time to network. [00:57] How to learn about what people are interested in and how you can add value. [01:26] Examples of how to create opportunities for connection, both online and offline. [02:50] The importance of connecting with people who share your values. Tweetables: “I think this is actually a really good time for you to do any type of networking because markets are slow. There's really not much going on.” — @wilxlee [0:00:37] “What's always worked really well for me is throwing dinners with people that are doing interesting things. And so instead of trying to be interesting, put a group of interesting people together and just be interested in them. And everything will fall into place.” — @ericosiu [0:01:26] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: How Win Friends and Influence People Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Time management is something every founder needs to come to grips with. The “work hard, play later” mentality can be a really dangerous one to fall into, and today, we discuss ways to manage your time effectively to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Tune in for our personal time management goals and tactics. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:08] Who inspired the topic of today's episode? [00:43] What entrepreneurs get wrong when it comes to time management. [01:54] Our time management strategies and goals. Tweetables: “Time block is a really important tactic.” — @wilxlee [0:02:28] “Not taking control of your time and letting someone else manage it for you is delegating your life to somebody else and it's not worth it.” — @ericosiu [0:04:47] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Winter is coming and, as founders, we need to prepare to weather the storm. With the recent mass layoffs and hiring freezes in the Web3 space, it's important to stay level-headed as a leader and do your best to steer the ship in the right direction. In this episode, we discuss strategies for staying afloat, and the qualities required to do so. Stay tuned for our prediction for the future of NFT projects! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:07] Recent news: Meta layoffs, strikes, and hiring freezes. [00:35] What to do as founders, to survive the winter. [02:09] Whether or not it's a good strategy to proactively raise capital. [04:01] How to behave as a leader. [05:08] Eric's prediction for the future of NFT projects. Tweetables: “In the last year or two, cash was trash but now cash is oxygen.” — @ericosiu [0:00:43] “As much as there's extreme weather coming to the entire market and whatnot, there's still a lot of funds on the sidelines waiting to invest in great projects.” — @wilxlee [0:02:23] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

The FTX saga has really drained confidence in the crypto space. In this episode, we examine the implications for founders and the industry at large. We speculate about the cause of FTX's undoing and the lessons that can be learned from it. Tune in to find out how, despite its negative implications, this collapse may actually benefit the industry in the long run! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:17] The FTX saga explained. [00:52] The role of leverage in their undoing. [02:20] What they're doing to try to bounce back. [02:30] The implications for founders and the industry at large. [03:42] Lessons to take away from the FTX saga. [04:50] How the saga can be framed as a long-term positive for the industry. Tweetables: “The retail sentiment on this entire industry is going down a hole for sure. It's going to take a few years for this confidence to build up, and this itself affects the entire industry.” — @wilxlee [0:02:56] “You have to be responsible and think about a business model that actually works.” — @ericosiu [0:04:26] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

More often than not, Web3 events are poorly organized, and attendees walk away with far less than their money's worth. In this episode, we look at examples of both good and bad event experiences and break down what's required to run a proper event. Tune in for more on the business model of these conferences and networking events, and how to personally make the most of them. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:05] The pitfalls of the NFT London conference. [00:57] Examples of good event experiences and how proper events should be run. [03:33] Examples of badly organized events. [04:00] What makes for a good event? [05:04] The intention you should have when you walk into an event as an attendee. [05:17] The business model behind events. Tweetables: “The less you have filters … the more it becomes less valuable for people because there's no intention behind it.” — @ericosiu [0:03:38] “It's really important that whoever's throwing the event [has] the intention and [understands] what's good and who's in the audience so they can take advantage.” — @ericosiu [0:04:48] “Any conference or networking event you go to, just have the intention of meeting and developing one quality connection and that would already be worth it.” — @wilxlee [0:05:07] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Although we're in a particularly tough economic climate, it's ironically a great time to hire. In this episode, we examine why that is, and break down how best to find the perfect team members. You'll also discover what not to do when hiring generalists versus specialists, and why values should always come first! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Today's topic: building teams in the current economic climate. [00:15] When to hire generalists versus specialists. [01:52] How not to approach hiring. [02:12] How to ensure you find the right people for your team. [05:15] Why now is a good time to hire. [05:25] Why values always trump talent. Tweetables: “Finding the right person is a matter of you defining what outcomes you're looking for in the beginning, defying the competencies, and then defining your core values.” — @ericosiu [0:02:12] “It doesn't matter how good someone is [or] how competent they are if they don't align with your core values.” — @ericosiu [0:02:56] “Hiring for talent or values — it values every time.” — @wilxlee [0:05:29] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Find Your Why Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Staff turnover is never comfortable, but sometimes it's unavoidable. In this episode, we examine our experiences of turnover against the backdrop of the current labor market in the web3 space. The market has evolved significantly in the past ten years, and today, we look at what that means for employers and discuss ways to smooth the turnover process. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:11] The challenge of employee turnover. [00:49] The current labor market in the web3 space. [01:39] The Fed Put explained. [02:04] The evolution of the labor market in the world of technology. [03:02] What the current employer's market means for hiring in the web3 space. [03:40] Wil's recent experience of losing a team member and hiring two more. [04:21] The importance of getting comfortable with the idea of turnover as your company grows. Tweetables: “Now it's very much an employer's market which means that if you're an employer, you can scoop up talent and you'll get people that are not as entitled, and you'll probably get a better price as well.” — @ericosiu [0:03:02] “In reality, there are actually a lot more professional people who are a lot more capable at a much more reduced cost.” — @wilxlee [0:03:57] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Having a roadmap for your NFT project is an industry-standard, yet is it always a good idea? In this episode, Wil fills us in on why he chose not to publish a roadmap for The Littles. We discuss the limitations of roadmaps, when it's a good idea to have one, and how best to approach it to allow flexibility. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:16] Why Wil chose not to publish a roadmap for The Littles. [00:56] The limitations of roadmaps. [01:39] When it's a good idea to have a roadmap. [01:56] How best to approach roadmaps. Tweetables: “We were one of the first ones in meta to set up with no roadmap launch.” — @wilxlee [0:00:41] “When the vision's not clear enough, to create a roadmap really ties you in and doesn't give you any flexibility to maneuver around the space.” — @wilxlee [0:00:56] “If your vision is clear, in terms of the pillars that you're focusing on, then it's a good idea to have your roadmap out there because it really gives clarity on how you plan on building this thing.” — @wilxlee [0:01:39] “Simply enough, have a flexible roadmap. That's what it is at the end of the day.” — @ericosiu [0:02:53] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

There are many pros to building a committee within your NFT projects and an equal amount of drawbacks. In this episode, we break down the benefits and share tips to avoid a toxic outcome. We look at the importance of vetting people and how to do so, as well as the value of diversity in council members. Tune in to find out how Wil is building a council for The Littles NFT community. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:18] The pros of having a council or committee within your NFT projects. [00:52] What to be wary of when building a council. [01:47] How to prevent a toxic outcome. [02:33] Why it's important to vet people and how to do so. [03:09] The value of diversity in council members. [03:49] Wil's approach to building a council for The Littles NFT community. “Having a council allows the community to have a voice directly with your projects.” — @wilxlee [0:00:24] “We're setting the expectation for our committee to work on one specific project so we can actually learn from it.” — @wilxlee [0:03:49] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

We've noticed a recent rise in councils in NFT communities. In today's episode, we break down the ins and outs of this trend and what it means for the evolution of communities. Tuning in you'll hear why The Littles are creating their very own council to nurture their community and how having a council can help more people feel included. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing today's topic: The Rise of Councils in NFT Communities. [00:05] Why The Littles are creating a council to nurture their community. [00:51] Examples of other NFT projects that have announced adding councils to their communities. [01:06] The main problem that councils are expected to solve. [01:25] Why it's good to have relatable council members. [02:11] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “We at The Littles are creating this council, or a committee, to involve our community a little bit more to co-create together and to really nurture our community.” — @willxlee [0:00:08] “You actually want your council members to be relatable.” — @ericosiu [0:01:47] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Bored Ape Yacht Club Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

We live in an age of information overload, and if you're trying to capture someone's attention, you need to stand out from the crowd. One of the best ways to excel in the new attention economy is to have a media company where you can regularly put out fresh information. This is especially true in a fast-growing field like Web3 where things are constantly changing and your audience is actively looking for updates. To learn more about what it means to have a media company and why it matters in the Web3 space, make sure you press play now! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing today's topic: Why Having A Media Company Matters in Web3. [00:04] An overview of media companies that currently exist in the Web3 space. [00:42] Why capturing people's attention is so powerful. [02:07] How a media company helps you shape the narrative around Web3. [02:30] Why trust is so important when you create a media company. [02:47] How Wil builds trust by regularly talking to his community members. [05:02] Why consistency will make or break your content. [05:54] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “Attention is currency, it is the new oil, so to speak. And if you don't have someone's attention, then why would they even care about you?” — @ericosiu [0:00:45] “I love to be able to talk to my community members all the time. So I set up calls with them on a regular basis. Even the skeptics, actually, more so the skeptics because I want to see and understand what it is that they're skeptical about?” — @wilxlee [0:02:47] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Bankless NFT Now The Kevin Rose Show ONE37pm MrBeast on YouTube Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Constantly remaining engaged with your community takes a ton of work (and attention!). And while building your community is essential, it is equally important that you do so in a way that does not result in exhaustion and burnout. Join us today as we discuss how you can get more out of your community without falling into the burnout trap! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing today's topic: How To Get More Out Of Your Community (And Not Burn Out). [00:04] Why it's essential for community members to be aligned with your core values, even if it takes some time. [01:15] The importance of setting boundaries in your community. [02:28] Some of the common issues that Eric has seen in other communities. [03:23] How The Littles community changed after they launched Arcade. [05:44] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “Our core values are people that are improvement-obsessed, people that are open-minded, and people that have unimpeachable character, meaning that they're honest and reliable.” — @ericosiu [0:00:17] “For a project that has been waiting for 10 months to deliver something of super high expectation, we not only met the expectation, but we exceeded the expectation. For that, I'm super proud of the entire team.” — @wilxlee [0:04:08] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

The current downturn in the economy has had a significant effect on fundraising. Tuning in you'll hear about Will's approach to fundraising, how they have demonstrated their worth, and what he is doing to showcase his work. Make sure you tune in to gain fresh insight into what it takes to fundraise for your Web3 project! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing today's topic: Fundraising for Your Web3 Project. [00:10] An overview of how Will is currently fundraising for his Web3 project. [01:24] Why do you need to define what sets your project apart from others? [02:58] What Will is doing to showcase his work. [03:37] Hear a breakdown of Will's pitch deck. [05:04] How Will is reaching out to investors. [06:09] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “Now that we have our MVP, it shows a lot about the founding team's ability to execute, their attention to detail, and quite frankly, their tenacity to go through hardship.” — @wilxlee [0:01:03] “If you're just following the trend, and you're not kind of coming up with your own angle and your own ideas here. You don't deserve to raise capital.” — @ericosiu [0:01:58] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

In today's episode of our Web3 series, we share our reflections after doing free mints. ‘Crypto winter' is here, and NFT creators are searching for ways to gain recognition, sell work, and save on heavy minting costs. That's why a growing number of projects, including The Littles and Leveling Up Heroes, have opted to release NFTs via free mints. Tuning in, you'll hear our personal perspectives on this low-commitment model, why we did it, and what you stand to gain from doing the same! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:04] Why free mints are popular right now. [00:26] Will's goals for his free mint (and whether or not he met them). [01:48] The more strategic side of free mints. [02:15] How active free mint holders are versus paying holders? [02:55] Some of the pros and cons of releasing a free mint. [04:25] How free mints can work for you, depending on your goals. Tweetables: “A lot of people do a free mint thinking that it's going to be a way to make money. If that's the case, then the entire structure needs to be done in a different way through secondary royalties and whatnot. For us, the free mint was a way for us to showcase our experience.” — @willxlee [0:00:37] “Free mints are good for generating awareness.” — @ericosiu [0:04:13] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Today, we talk about how VeeFriends' Toys R Us and Macy's retail push will change everything going forward. This signals a major shift for Gary Vaynerchuk's IP from digital to physical NFT collectibles, with the first-ever limited collection of plush and vinyl characters becoming available at Macy's and Toys “R” Us nationwide. Tune in to hear our thoughts on this big move! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:11] Potential long and short-term impacts signaled by the retail partnership. [01:06] Why NFT collectibles and merch are somewhat of a status symbol? [01:49] Why do we say this move will “change everything.” [02:13] Whether or not pushing NFT collectibles through retail channels will work. Tweetables: “It's going to be a nice model for people to follow if it works.” — @ericosiu [0:02:08] “I don't think it's going to get the response that we're looking for but I do think the fact that [Gary Vaynerchuk] is pushing into toys [is] a nice step.” — @ericosiu [0:02:48] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Today, we address why OpenSea's volume is now the lowest it has been in 14 months. In October, OpenSea recorded $8.4 million in daily volume. Of course, this still seems like a very respectable amount of trading, but it's a number that nonetheless marks a long-term low for the world's largest digital marketplace for crypto collectibles and NFTs. Tune in today to get our take on the matter! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:05] A look at the numbers and the state of the market right now. [00:23] Why Will believes we will continue to see even lower lows. [01:13] The need for more guidance on the war in Ukraine and other extenuating factors. [01:24] What needs to happen for the situation to turn around? Tweetables: “No capital is being invested into these growth stocks or these really speculative assets such as crypto and NFTs. Therefore, if there's no capital and [no participants], we'll continue to see new lows until things turn around.” — @willxlee [0:00:47] “At the end of the day, risk assets don't do well in high-inflation environments.” — @ericosiu [0:01:24] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Today, we talk about what really matters for all builders. Whether you are a budding Web3 builder or just crypto-curious, there is a seemingly endless list of tools and resources that you need to wrap your head around. In this episode, we cover two surprisingly simple core principles for builders to keep in mind as they navigate the complex ecosystem of ever-evolving information in the Web3 world. Join us to find out more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:17] Why first-time builders often struggle with focus. [00:44] A lesson in focus and success from Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. [01:10] Understanding that you get what you focus on at the end of the day. [01:48] How you lose your edge when you spread yourself too thin. [02:08] The importance of having a clear vision and sticking to it. [03:10] A key takeaway from this episode: have a focused vision! Tweetables: “You lose your edge when you don't focus as much. [I see] a lot of people in the world of Web3 trying to do too much with too few resources.” — @ericosiu [0:01:48] “Being able to have a vision and continually going back to it to reiterate [it] and make it more and more clear, adding more meat to the bone, is what really matters for the builders out there.” — @willxlee [0:02:52] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

In today's episode, we discuss how Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter will affect Web3. This is an ever-changing and somewhat messy story with a lot of moving parts. It's also a story that will likely continue to stretch out over a number of months, which is why we've put together a guide for how one of the biggest tech deals in history will impact Web3 and how you can prepare for these changes. Tune in today to learn more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:04] A look at the timeline of the Elon Musk-Twitter saga. [00:27] What stands out about this story when it comes to the blockchain? [00:55] Our take on Musk's master plan to decentralize Twitter. [02:02] What Musk's proposed ‘super app', X, will mean for users. [03:11] How decentralization will promote more “free speech.” [03:37] Why this is a good example of taking something from Web2 to Web3. [03:50] Understanding why Musk wanted to back out of the deal. Tweetables: “Web3 is the core of this entire application because [it seems like the argument] is always against centralization. They want to be able to create something that is decentralized.” — @willxlee [0:01:11] “This [deal] will also be a really good example of taking something from Web2 to Web3 and it's going to be a nice map for people to follow in the future.” — @ericosiu [0:03:37] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about the idea of diversifying your bags and making better risk assessments. A foundational rule that we can all follow is to be clear on the projects you choose to align with. Once you do this, it is easier to hold true to the art and artists that you believe in. There is no need to try and invest in all the different things that are out there! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:07] Different roles in a community through the evolution of a project. [00:30] Staying realistic and clear on what type of project you are involved with. [01:26] Making genuine investments in art, and reaping the benefits. [02:20] Why you don't have to understand and invest in everything? Tweetables: “I think that it is really important for anyone participating in trading to actually understand the type of project that they are investing into and why they are doing it.” — @willxlee [0:00:30] “You really don't need to hold that many assets in the long term.” — @ericosiu [0:00:30] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Today, we get into the role of storytelling in NFTs. Tuning in, listeners will hear Will talk about why stories are a little overhyped in the space right now, but also why they will continue to be utilized in order to generate interest in different products and projects. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:10] The recent emergence of the Renga project. [00:32] Why storytelling is probably not very significant but still necessary. [01:07] How stories impact all of us in different ways. [01:21] The stories that already exist for popular NFT characters. Tweetables: “I personally don't think there is much to storytelling in NFTs. I don't it's a meta that will stick, but rather a fad, to be completely honest with you.” — @willxlee [0:00:32] “If you don't do storytelling, how do you give character and life to your IP? You can't.” — @willxlee [0:00:50] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Renga artist dirtyrobot Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

For today's episode, we briefly discuss Apple's decision to allow devs to implement NFTs at a 30% cut. For us, this is something exciting and we feel really bullish about what this will do to the marketplace. Tune in to hear about why complaining is futile, and how things might pan out. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:08] What Apple's decision means for the current gaming landscape. [01:02] Angles that Apple is working and why their actions make sense. [01:30] Why do we feel really bullish about this move from Apple? Tweetables: “You're playing in their ecosystem. If you don't like the rules, don't play the game over there. Stop complaining.” — @ericosiu [0:01:24] “We won't be saying the crypto long term, we won't be saying NFTs long term. This is just going to be a part of the internet.” — @ericosiu [0:01:50] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

On today's show, we talk about the reality of traders in the NFT space. In light of the constant movement and shifting in our communities, it is important to remain focused on what is important and under your control. Tune in to hear why long-term investing is better than trading, and how to evaluate communities and founders based on their products. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Separating others' actions from your project and vision. [01:20] Remaining focused on what is actually within your control. [02:00] Examples of exciting things that NFT CEOs are doing right now! [02:41] Why long-term investors are generally more successful than traders. [03:10] How products reflect the ethics of founders and their teams. Tweetables: “If people are deciding to exit an ecosystem, it's not necessarily because of you, or anything you have done yourself, or your project or vision. [It's] more so a reflection of who they are and how they view NFTs in general.” — @willxlee [0:00:21] “You can't really control what other people do. They are going to do whatever they want to do. What you can control is the information you put into your mind. You can control your own mindset.” — @ericosiu [0:01:22] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

In this episode, we break down some of our thoughts and approaches to managing community sentiment. Drawing on some recent experiences with launching new products, Will and Eric share some of the ideas that could be useful for you in making sure your community stays strong and on track with its ideals. Tune in to hear it all. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:12] Lessons from Will's recent launch. [00:54] Avoiding emotional reactions and accepting certain losses. [01:40] Allowing the community a lot of freedom up to a specific point. [02:30] Acknowledging where energy and focus have been directed. [02:51] The realization that certain community members will never be satisfied. [03:40] Why a seat at the table has to be earned by developing skills. [04:09] The need to kick out community members who do not adhere to the rules. Tweetables: “I knew that reacting based on emotions would always lead to no good.” — @willxlee [0:00:54] “Structurally speaking, it's not about the product, it's not about the vision. It's about our communication.” — @willxlee [0:01:22] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Today on the show we discuss Art Basel, an art show in Miami that has grown tremendously in the past few years. We break down some of the satellite events that you can expect to see there, why it's an excellent opportunity to network for anyone in the Web3 and NFT space, along with our tips for making the most of your time there! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing today's topic: What We're Doing For Art Basel*. [00:04] An overview of Art Basel, and art show in Miami. [00:49] What you can expect when you attend Art Basel. [00:59] Some of the incredible events you can find at Art Basel. [01:54] What makes these events worthwhile. [02:36] Our tips on how to make the most out of Art Basel. [04:45] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “Art Basel has basically become like a spectacle in the last couple of years where it's not really about Art Basel anymore. It's really about the satellite events.” — @ericosiu [0:00:14] “Post-event me is always thankful that I made the decision to go to these events.” — @wilxlee [0:02:14] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Art Basel Miami Beach World of Women Veefriends Doodles Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

In today's episode, we look back at The Littles' recent launch (and what made it successful)! Will shares some of his reflections on expectations, reception, the stressful elements, and more, so make sure to tune in to hear all about this momentous occasion! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:31] The success of the launch and Will's reflection on what enabled this. [00:17] Looking at the atmosphere the day before the launch. [02:35] Big expectations and a good reception! [02:52] The issue that Will had with one of the developers ghosting at the last minute. [03:41] How stress impacts the actions of employees before a launch. [05:28] Looking at the game's reception within the community. [06:31] Managing the damage that is done by bad actors. Tweetables: “It was a really successful launch, I would say; really successful by many different means.” — @willxlee [0:00:31] “We just need to recognize that traders will always be traders, and we need to respect that.” — @willxlee [0:06:31] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Dealing with negativity and hateful attacks can have a lasting impact. Not just on your day or your mental health, but also on your perspective. In today's episode, we discuss how to deal with negative actors who are attacking projects and how to maintain a balanced perspective as the founder or leader of your project. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:33] Why Founders need to have some distance from their community. [01:49] The importance of discerning constructive feedback from purely negative attacks. [02:03] How to use surveys for constructive feedback. [03:55] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “As a founder, your job is to steer the ship to the promised land. And your job is to be able to see things 10 steps out. But if you are caught in the weeds of things, you get consumed by this negativity and this spiral that really gets you nowhere.” — @wilxlee [0:00:44] “I really recommend sending a survey maybe once a month, or once every quarter just to say, ‘hey, how likely are you to recommend this community to someone else?'” — @ericosiu [0:02:03] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Your mindset can have a profound impact on your life and your business. In today's episode, Wil and Eric share their strategies for fostering a positive outlook and maintaining a balanced perspective. From meditation to spending time in nature, learn why getting away from your screen is essential for recharging and being an effective leader! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] The profound impact that your mindset has on your life and your business. [00:30] How Eric cultivates a mindset that keeps him moving forward. [02:05] Why recharging is so important as a leader. [03:09] How to identify things that recharge you. [04:37] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “Often my best ideas come when I'm not around my computer.” — @ericosiu [0:01:08] “Identify things that recharge you.” — @wilxlee [0:03:12] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

The current NFT landscape and the broader global economy are facing a lot of challenges and uncertainty. And in a down market such as this one, it can be difficult to maintain your motivation. Tune in as we discuss our strategies for keeping your NFT team motivated, from the power of optimism to having an inspiring vision for your product! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Why it's tough to stay motivated in a down market. [00:21] How The Littles team is maintaining their motivation in the current NFT landscape. [01:22] Why communication is so important within a company. [02:51] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “Being able to have a very clear mission of what it is that you're trying to achieve, would help rally people behind you.” — @wilxlee [0:00:42] “You have to stay consistent with your communication. You're really communicating enough when you feel like you're being annoying.” — @ericosiu [0:02:27] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

NFTs are currently experiencing a bit of an identity crisis. After being an exciting new trend, NFTs now need to find their long-term purpose in the broader online landscape. Tune in as we discuss the transition from NFT 1.0 to NFT 2.0, the state of the current NFT landscape, and why NFTs are in a promising phase of renewal and discovery. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:15] Wil's thoughts on the current NFT landscape. [00:18] The concept of NFT 1.0 and NFT 2.0. [01:12] Eric's thoughts on the current NFT landscape. [02:13] The current feeling of uncertainty in the economy and the NFT market. [03:15] Why NFTs need to build better business models. [04:11] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “We're in a space of renewal and discovery. We're in a phase of the current existing audience, really reframing what NFTs truly mean.” — @wilxlee [0:00:48] “Oftentimes, there's going to be exuberance, and people become irrational.” — @ericosiu [0:01:13] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Intellectual Property (IP) can be an incredibly valuable asset. Just look at the immense success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which would not have been possible without the studio's extensive IP ownership. Today on the show we delve into what it takes to build world-class IP and how to build a business model around it. Tune in to hear what Wil is focusing on for The Littles's IP, why storytelling is so important, and why it takes decades to build world-class IP! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:05] An overview of what constitutes intellectual property (IP). [00:33] Wil's approach to building IP for The Littles. [01:18] Why character, world-building, and storyline are so important for compelling IP. [02:09] Examples of successful IPs in the NFT world. [02:32] Why it takes decades to build world-class IP. [04:11] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “The way we approach building The Littles's IP is really focused on the lore and the storyline of it. Because ultimately, with any franchise like Marvel and whatnot, we're really attracted to the story of the heroes, how we relate to them.” — @wilxlee [0:00:34] “My take on this is that if you're going to try to build world-class IP, understand that it's not going to take a decade, it's going to take decades to do it.” — @ericosiu [0:02:32] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: VeeFriends Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

One of the most popular launch options for NFTs is free minting, but is it the right choice for you? In today's episode, we unpack the good and bad sides of free minting. We share what we've learned from doing free mint launches and why free minting is still a viable option despite its drawbacks. Tune in to learn more about the nuances of free minting and what we think of it! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:06] A quick high-level overview of free mint projects. [00:40] Why Wil is using free minting for his upcoming launch. [01:16] How free minting allows for freemiums and product-led growth. [01:57] The downsides of free minting. [02:44] Why Eric regrets doing a free mint in hindsight? [03:32] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “A free event is where you just pay the transaction costs. And then the founders decide what type of utility that you are going to get.” — @ericosiu [0:00:29] “I think that in order for projects to decide whether to utilize freemium or not, they need to understand the strategy behind that.” — @wilxlee [0:00:46] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: CryptoPunks goblintown Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

NFTs are more likely than not to seep into the mainstream and today, we voice our predictions on when that will be and how it will play out. We speculate about the role of big corporations in this shift and the light switch moment it will inspire. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:06] When we predict NFTs will go mainstream. [00:26] The unsustainable business model of NFTs as a speculative asset. [00:36] The role big corporations will play in the mainstream-ification of NFTs. [01:05] How we predict the shift to play out. [02:16] The likely light-switch moment that will come with NFTs going mainstream. Tweetables: “For [NFTs] to go more mainstream there are going to have to be more real-world brands that are continuing to jump into the space.” — @ericsui [0:01:42] “When [NFTs do] go mainstream, it's going to be like a light switch moment.” — @wilxlee [0:02:16] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Many creators and marketers in the NFT space are hyper-focused on the meta that's in front of them right now, without simultaneously setting their eyes on the horizon. Without a long-term vision, projects are more likely to fall flat. In this episode, we talk about our ten-year goals for our respective brands and what it takes to build a project for the decades. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:18] Wil's long-term vision for The Littles. [00:44] The Littles' fundamental business model as an IP brand. [01:01] How Leveling Up Heroes intends to build for the decades. [02:11] The likelihood of projects failing without a long-term vision. [03:00] The biggest flaw of creation. Tweetables: “The actions that we're taking [are] to build for the ten-year outlook, not for the one-year outlook.” — @ericsui [0:02:04] “A big portion of people that are in this space creating NFTs are really focused on the meta that's in front of them right now and building the meta that is happening, whereas they're not really zooming out to see the grand picture of what this could be like.” — @wilxlee [0:03:02] “The biggest flaw of creation and building anything is if you don't have a long enough horizon for the project.” — @wilxlee [0:03:20] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Ego and entitlement are rife in the Web3 space, as we all run the risk of falling prey to the echo chamber effect. In this episode, we look at how entitlement manifests in the space, how to sift out the ego, and why it's important to work with people with integrity. Tune in to find out how to measure your success in terms of metrics rather than arbitrary complaints, and avoid getting sucked into the world of entitlement. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:13] How entitlement manifests in the NFT space. [01:16] The importance of working with people with integrity. [02:22] How to sift out the ego and work with people who are humble, hungry, and smart. [02:50] The unfortunate amount of ego in the Web3 space. [03:21] How entitlement is bred in the Web3 space and how to avoid it. [05:00] How to manage Web3 community entitlement. [06:34] Why it's important to monitor metrics, not complaints. Tweetables: “The majority of people who come in with a huge ego are unfortunately coming in from Web3.” — @ericsui [0:02:52] “Entitlement from community is really rife and really prevailing.” — @wilxlee [0:05:47] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

The NFT space can be wildly unforgiving and, in this episode, we examine why that is, how it manifests, and what you can do to deal with the excess demands. Tune in to find out how to manage the relentless expectations and minimize the impact while remaining steadfast in your mission. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:07] Why the NFT space is so unforgiving. [00:31] The impact of the excess demands in the space. [01:28] An example of the mental health effects of the relentless demands. [03:15] The importance of continuously resetting expectations. [03:36] Examples of unforgivingness in the NFT space. [04:00] The value of time blocking, as a leader. Tweetables: “This [NFT] space is definitely very unforgiving and for us to be able to set the right expectation and reset that expectation continuously is important.” — @wilxlee [0:03:16] “If the leader's mental and physical health is not good, the team's probably not going to be as motivated and the community's going to be worse off.” — @ericsui [0:04:24] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

If you want to set your business up for growth or potential restructuring further down the line, you're going to need to take legal into account. Tune in to find out why, and why it's essential to hire a lawyer specializing in your specific niche. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Today's topics: the importance of Legal for NFTs. [00:14] Why it's important to seek legal advice off the bat, specific to your project's mission. [01:32] Why you need to hire specialist lawyers according to your niche. Tweetables: “Seeking legal help right up front is really important because, as you grow your business, you do not want to have legal be the handcuff that stops you from building your business and restructuring later on.” — @wilxlee [0:01:02] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been investigating Bored Ape Yacht Club's (BAYC) parent company, Yuga Labs. Their crackdown is focusing on potential securities violations for the sale of Bored Ape NFTs as well as ApeCoin tokens. Tune in as we discuss the latest developments in this story, and what the outcomes mean for other NFT products! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing today's topic: SEC cracking down on BAYC. [00:19] Will's thoughts on the SEC's interrogation of BAYC. [00:31] What other NFT producers can learn from this story? [01:01] Why regulations are important for guiding the NFT industry. [01:48] That's it for today! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast! Tweetables: “I'm definitely following along with this and see how it transpires very closely because that would dictate how we're building our project.” — @wilxlee [0:00:33] “Regulation is what matters. People need guidance on this stuff, especially if you want institutional money.” — @ericosiu [0:01:02] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Bored Ape Yacht Club Yuga Labs Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Animation is a notoriously labor-intensive process and making a quality feature-length animated film can take years. It also requires countless hours of training to become a competent animator. But what if you could bring the power of animation to anyone who has a smartphone? That is the vision behind immi.io; a revolutionary new platform that empowers users to become animators using only their facial expressions! In today's episode you'll hear from immi.io co-founder Josh Robbins about the creation of immi.io, how it works, and some of the exciting things they have planned. In our conversation, Josh tells the story of how they partnered with AGMI Studios to create this incredible new product, their unique marketing approach, and how they are attracting partnerships from prominent brands, entertainers, and gaming platforms. We also discuss what it was like growing up with Tony Robbins as a father and what Josh learned from him about creating possibilities and helping others. To learn about the exciting new possibilities in animation, and much more, make sure you tune in today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:00] Introducing Josh Robbins, Founder of immi.io. [01:21] Learn about the animation tool, immi.io, and how it was founded. [03:41] The many ways that immi.io can be used in Creator Mode, from karaoke to real estate. [04:10] Learn about the streaming service that they will be launching next month. [05:36] What Josh expects from this technology in the long term. [06:36] The immersive world that Josh is building with his partners at AMGI studios. [07:59] Josh's approach to marketing and how they are creating more awareness. [12:10] The concept of digital ownership and how it has been facilitated by Web3. [14:06] Josh's predictions for the future worth of NFTs like Crypto Punks. [16:11] An overview of the brands that AMGI is currently working with. [16:42] The exciting potential partnerships between AMGI and entertainers like Coldplay and prominent K-Pop groups. [18:46] How AMGI is building community while also attracting brand deals with artists, musicians, and gaming studios. [20:08] How AMGI represents an evolution from traditional studios like Pixar. [22:15] What it was like for Josh growing up with Tony Robbins as his father. [24:42] What Josh's father taught him about creating possibility. [26:03] The single act of kindness that shaped Tony's outlook on life. [29:09] Find out what is in Josh's learning stack and what he is consuming. [30:14] Hear about Josh's current approach to investing. [31:54] Where you can find Josh and learn more about immi.io, AMGI Studios, and My Pet Hooligan. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Josh Jenkins-Robbins on LinkedIn Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram Wilson Lee on Twitter The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Single Grain

More venture capitalists are entering the NFT space. At the forefront are Doodles, BAYC, and Moonbirds, among others. During today's conversation, Eric and Wil discuss the sometimes contested role of venture capital investment in NFT projects. Hear why the majority of people don't like VCs entering the NFT space, and why ethos compatibility comes down to the parameters set by the founders of each Venture Capital firm. Eric and Wil discuss the importance of sourcing a value-add VC that will do more than just contribute funding, and acknowledge the role of VC in taking projects further than the community alone. Join us to hear more today! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:11] The money that venture capitalists have raised in the NFT space. [00:38] Why the majority of people don't like VCs entering the NFT space. [00:50] Wil's perspective that ethos compatibility comes down to the founders. [01:28] Concerns around a shifting ethos as a result of VC involvement. [02:27] Sourcing a value-add VC that will do more than contributing funding. [04:07] How VC can take projects further than the community alone. Tweetables: “The majority of people don't really like VCs entering the NFT space or investing in their projects because they think that they're not within their ethos. For me, I believe that this really comes down to the founders.” — @wilxlee [0:00:38] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Doodles BAYC Moonbirds Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

While many folks in the NFT space are opting to integrate a personal marketplace onto their websites. During today's episode, Eric and Wil discuss what this means, where it is needed, and why you should only consider having one built if you need to have more control over the user experience. Tune in today to hear more! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:06] What Eric and Wil mean by a ‘personal marketplace'. [00:30] Why Wil doesn't see a need to have a personal marketplace unless there is high traffic? [00:50] How Eric approaches trading. [01:15] The primary benefit of a personal marketplace. [01:37] Why you should look at getting a personal marketplace if you need to have more control over the user experience. Tweetables: “Personally, I don't really see a need for a personal marketplace unless there is really high traffic, its a great experience for your community, but how many people does it really serve? Does it really scratch an itch that is needed?” — @wilxlee [0:00:32] “With a personal marketplace, you are able to control the user experience more.” — @ericosiu [0:01:15] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Larva Labs OneOf Origin Protocol Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

With a plethora of tools on the market for NFT creators, it can be tough to know where to start. During today's episode, Eric and Wil reveal which ones they have found most useful, from minting and owning podcasts, to design work and keeping abreast of the best-selling NFTs on the market. Hear where Eric turns when he wants to get more granular about his NFT research, and what Wil uses to optimize project management. You'll also learn about the Rarity tool, and the NFT integrations built by Shopify that can change how you approach NFTs today. Thanks for tuning in! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:13] What uncut.fm does for podcast creators who want to mint NFTs. [01:10] How they use Figma for all design work, from creating a website to animated videos. [01:44] How Cryptoslam reveals the best-selling NFTs among other new tools they are building. [02:18] Why Eric uses Dune.com when he wants to get more granular with NFT information? [02:41] The customizable, interconnected web provided by Notion to optimize project management. [03:07] What Eric uses Rarity Tool for. [03:26] The bullish NFT integrations built by Shopify. Tweetables: “What Uncut.fm does is that they're allowing podcast creators to automatically mint and sell NFTs. So basically, you can own this episode.” — @ericosiu [0:00:16] “Shopify has actually built a lot of NFT integrations and they are very bullish.” — @wilxlee [0:03:26] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Uncut.fm Figma Cryptoslam Dune Notion Rarity Tool Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Creating merch certainly seems like a foolproof way to generate profits, but that's not always the case! Today, we are discussing how Wil actually lost money on the world-class merch he created with the Littles, and why profit was never part of the plan. We discuss how Wil sees the role of merch in the overall messaging for the Littles, in step with the philosophy that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Hear how merch can be used to show investors the quality of your work, why Wil doesn't mind that merch is a loss leader in his business, and how he foresees long-term gain from short-term loss. Hear about Wil's hands-on process of sourcing and manufacturing merch for the Littles, why he doesn't recommend that for everyone, and what the process of custom-curating his Shopify experience was like. Thanks for tuning in! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:32] Wil's thoughts on how he ended up losing money on the merch he created. [01:13] How Wil sees the role of merch in representing and marketing the Littles. [01:20] Why they have chosen to spend so much time investing in the details of the merch? [01:50] How he has applied the philosophy of ‘how you do one thing is how you do everything else'. [02:01] How high-quality merch is a perfect way to show investors the quality of their work. [02:39] Why Wil doesn't mind merch being a loss leader. [03:16] How merch provides a tangible touchpoint for a digital brand. [03:32] The reality of loss leaders and potential long-term gain. [04:01] Wil's hands-on process of manufacturing merch for the Littles. [04:31] Why he doesn't recommend a hands-on process for everyone. [04:48] The process of custom-curating his Shopify experience. Tweetables: “The way we see merch is not only as a way for people to rep our brand but also as a way for us to market our brand out there, which is the reason why we spend so much time and effort into every single tiny detail.” — @wilxlee [0:01:11] “We get to, not only send this merch to our community members that love the entire experience, but also, send it to investors, send it to friends and family. This is a perfect way to show them the quality of our work.” — @wilxlee [0:01:53] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Welcome back! Today, we're reflecting on our recent Leveling Up Live Event, and sharing some tips on conference creation with our listeners. Join us as Wil shares his experience of the conference as an attendee, telling us why he rates the live event as the best he has been to. Next, Eric unpacks the structure of the event, which is designed to facilitate networking and education far beyond what you can find online. Hear about the conference's unique selling point, how the audience is curated, and why it can be so powerful to bring similarly positioned people together to share their struggles. Join us today to hear all this and more. TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:25] What made the Leveling Up Live Event such a success? [00:50] The varied shapes that conferences take and why we are offering you a template today. [01:10] Wil's experience of the recent event and why it was the best of its kind. [01:38] His feedback on the caliber of guests who are all seven figures and above. [02:12] Overall experience and attention to detail. [02:40] Opportunities for networking and relationship building at the event. [03:10] Constructive feedback on the event: the room was too big. [03:38] How the conference is structured to facilitate networking and education. [03:57] What Eric considers to be the conference's unique selling point: connecting people of all different levels of experience. [04:14] Curating the audience through an application process. [04:50] The power of bringing similarly positioned people together to share their struggles. [05:07] How the conference's daily structure facilitated connections far beyond what you would find online. [06:07] Why Eric would have left more room for networking on day two in hindsight. [06:17] Survey feedback from attendees. Tweetables: “The unique selling point for us is, how do we connect people with, not only the up-and-comers, but people at the top of their game from a business, media, and marketing standpoint.” — @ericosiu [0:03:57] “People who are at the same stage share the same struggles and challenges. It's a lot easier to relate to people. We get it right away, and the conversation becomes a lot more meaningful and impactful.” — @wilxlee [0:04:48] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Leveling Up Mastermind Application Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain

Launching an NFT project is no easy feat, and there are many potential pitfalls along the way. That's why, during today's episode, we're giving you the opportunity to learn from our mistakes! Tune in to hear our thoughts on choosing a market to launch into, investing in security, and going along with the meta. We also discuss what happens when you fail to fully buy into your vision from the beginning, and why having too many offers can be a point of confusion, rather than an easier sell. Finally, you'll learn why we've come to value communication so highly, and why ultimately in a startup environment, timing is everything. Thanks for joining us! TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES: [00:09] Why launching into a bear market during a poor macro environment was a terrible idea. [00:30] What happens when you fail to invest in security right from the get-go? [00:58] How going against the meta jeopardizes initial access to seed funding. [01:27] The perils of failing to own the vision from the get-go. [02:14] Why having too many offers can be a mistake that confuses customers. [02:56] Stepping up your communication to the highest tier for a messaging-sensitive market. [03:40] What it means to replace ‘ready, aim, fire' with ‘ready, fire, aim'! Tweetables: “My whole thesis about NFT is that it's not a product in itself, it helps elevate the product.” — @wilxlee [0:01:37] “There's so much noise in the marketplace, so many projects, and if you make your systems too complex, then people just zone out.” — @wilxlee [0:02:42] “A lot of the time when it comes to startup success, timing is the number one factor that causes businesses to fail. It's that important.” — @ericosiu [0:04:10] Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Wilson Lee on Twitter Wilson Lee on Instagram Eric Siu on Twitter Eric Siu on Instagram The Littles Leveling Up Leveling Up Heroes Growth Everywhere Single Grain