Success Advice
3 Strategies Houdini, Walt Disney, and Frank Sinatra Used To Create Celebrity Buzz

What in god’s name is Houdini, Disney, and Sinatra’s names doing in the same sentence? As a social coach and entrepreneur, I’ve discovered that one of the most powerful accelerators for each of these areas is your ability to create “Celebrity Buzz” about yourself.
Each of these great men achieved legendary success in their fields by deploying strategies to raise their “Celebrity” status. These are the same strategies used in order to create that magical “fairy dust” that compels people to assume that they should be listened to.
And while some of these strategies may inspire, shock, and even upset you; using any one of these could take your business, branding, or venture to the next level.
Here are three famous strategies that can change your life:
1. Harry Houdini’s strategy to create “buzz”
Houdini was one of history’s greatest escape artists. No one could match his ability to dazzle an audience with just a pair of handcuffs. However, it wasn’t just about the actual feat of getting out of the contraptions that made Houdini so successful. The man was an entertainer and master of suspense. Take for example, his reputation for accepting the most challenging handcuffs that anyone could come up with.
Imagine the excitement around this. He’d be on stage, rustling around with the cuffs out of plain sight. Imagination would be the audiences only guide. So they waited. And waited. And with every second that passed, it would feel as if time began to slow down completely.
All of a sudden a slight panic would spread across the audience..What if he’s stuck? What will that do to his career? He’s supposed to be unstoppable and yet..maybe he’s met his match..
Held in total suspense, the curtains would suddenly burst open! He’d snap the cuffs off, and thunderous applause would echo across the stadium. Houdini understood how to command attention using the colorful palette of people’s emotions.
“My brain is the key that sets my mind free.” – Harry Houdini
So how do you apply this in your business and life? People are drawn to the narrative of a worthy hero who overcomes difficulty. It’s inspiring and it moves them on a deep, emotional level.
Let’s say you’re running a seminar, or some kind of live event. As a speaker of your brand it’s so important to command people’s attention. If you’re well-practiced in your acting skills, you could easily create a similar pattern interrupt as if something were going wrong in your speech.
Although the small “mistake” may seem like a minor detail, it’s those details that linger in people’s heads. Make 100% sure you have this well-practiced. One of Houdini’s biggest lessons that he learned early on in life was to never practice in public.
2. Walt Disney’s strategy to create “buzz”
If you’ve ever read “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead” by Jerry Weintraub you may recall a story he shares about Disney. (In case you don’t know who Jerry Weintraub is: he brought back Sinatra’s career, took Elvis on tour, and virtually dominated the entertainment industry as a producer and agent single-handedly).
Weintraub had a meeting set up with Walt Disney in his early years as an agent where he was flown out to meet Disney in Los Angeles.
He arrives at Disney’s office and ends up waiting not 3 or 4 or even 5 hours. He waits 5 days until he is finally called in. Flustered and a bit intimidated by this point, Weintraub is sent through a long hallway, where all of Disney’s oscars are put up on display.
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” – Walt Disney
He opens the door, enters Disney’s massive and spacious office to find a focused Walt drawing at his desk. The “negotiation” doesn’t last too long. Weintraub listens to Disney’s request, agrees, and he’s out the door.
In retrospect, Jerry couldn’t help but respect Disney for creating that reputation and placing hoops in front of him to jump through.
So what does that mean for you and your social life, business, and relationships? No one who is easy to access is valued highly.
While I don’t think you should “fake” it, I do think it’s important to put a premium on your time and your attention. When you become more ruthless about your time and attention, this one strategy will make them, like Disney, seriously valuable commodities.
3. Frank Sinatra’s strategy to create “buzz”
Frank Sinatra’s life story is marked by a lot of drinking, socializing, and overall debauchery. At the same time, the man was able to fit in time to have one of the most successful music, movie, and business careers in history. The question on everyone’s mind: How?
Sinatra had a reputation throughout Hollywood for being extremely ruthless about his inner circle. He would bring in people of extremely high status who he wanted to learn from, and he’d subtly and not so-subtly adopt their behaviors.
He’d pick up little nuances, character traits, idiosyncrasies, down to the phraseology; molding them together to create his own character.
“I think my greatest ambition of life is to share with others what I know.” – Frank Sinatra
Just as he did that, you’ve got to do this in your business, social life, and even in your relationships. Get around these successful people in your life and adopt those little behaviors here and there to mold into your own personality and your branding.
Whether you know it or not, you’re constantly changing every second and every minute. Nothing is static. The people who I’ve seen become successful are the ones who continuously surround themselves with men who are far above they are.
George Clooney modeled Cary Grant; Sinatra modeled Humphrey Bogart; Julius Caesar modeled Alexander the Great. Modeling extraordinary people can help you figure out who you want to be and what you want to look like.
Which of these three is your favorite strategy and why? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
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These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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