Dan Bilzerian: All Hail The King Of IG There is always that one person that has to floss and show off everything they own on Instagram. As you obsessively stalk their profile, you think, "ugh, how lame, what a show off, don't they have a life…I wish I were them." Dan Bilzerian is probably that guy. Let's face it, as much as we secretly loath social media celebs, aren't you just the least bit curious how they did it? Who Is This Guy? Dan Bilzerian is not your average social media icon. This venture capitalist is an accomplished poker player, stunt actor, and entrepreneur. At the young age of 34, he's done just a little more than most. Folks began to take interest in Dan, after photos of his lavish lifestyle became viral in 2013. To date, he has approximately 8.2 million Instagram followers, and as accumulated a net worth of $100 million dollars. Day after day, Dan posts everything from larges heaps of cash, to private jets, luxurious yacht parties, to him doing extreme sports. And of course, he's always surrounded by a bevy of beauties. This guy. Besides showing off his lavish lifestyle, he's got quite the reputation. It's a little…sordid, shall we say? His father was a hugely successful Wall Street corporate takeover specialist, who ultimately ended up filing for bankruptcy. Still, Dan chose to carve his own unique path. He decided to enter the Navy in 1999, but was subsequently kicked out for mouthing off profanities to the commanding officer. He was also kicked out of a Miami nightclub, after kicking a model in the face, when he was protecting one of his female friend's during an altercation. (Charges were dropped FYI) Dan is nothing, if not the ultimate thrill seeker. But Dan isn't all show. After viewing a YouTube video of a struggling family, with 6 special needs children, Bilzerian immediately stepped in to financially assist. He's also got a huge heart for animals. At anytime, you can see him posting pics of cuddly creatures on his IG. Aww, the big guy has a heart. What Can We Learn From Dan? • Smile, America is Watching. It's important that, even if you're broke (and we're not saying that Dan is) but you should never show it. Never let people see you sweat. Danny boy always as a smile on his face, and for good reason. • Diversify Your Portfolio. Would we know who Dan was if he just stuck to acting? Would Dan be the billionaire that he is today, if he hadn't decided to start playing poker? Who knows? But the odds are likely that because he chose to keep his career options open, it gave him more of an opportunity to thrive financially. Don't feel confined to just one job, or career, ever.
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Become Your Own Unique Brand. What is it about you that people would find interesting? Perhaps you don’t have boatloads of cash, or maybe you're not even that cute, but what about you is special? Fluent in 5 languages? Take awesome selfies? Are you a fitness buff? Whatever that thing is, make it your own brand, and capitalize on it. Dan even sells his own t-‐shirts with just his last name on them. If that's not genius, I don't know what is. Then, Promote, promote, promote. Now isn't the time to be shy. Dan certainly isn't.
Sure, some people may look at Dan and think, "yeah, great for him, but that will never happen to me." But what Dan teaches is an ideology, a life philosophy that we should all subscribe to. Life is about taking it by the horns, and kicking its ass. In the illustrious words of Aleister Crowley, "Do What Thou Wilt" -‐ okay, maybe not quote a guy that worships the devil. But you get the point. Start brainstorming, and finding out what your strengths and passions are. Who knows? With enough talent and drive, you could be the Dan Bilzerian.