The Legend of the “Million Dollar Napkin”
Posted on by Ryan Deiss in Marketing Tips
Back in 2006, a good friend bet me that I couldn’t write out my entire business model on a single napkin.
I took his bet, and right then and there – in the bar at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, TX – I grabbed a cocktail napkin and drew out my business model. What I wrote on that napkin has easily been worth many MILLIONS to me, which is why I now refer to it as my “Million Dollar Napkin”.
I’ve never shared the contents of this napkin with the public, but for a limited time you can see it with your own eyes in the video below:
(Click the image below to open the video in a new window.)
203 Responses to “The Legend of the “Million Dollar Napkin””
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December 29, 2008
[...] internet marketing gurus on this planet. DrivingTraffic.com is where he shares some of his juiciest internet marketing strategies that have brought him the most [...]
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December 8, 2008
[...] fact, KC put me on to this cracker of a video, which I really like, because it outlines a model of marketing on the internet that is really [...]
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October 14, 2008
[...] on over to his million dollar napkin site, or to his blog the Internet Traffic Report to watch these videos. I believe it will be an eye opener for [...]
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September 4, 2008
[...] http://drivingtraffic.com/million-dollar-napkin/ [...]




Joane Cazaree
27. Jul, 2011
I do enjoy the way you have presented this particular matter and it does indeed give us some fodder for thought. On the other hand, because of just what I have personally seen, I basically trust when the actual feedback stack on that individuals remain on point and don’t start upon a tirade associated with some other news of the day. Yet, thank you for this fantastic point and while I do not agree with this in totality, I regard your point of view.
Make Honest Money Fast
07. Jul, 2011
Hi,
It is a good thing you never spilled anything on that napkin, huh?
Thanks for sharing the great info.
Scott
Jack Delfelder
02. Feb, 2011
I am not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission.
Wymetto
20. Jan, 2011
Thanks Ryan – you ROCK!
Peter Paluska
06. Oct, 2010
This is priceless! Yes, we should be able to write out our business model in its essence on a cocktail napkin and until we CAN do that we are not effective entrepreneurs. Thank you for your marvelous example, Ryan!
Texas Heat
02. May, 2010
Cool, there is actually some great ideas on here some of my subscribers may find this relevant, I will send them a link, many thanks.
Damien Seidensticker
20. Mar, 2010
I am glad that I found this information. I am the type of person that loves to be inspired. Whether it be with regards to home life or business. This blog has some great posts and your posts inspire me to be productive and has given me ideas to move forward.
MD.NURUL ALAM ARMAN
14. Mar, 2010
THANKS YOUR COMITMENT
Peter
03. Oct, 2009
To me is an excellent example of using SEO to get new leads and combining it with excellent videos and what Ryan does best; write copy!
Hengki
22. May, 2009
Hey Ryan,
Thanks for the Video you really show ‘The Big Picture’
Great idea I like your napkin approach!
Your napkin is real easy to follow, a definate
goldmine blueprint. Thank you for the scematics.
All the Best,
To your Happy Inspiration,
belajar wordpress
13. Apr, 2009
I will cek your Million Dollar Napkin, thanks.
John
13. Mar, 2009
Thank you Jeff,
You certainly have a way at upselling.
Your napkin is real easy to follow, a definate
goldmine blueprint. Thank you for the scematics.
Once I have everything in place, I know the money will
funnel in. Patience is a virtue and time is of the essence.
Keep up the great training.
del chatterson
18. Jan, 2009
Hi Ryan,
I like your material and respect your approach so maybe you can get me the $97.00 credit your support@drivingtraffic has been stonewalling me on.
It’s a simple request to reverse the Mastercard charge which was billed in error for the “one month FREE” as advertised.
I’ve already exchanged too many e-mails and have finally had to request a chargeback. It would be easier for us both if you would just process the credit.
I’d appreciate your attention to this matter. (No need to post this comment)
Thanks, Del Chatterson
Bill
10. Jan, 2009
Awesome! Some of the best information I have come across on “real” secrets behind successful eBusinesses. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Roger Fitzsimonds
02. Jan, 2009
Thank you for providing thisd very interesting info. I am a nubie here but I am researching all that i can. so thenkyou for the explination of your “napkin”.
Roger
Christian Soyo
02. Jan, 2009
Hey RYAN DEISS!
You are just getting the ticket to the world biggest internet market LEADER , your small free course are inspiring and adding value to the life of people stuck days and night trying to make money work for them but end up working for money.
well done! ryan deiss
YOU THE BEST.
christian
CEO OF THE SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRES SCHOOL
Mike D
01. Jan, 2009
Hi Ryan,
I’ve just finished my 365 day plan for 2009 and know exactly what I have to do each day to reach my goals. At least I thought I did! Your videos have basically thrown most of my plans out of the window because they made me realise that I’m doing exactly what most are doing.
I’m now going to re-set everything up as per your videos. I can’t wait to put everything into action.
Thank you Ryan, your videos are brilliant and I can now see the light after 3 years of struggling on line.
Michelle
30. Dec, 2008
Hey Ryan,
Thanks for the info. I am going to start working on this right away.
~Michelle
http://freedomin90days.ws
john leonard
29. Dec, 2008
Ryan, First Class! Good information, you present it very well, I learned so much from listening to you, Thank You1 Take Care and GOD Bless!
Paul
29. Dec, 2008
The volume is missing.
JEFF BROOKS
28. Dec, 2008
Ryan
Great video!
Thanks for sharing the info! It’s a great help to newbies like me.
Gerald S.
16. Dec, 2008
Hey Guys,
Thanks for sharing these great videos and a piece of your business success.
Happy Holidays,
Gerald
Mattie
15. Dec, 2008
Thanks, Mattie
Claudia Miller
13. Dec, 2008
Hi Ryan,
This is great information. Thanks for sharing so generously.
All the best!
Claudia
Cory Boatright
29. Nov, 2008
Ryan,
Killer information that really helps with perspective for my upcoming launch. Tim Mai and I have been working on it and it would have been great to meet you at Tim’s JV party.
Looking forward to that some day soon.
Remember… be a servant,
Cory Boatright
Loss Mitigation Specialist
http://www.ShortSaleology.com
Frankie Teo
16. Nov, 2008
A brilliant business model & a great invention of the ‘Million Dollar Napkin”. That’s everyone dream.
I love your creativity.
Cheers,
Frankie
http://www.traffictacticsrevealeddiscover.com/
Holden Efijy
26. Oct, 2008
Hey Ryan,
Thanks for this great info, so professionally presented. I am going out to buy some napkins right now!
Harry McKay
24. Oct, 2008
You gotta know the Information Marketing business inside and out to make
it all work. From lead generation, self-liquidating offers, upsells, big ticket items, and continuity programs like membership sites.
The best course I have ever found that teaches 52 different types of information products as well as 28 different marketing systems to sell those information products is by Janet Switzer at
http://www.how-experts-build-empires.com
Hope that helps. Learn from Janet and Ryan and you’ll be way ahead of the pack.
Jan Kaptein
24. Oct, 2008
Hi Ryan,
Great stuff you showed us here in this video!
So I can’t wait to watch the next one.
Count me in your funnel and show me your continuity products.
Jan
Have you checked out Cagora yet? http://dublin.cagora.com/ad40
Connecting people, Businesses and Community groups
My Cagora Profile: http://dublin.cagora.com/people/yankey
Nedko Nedkov
23. Oct, 2008
this is the best ever marketing model i saw ! this napkin costs actually 1 million !
Lori Moreno
23. Oct, 2008
Hi Ryan!
I love your Millionaire Napkin and the logic and intelligent strategy behind it.
Thank you for sharing that will us!
Have an Incredible Week!
Lori Moreno
Jody
23. Oct, 2008
Ryan, Thank you for sharing such great and free content. I have watched three of your videos and am blown away by everything you shared. Your material was easy to follow. The progression was so logical with the blueprints and flowcharts. I was very impressed with your teaching. You seemed prepared, you presented clearly and then reviewed before moving on. I learned alot. Thank you!
Steve BroINSIDER Metcalfe
23. Oct, 2008
Hey Ryan,
I really liked your presentation. You are a fantastic talker and I love that continuity concept. This is also an element I’m including in my business that’s currently in progress.
The continuity concept is also something I see and hear Russel Brunsen has and he’s got the runs on the board to prove it as well.
Also, a very big thankyou for all the information you shared in Video 3.
Yep, I saw video 3 and then went back to video 1 to see what it was all about.
Keep up the awesome work.
Cheers,
Steve
http://BroINSIDER.com
Zach Kong
22. Oct, 2008
Wow! You have really opened my eyes to your model of continuity. I have always been sold on the importance of setting up a membership sites however never did anyone provide such a detailed blueprint like what you did on your continuity model.
I am impressed. In fact, I really learn so much more from your free video then what I did from the products which I have bought earlier on!
Keep up the good job Ryan!
Regards,
Zach
blaire allison
22. Oct, 2008
Wow – so great! Thanks for sharing! You rock
Lots of love!
Wishing you the best in love,
Blaire Allison
http://www.loveguru.net – for women
http://www.datingtipsfordudes.com – for men
Shoofly
22. Oct, 2008
Great plan. I need to develop this to fit my webstore. I’m going to the other videos now!
Thanks,
Shoofly
Carolyn K. Perry
22. Oct, 2008
Ryan,
This is the one of the most efficient complete basic marketing plans I have ever seen and I have seen a bunch. I do have to ask whether you ever offer free items for opt in? Also, do you play with price points or exit offers at the “small ticket step”?
Thanks for a great video!
Sheri Ruston
22. Oct, 2008
Hi Ryan,
Thank you so much for the great video. I really learned a lot and look forward to learning more from you!
http://www.energyinmotionfl.com
John Hollingsworth
22. Oct, 2008
Ryan, Joel Comm told me to get in touch with you. Let me know when you have a minute.
PS nice napkin plan. The smarter you are, the simpler you can break things down.
Ryan Maxwell
22. Oct, 2008
Ryan,
Great video there. I’ve taken the notes down and sincerly intend to implement them into my next project. Simple – but effective. I’ll check ou the other two video’s too. Thanks!
Michael
22. Oct, 2008
Ryan, this model is very much the “secret” weapon. Residual income as described in continuity, is now the very best way to keep your funnel up and going. Thanks for reassuring my own insight and the added pluses to continud sales to customers. I look forward to your next video.
Elsa
22. Oct, 2008
CLEAR, SPECIFIC, RICH IN INFO, USEFUL!
I have heard similar stuff, but never in such a clear, organized way, full of easy to understand figures. Wonderful! Great! I’m recommending this, and will be implementing lots. You are a super teacher! I have to hold myself back from putting exclamation marks everywhere. Elsa
roslan
22. Oct, 2008
thank you…for your info
Pablo Gomez
22. Oct, 2008
A SUPER Simple business model that meets SUPER Lucrative Results…I guess that summarizes continuity!
Patricia
21. Oct, 2008
I did not see the whole video but what I saw was very interesting. I wish you prosperity, in so doing I am wishing my own self prosperity. I did this for a particullar reason most people look at the idea of others, not recognizing that we could have something others can learn from for I believe it comes from inside out. We must have faith in ourselves, this way we will perceive right from wrong immediately. Continue teaching, for thats what you are doing giving information, and as we all know without proper information we will be still in the dark ages.
Aj
21. Oct, 2008
Ryan,
YOU ROCK! Been to a couple of DK events covering same topic, but not broke down as well as you just did. Now I just need you to create something for DELEGATION, because I have more ideas then I can possibly complete and frustration is building!
What do you suggest? I feel Iif I don’t step it up, I am missing my window.
Aj
Darren Webb
21. Oct, 2008
Fantastic first video of the napkin story
Well worth listening and watching
Thanks
Virgilio Vallecera
21. Oct, 2008
hello,
Kindly send more information regarding your napkin..
its me
http://www.miss-universe-file.blogspot.com
Kinpolo
21. Oct, 2008
Nice video