Think back to the 90s. What was life like for those creative entrepreneurs hungry for a taste of success?

If you wanted to start a record label, how would you do it? If you wanted to write a book, how would you do it? If you wanted to become a filmmaker, how would you do it?

The short answer? You wouldn’t. Plain and simple.

Reasons it was hard to get picked back in the day

Average folks like us lacked the technology and the blueprint to create something of our own. The gatekeepers, those major companies with millions and billions bankrolling their operations, had the game locked down. I’m talking maximum security.

They weren’t giving up their control for anything.

The major record labels controlled when a single was released and when the public got to hear your music for the first time. If you weren’t signed to a major label, good luck getting to the top of the Billboard 200.

The major publishing houses controlled whose names we saw on the shelves of our local bookstores. If you weren’t with a major publishing house, good luck getting on the New York Times bestseller

The major film distribution companies weren’t messing around either. If you had an indie film, good luck getting more folks than your parents and your college roommates to see it.

[Tweet “But the gatekeepers got lazy. Que the new wave of entrepreneurs! #TrafficSalesProfit”]

Instead of adapting to the times, they got left behind. They got stuck in the way things used to be and missed all the signs that people like me and you would soon be able to take control of our destiny without their help.

At every corner, regular people like us ran into constant road blocks, caution tape and do not enter signs. Now that the gatekeepers are gone, most of the roads are free and clear.

How I was able to pick myself as CEO

Technology is cheaper and easier than ever to use. If you have an internet connection and a desire to succeed, you have the opportunity to build your legacy.

This is your time to get in and make things happen while the gatekeepers are slacking.

Before, when the gatekeepers were running things, it was all about who you knew. In order to achieve a certain level of success, you had to wait to be picked by the people in charge. You had to depend on a middleman who would in turn connect you to an audience.

But those days are over. Now the game is open to anyone.

It’s time for you to shift out of the “Pick me! Pick me!” mindset and stop waiting for people to come to you!

I want you to transform your thinking to the point where you are ready to take your talents to the masses.

[Tweet “In your business, YOU are the originator, the MIDDLEMAN, the final product. #TrafficSalesProfit”]

You no longer have to look for hand outs. You can give yourself a hand and leg up into your desired industry.

Do me a favor. Take a minute and say this to yourself.

“I’m going to take it to the people. I’m going to connect directly with my customer. I don’t have to beg anyone to see my talent, skills or potential. The people who need what I provide are waiting for me to deliver. And there’s no one standing in my way”.

Did you feel that? If you didn’t, try putting your cup of coffee down and re-reading the previous paragraph until it sinks in.

I’ll wait.

Now that you’ve read and re-read the paragraph above, print it out and post it to your desk. Go home and tape it to your bathroom mirror, refrigerator or night stand. Wherever you’ll see it the most throughout your day. Internalize it; and refer back to it often.

What happened once I hired myself

As many of you already know, my wife and I started our blog BlackandMarriedwithKids.com back in 2007 but the journey didn’t stop there.

We had to GRIND and double down every day and we still do. As a matter of fact, we never stop grinding. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the same is true as you build own business.

But we did, learn some ways to take advantage of the gatekeepers absence as we started to build our platform. Here’s some tactics I used once we hired ourselves.

• We used social media to connect directly with our customers.
• We implemented a strategy to drive social media fans to our website then capture their contact information.
• We implemented a customer relationship management tool to store lead and customer data.
• We learned how to market to our online leads and turn them into customers.

The Catch

Now while I’m giving you insider secrets to success, I feel I should also mention that the gatekeeper does not like being gone. They don’t like being removed and they most likely won’t be gone forever. So it’s time to take your passion to the next level while you still can. The generation before you didn’t have this opportunity but you do.

The question is: will you take advantage of it?

These are some of my best explanations for diving into entrepreneurship NOW . Remember, YOU have to be your number one cheerleader. Trust me, you have what it takes to score on all your goals.

Now on a sheet of paper, write down three things that you can pitch about yourself and your business at any given time.

No one should know you better than you right?

Also make sure you join our FREE Facebook group called Traffic, Sales & Profit with Lamar Tyler and grab your paperback copy of my book The Gatekeepers Are Gone: Hustle + Technology = Success for free when you just pay shipping and handling.

See you soon!

-Lamar