Have you ever wondered why some entrepreneurs seem to command instant credibility — before they ever pitch a product or service? Or why certain names carry weight the moment they enter a room?
In today's digital-first world, authority is built by owning your ideas. And few people understand that better than Tyler Wagner.
Tyler Wagner is a No. 1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and investor who has built multiple eight-figure businesses through systems, strategic partnerships, and long-term brand thinking. As the Founder and CEO of Authors Unite, Tyler has helped more than 4,000 authors publish, position, and market their books — supporting millions of copies sold and bestseller placements across every major platform.
In this episode, Tyler breaks down how books become brand assets, why partnerships outperform ads, and how owning your intellectual property can scale your business for a lifetime.
From College Dropout to Bestselling Author
Tyler's entrepreneurial journey didn't start with a perfectly mapped plan — it started with a book. After reading The 4-Hour Workweek in college, Tyler made the bold decision to drop out and pursue entrepreneurship full time. Instead of classrooms, he invested in conferences, relationships, and real-world experience — even volunteering at events just to get in the room.
That experience led him to write his first book, Conference Crushing, which unexpectedly hit No. 1 on Amazon. What followed was a realization that would shape his career: people weren't just interested in the book — they wanted the credibility that came with it. That insight became the foundation of Authors Unite.
Today, Tyler helps entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders turn their expertise into books that drive authority, visibility, and scalable business growth.
Why Partnerships Beat Paid Ads Every Time
While many businesses obsess over funnels and ad spend, Tyler built his companies almost entirely through relationships. Authors Unite has grown through thousands of strategic partnerships — without relying on unpredictable ad platforms.
By focusing on relational marketing, referral ecosystems, and aligned collaborations, Tyler created a model where trust transfers faster, sales cycles shorten, and growth compounds over time. His approach proves that relationships — not algorithms — remain the most powerful growth lever in business.
The result? Sustainable scale, consistent leads, and a brand that grows stronger with every connection.
Enjoy this episode with Tyler Wagner…
Soundbytes
03:19 – 04:08
"I feel like school is always giving you the statistics of nine out of 10 businesses failing and things like that. It puts fear in you: 'I could never do this.' Either way, I knew I always wanted to, but I felt the odds were against me. After reading [The 4-Hour Workweek], I felt like the odds were on my side for some reason. Before two weeks had ended, I set up a meeting with my school counselor. 'Do we have an entrepreneurship major?' They said, 'We don't, but we have a management major.' I said, 'No, that's not good enough for me. That's not what I'm looking for.' So I literally dropped out of school two weeks after reading that book."
26:32 – 26:46
"Becoming a bestselling author is the No. 1 thing, because the biggest people in all industries that are that, are putting that first. To me, that's what's benefited me the most, because I put that on all my socials. It also shows that I practice what I preach, too."
Quotes
"A book isn't just a product — it's a personal brand asset."
"Relationships will always outperform ads in the long run."
"Authority comes from owning your ideas, not renting attention."
"The biggest brands lead with credibility before they ever sell."
Links mentioned in this episode:
From Our Guest
Website: https://authorsunite.com
Connect with Tyler Wagner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerbwagner/
Connect with Tyler Wagner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerbwagner/
Connect with Tyler Wagner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.b.wagner.1/
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