Unlocking Wealth: Three Secrets from Elon Musk’s Playbook
By Elkanah Nyauma
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you got Elon Musk’s playbook? What if you could peek into his notes and discover the strategies that built his empire?
Myron Golden, in his insightful talk, delves into three profound “pages” from Elon Musk’s $274 billion playbook, offering actionable wisdom for anyone looking to build wealth and impact.
1. Start with a Prototype Framework: Build on What Already Works
Elon Musk’s playbook tip: Start smart, not from scratch
Stop Trying to Reinvent the Wheel
One of the most common pitfalls for aspiring entrepreneurs is the desire to invent something entirely new. We often feel compelled to create a groundbreaking idea or a never-before-seen method. However, Elon Musk’s approach with Tesla offers a different, more practical lesson: start with a prototype framework.
Tesla’s Smart Shortcut
When Tesla built its first production car, the Roadster, it wasn’t a ground-up invention. Instead, it was built on a Lotus frame — a lightweight, proven chassis. This strategic move allowed Tesla to focus on perfecting its electric technology rather than wasting time and resources on reinventing the physical car frame.
The Online Advantage: Use Existing Platforms
Golden emphasizes that this principle applies directly to modern entrepreneurship. Instead of trying to be the next ChatGPT, consider what frameworks already exist that you can build upon. The most pervasive and accessible example? The internet.
If you’re not generating revenue online, Golden argues, you’re “asleep at the wheel.” The internet is a massive, established platform waiting to be leveraged.
From Skepticism to Success
Golden shares how he initially doubted online commerce in the 90s, asking, “Why would somebody want to buy something on a computer when they can just go to the store?” Today, he laughs at his past thinking: “Why would anybody go to the store when you can buy online?”
Affiliate Marketing: Earn Without Starting from Scratch
Golden highlights affiliate marketing as an example of leveraging existing frameworks. He was inspired by Corey Rudl, who sold books online, and by Germaine Briggs, a 19-year-old making “$400,000 a year teaching piano by ear on the internet.”
Golden even jokes with Russell Brunson of ClickFunnels: “When I sell a ClickFunnels account I make 40% — sometimes I make more than you, and you started the company!”
Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use what works — the internet, affiliate programs, or existing products — to accelerate your journey to profit.
2. Sell a Premium Product First: Finance Your Dreams with High-Value Offers
Inspired by Elon Musk’s playbook: lead with premium
Start at the Top, Not the Bottom
The first Tesla Roadster sold for around $170,000. Musk didn’t aim for a mass-market car right away; he targeted a high-profit niche first.
Why Premium Products Matter
Many entrepreneurs think they need to start with cheap products to “ease in.” But a premium product delivers high margins that can fund bigger dreams. Musk used profits from Roadsters to develop more affordable Teslas.
Myron Golden’s Pricing Revelation
Golden shares that he priced his product so high he thought no one would buy it — yet two people did. This changed his mindset: if you solve a real problem, people will pay what it’s worth.
Over time, he kept raising prices. Eventually, people paid $35,000 for the same offer. He once asked friends why they weren’t selling $50,000 products. Their answer: “We don’t have a $50,000 offer.” When they created one, it sold quickly. Higher prices imply higher value. Your brand becomes premium by default, and customers are willing to pay for that exclusivity.
Launch with a high-ticket offer if it truly solves a problem. Use those profits to fuel your long-term vision and position your brand at the top.
3. State a Powerful, Promising Future: Inspire Movement, Not Just Sales
Use Elon Musk’s playbook to craft your vision
Selling a Vision, Not Just a Product
Musk’s goal with Tesla isn’t just selling cars; it’s saving the planet. This vision attracts passionate supporters, not just customers.
Rich First, Then Give
Golden bluntly says: “Rich people are not in the habit of contributing money to causes started by poor people.” His advice: become wealthy first, show you can manage your own money, and then others will trust you with theirs.
“If you don’t know what to do with your money to make it grow, how could you possibly know what to do with my money?”
Golden’s Own Vision
Golden’s vision isn’t purely about money. It’s rooted in biblical principles, teaching people to live a “more done than said” life.
He believes, “The Bible is the constitution of the universe.” He teaches business based on this belief, trusting that genuine faith and results will attract people, even those who initially disagree.
Create a Movement
Ask yourself: what grand vision are you inviting your customers into? When your mission transcends transactions, you create loyalty and deeper engagement.
Articulate a bold future that goes beyond your product. This vision transforms buyers into passionate advocates for your mission.
Your Turn to Apply the Elon Musk’s Playbook
By applying these three pages from Elon Musk’s strategy — leverage existing frameworks, lead with premium offers, and inspire with a powerful vision — you can build a business that not only creates wealth but also makes a lasting impact.
Ready to start?
What framework can you build upon?
What premium offer could you create?
And what grand future will you promise your audience?
The next chapter of your success story could start today.