(Total read time: 9 minutes)

THE APPETIZER

It’s official, I am a year older, and not sure if I am any wiser but I’m happy to pretend for now. That being said, this prompted me to launch a big debate…. Should we measure new years by January 1st? Or should we measure ourselves by the start of our birthdays? IMO:

One is easier to track, the other just makes more sense.

Your thoughts? Answer Below 👇

If you tuned into the last edition, I launched a new section of the newsletter #pattysprophecies. A list of predictions I have for the coming year that I add to every month as new developments happen both personally and professionally. 

Why? It helps me learn to trust my gut more than spur of the moment decisions. The more I am right, the more I learn to trust my intuition. After reading and studying the great leaders and CEO’s….(Think Elon, Jobs, Bezos, Blakely) one thing is common between all of these uncommon individuals. They have great intuition and they are even better  at making decisions that go against the crowd. 

I figured testing myself against myself is the best way to learn to trust myself. I recommend you do the same. Here is my list and the tool I use to outline in written format! What do you think I am wrong/right about? Let’s debate! 

(LINK)

And with that, Sit back, relax, and remember to please enjoy my sauce.

- Patrick Frank

PAT’S SNAPPLE CAP

• Product Hunts Golden Kitty Awards are out!!Check out the best new tech products of the year: (LINK) 

• The best personal finance subscription for business owners & founders: (LINK) 

• Make yourself an Ai. Avatar and produce unlimited video content:  (LINK)

• The personal health test I did to optimize my inner age and longevity: (LINK) 

• The definitive guide on how to optimize chat bots for brand marketing (LINK) 

The modern world is becoming a crazy place run by technology…. Robots, ai, automations…. At some point or another all of us have thought… Am I going to be replaced? Well if that thought ever creeps up, remember this quote: 

THE MAIN COURSE

HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT NETWORK TO BE RICH AND FAMOUS

We all know the famous Tony Robbins quote: “Your network is your net worth.” And while it makes for a great Instagram caption, most people miss the real point.

Because just like money, it’s not what you have…It’s what you do with it that counts.

There are infinite definitions of what it means to be “rich” and “famous.” To some, it’s a seven-figure bank account and VIP access. To others, it’s a tight-knit circle of incredible people who make life feel meaningful and have enough in the bank to live a good life. 

But here’s the truth:
You only get to be rich and famous in your own world.
Your world and who you bring into it to share it with are the only things you have actually control over. 

Want to be rich (in character) and famous (in your own world)? Forget clout-chasing and yacht parties with people who wouldn’t notice if you fell overboard. Here’s the real playbook:

Step 1: BUILDING THE PERFECT ROSTER 

Most people chase wealthy, successful, well-connected people like they’re collecting Pokémon cards. Wrong move. You will just look like a leach to people who would actually be able to offer those things. 

How to do it:

• Look at where you are, who you are around, and ask yourself what is missing that would fill your cup?

• Is your current network dragging you back? 

• Do you feel stuck in doing the same things, having the same conversations?

It’s important to know where the gaps are in order to figure out who you need to find to fill them in your life. Think about your personal network like a championship team. You can’t play every role so it is first important to identify which role you play and which ones you already have filled. Then seek out the rest.

THE PERFECT ROSTER: (Who you need in your world)

The Dad: – This isn’t about age; this is the person who keeps you and your accountable. They know all of the personalities, they know when to call people out and how to handle the biggest problems and curate experiences. This is the hardest role to play and is basically the coach of the team. 

The Planner: The one who makes shit happen. They turn ideas into reality, coordinate the trips, book the dinners, and keep the group from descending into chaos.

The Thinker:  A walking TED Talk. Expands your mind, challenges your perspectives, and makes you consider the deeper meaning of things and helps make sense of the difficulties you encounter in your life. They are your confidant and great personal problem solvers and know how to elevate any conversation or situation. 

The Contrarian: Disagrees with you on just about everything but in a way that sharpens your thinking. They’re a necessary counterbalance and prevent you from living in an echo chamber.

The Party Favor: Brings the energy, the fun, and the unexpected. If they’re not at the event, it’s noticeably worse. This is everyone's best friend and is a must have at any trip or get together. 

The Instigator: Pushes you to take risks, make the bold move, put yourself out there when you’d normally play it safe. They push everyone to do bigger and better things and are there to help guide the way where they can. 

The Jester:  Life’s too serious without one around. They know how to make anyone laugh, open up any conversation and prevent awkwardness in any room.  

The Loyals: The ride or dies. No agenda, no BS. Just pure, unshakable support. Many times these might be individuals you don’t see as often but always show up. Mandatory that you find your 2-3 ride or dies to be there when no one else is. 

The Connector: This person knows everyone and actually loves making introductions. They expand your world faster than anyone else. They love bringing people together and elevating their surroundings. 

Step 2: Become a Person People Actually Want to Know & Support

This is what a lot of people get wrong… a lot of the time. People think that having nice things, being a try hard, having money, or fame will make people want to be around you. Well you will definitely have people who want to be around you… the problem is, those are the wrong peolpe. 

If you lead with accomplishments and assets, you become novelty. And novelty gets replaced the second something shinier comes along.

How to do this right:

Simple. Be interesting, be interested, be valuable, be giving, and be dependable.

This isn’t a Hallmark card lesson—it’s a framework for giving others an actual experience that makes them want to keep you in their world.

1. Be Interesting: Have something going on. Build things, create things, pursue what excites you. People are inspired by personal journeys. Find what your journey is and pursue it. No need to overshare, people will ask. Be humble when you share. 

2. Be InterestED: Learn to put others first and to ask better questions. People love talking about themselves. Put them in the spotlight. Make them feel like a celebrity. Be genuine with your engagement. If they are not doing something you are interested in, move on. You will find someone who is and who you want to be around. It is easy to spot fake conversationalists. Learn to want to learn about others. 

3.  Be Giving: Offer value first, expect nothing. Introduce people, share your insights, share your resources, support their work and personal journeys. This can be done in small ways and BIG ways. Send an article that reminds you of them, share a tool you found that you think might help them in their work. Introduce them to that secret resource that helps you. Everyone wins. 

4. Be Dependable: Show up. Every. Damn. Time. Your word is your bond and is what keeps your reputation strong. If you flake, if you disappear, if you’re all talk and no action people will quickly release and leave you behind. The world remembers who they can count on.

5. Be Unique & Own Your Domain: Don’t try to be everybody’s favorite person. Be yourself, unapologetically. People crave authenticity in a world where we see highlight reels on social media while we feel as though we are living our own gag reel. Your uniqueness is your biggest asset… And even if you don’t feel unique… Remember that you ARE. 

Step 3: Maintain Your Network Like a Michelin-Starred Chef

Your network is like a great bottle of wine. Stored correctly, it gets better with time. But if you just leave it on the counter? It turns to vinegar.

The trick isn’t just meeting great people; it’s actually staying connected to them. A network isn’t a one-time event. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem that thrives with consistent effort and dies when neglected.

1. Check-Ins (A Little Effort, Big Impact)
   The easiest way to stay top of mind? Shoot a quick text, voice note, or DM.

• “Saw this and thought of you.”

• “This reminded me of our convo about X.”

• “Hope you’re crushing it—let’s catch up soon!”
  Boom. You’re now back on their radar without being that guy who only reaches out when they need something.

2. Plan Something (Be the Glue)
   Don’t just wait for events to happen. Make them happen.

• Host a dinner. (high-value networking hack)

• Plan a trip. A weekend getaway or a total vacation. No better way to bring the right people together.

• Go to an event: No better way to build long term memories than new experiences. Find something fun and send out the invite. 

The people who actively curate their circles end up being the center of influence.

3. Small Things. Big Ways (Low Effort, High ROI)
   It’s not about grand gestures. It's about consistency.

• Pay the bill at dinner. Small cost. High Return. 

• Send them a fun gift that reminded you of them. 

• Tee them up in a conversation as a domain authority 

• Send them an intro that actually benefits them

These take 5 minutes and builds long-term equity.

4. Shoutouts (Make Your People Look Good)
   We all have that one friend who hyped us up to the right person at the right time.
   Be that friend.

• Publicly recognize their work

• Quote tweet, share, or invite them to an event that they could benefit from.

• Tell people how awesome they are when they’re not in the room

Real ones remember who put their name in the hat.

5. Support the Wins (Always)
   Your friends launch something, win an award, get featured somewhere? Hype them up.

• Buy the product

• Leave the review

• Engage with their work

• Show up when it matters

You know what happens when you do this? You build a network that WANTS to see you win too.

Step 4: Become Rich & Famous. 

If you do all of the above correctly, here’s what happens:

You become rich. No, not with commas in your bank account, but in opportunities, ideas, and relationships that open doors money can’t buy. The kind of wealth that compounds over time and makes life  interesting.

You become famous. Not internet famous. Not Forbes famous. But known, respected, and trusted by the people who actually matter. The ones who pick up when you call, invite you into the room, and go out of their way to help you win.

You build a moat. No more begging for a seat at the table. You become the table. The person people want to be around, not because of clout, but because of who you are and what you bring to the room.

And suddenly, you realize:

Being rich and famous isn’t about numbers. It’s about feeling like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, surrounded by the right people, doing work that matters.

That’s the kind of wealth and status that never fades.

So to all of you that share this life beside me. Thank you. You are all the real ones and the ones that make MY LIFE worth living.

THE SAUCE

Patty’s Picks (LINK TO THE OFFICIAL LIST)

What you have all been waiting for: When it comes to Italian, every one has an opinion as a hot headed Italian guido. So when I have a recommendation for my favorite Italian in all of San Diego, I definitely approach it with caution but confidence. 

Enter my favorite Italian Restaurant In San Diego: Catania

⭐️ Official Patty’s Picks Rating: 8.7

Why?

An almost secret little rooftop with a partial ocean view in La Jolla basically makes you feel like you are in the Mediterranean. Their outdoor reso on the west desk is non-negotiable for booking a table here. Catania is one of the few restaurants in all of La Jolla that survived the pandemic and today is still thriving. There is not one bad thing on the menu and that is a big statement considering they change it based on the season. The drink and wine menu is lack luster but play the pro-card and bring a bottle from the cellar that pairs with Mediterranean Italian. Think Tempranillo or Borolo. 

Patty’s Go To: 

There are few perfect 10’s of dishes in the world and Catania is the owner of one of them. The Charred Octopus is the best I have ever had in the world. I stand by this statement and have yet to be proven wrong. 

The signature dish: Duck Orchiette…. One that never comes off the menu no matter the season is the second go-to must have. Add on any of the pizzas or arancini as the last dish and you are good to go. Catania is a certified Patty’s Pick. 

Patty Hack: Unlock VIP Status ☝️

Send a drink to the kitchen. They’ll ring a bell (no joke), and suddenly, service magically improves.  Try it. Send the drink. Tag me when the bell rings.

Final Verdict

Catania is a Michelin-starred gem that actually deserves it. If you want the best Italian in SD with the best ocean views and the best octopus of your life—this is the spot.

📍 Catania | La Jolla, San Diego
🔗 Website

DOMAIN DADDY

The Domain: www.housechardonnay.com

Whats the easiest wine order at any venue or event? The “house” wine. It’s the go-to bottle taht is just good enough to be classy while keeping it real on the cost. 

Enter House Chardonnay:

The official fuel of book clubs, PTA meetings that should’ve been emails, and those “just one glass” nights that turn into three.

The Idea:

Not all heroes wear capes, and not all wine needs to break the bank. House Chardonnay is the go-to white wine. Affordable enough to be the default pour at restaurants, yet smooth enough that you always have a couple bottles stocked at home.

The Market?

Moms. Millennials. House Wine Loyalists™. The people who don't pretend to be sommeliers but know what doesn’t taste like lighter fluid. This is Chardonnay that the house always chooses. And remember the HOUSE always wins. 

The Tagline?

"For nights in, nights out, and nights you don’t want to remember.” 

The Final Pitch: 

Wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. It has to be consistent. And that’s what House Chardonnay would be: An easy pour, no-BS, guaranteed hit that belongs in every fridge, restaurant, and home bar.

Someone has to fund this….

Want this business/domain? 

Hit me up and let’s talk. [email protected]

THE SECRET SAUCE DIGITAL VAULT: FREE DOWNLOADS & RESOURCES. Some love from me to YOU! 🫵

Digital Downloads:

• Guide To Virtual Assistants E-Book: Everything you need to clone yourself, build a superhero VA team, and scale smarter, not harder. (LINK) 

• Financial Model Templates: Stop winging it. Get easy to use models and guidebooks for B2B SaaS, eCommerce, and DTC businesses. (LINK) 

• Do's & Don'ts of Startups:  Avoid the same dumb mistakes me and  99% of founders make. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what will definitely burn your time & money. (LINK)

•  Founder Roles Workbook: Know exactly what your role should evolve into at every stage of your startup. No more founder identity crises. (LINK) 

Until next time! I hope you enjoyed my sauce.

- Patrick Frank