Life is not about what you have — it’s about how you see what you have.
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to think differently just to get a shot?
This isn’t a story about slick sales tactics or being in the right circle.
It’s about mindset — the kind that turns “no access” into “new opportunity.”
Let me tell you a story I heard from Jesse Itzler, entrepreneur and co-founder of Marquis Jet, that perfectly captures what it means to think like an entrepreneur.
Back in the late ‘90s, Jesse was trying to make his first sale. He didn’t have fancy tools, marketing funnels, or a big network. What he did have was an idea: if he wanted to sell private jet services, he had to go where rich people were.
So, he flew to Monterey, California, where the TED conference was happening. He didn’t have a ticket — and they weren’t letting anyone near the place without one. But instead of turning around, Jesse observed. He noticed that every time there was a break at the conference, attendees would flood into the nearby coffee shop. And they all ordered the same thing: lattes and muffins.
That night, Jesse made a decision. The next morning, he woke up early, bought all the muffins in the coffee shop, and sat back. When attendees came in for their break, they were told there were no muffins left.
One of them — Josh Koppelman, a tech entrepreneur who had just sold his company for millions — turned to leave. Jesse stopped him and said, “I happen to have an extra muffin if you want one.”
They started chatting. Josh asked what Jesse did. Jesse told him about Marquis Jet.
Josh said, “You’ve got to be kidding — I’m actually in the market for a private jet.”
That conversation led to Jesse’s first sale.
Now here’s the kicker: Jesse says this isn’t a story about being a great salesperson — it’s about being someone who puts themselves in a position to attract luck.
💡 That’s the power of mindset.
It’s not always about being the best in the room — it’s about thinking differently, acting boldly, and being willing to go one step further than most people would.
Here are a few takeaways you can apply to your own journey:
- Observe before you act. Jesse noticed the muffin pattern before he made his move.
- Creativity opens doors that credentials can’t.
- Control what you can. He couldn’t get into the TED conference — but he could own the muffins.
- You don’t need permission to show up — just purpose.
- Luck favors the prepared, the present, and the bold.
Next time you’re stuck, ask yourself: “What’s the muffin in this situation?”
What small, creative move could shift the game in your favor?
Your big break might be one bold muffin move away.
With all my heart,
Salima
