Why I Never Burn Bridges: A $10M Networking Secret | Noah Kara DSH #935

Summary

Digital Social Hour Podcast Summary
Episode: Why I Never Burn Bridges: A $10M Networking Secret | Noah Kara DSH #935
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Dana White
Release Date: November 30, 2024

---

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a profound conversation with Dana White, delving into the intricate dynamics of networking, podcast growth, and the invaluable principle of never burning bridges. The discussion offers a blend of personal anecdotes, strategic insights, and actionable advice, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and podcast enthusiasts.

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Key Discussion Points

1. The Philosophy of Never Burning Bridges

Noah Kara emphasizes the longevity of life and the unpredictability of future interactions in the professional sphere. He states:

"Life is very long. Like never burn a bridge because you never know how things are gonna circle back."
— Noah Kara [00:54]

This philosophy underpins his approach to networking and relationship-building, advocating for maintaining positive connections regardless of current circumstances.

2. Noah Kara’s Networking Success with Limited Followers

Despite having a modest following—2,500 Instagram followers and 180 YouTube subscribers—Noah has secured high-profile guests like Ryan Garcia and Dana White. He attributes this success to his bold, "go big or go home" mentality:

"A lot of grinding behind the scenes that people don't see. A lot of fucking sleepless nights, stress days, stressful days."
— Noah Kara [02:19]

Dana White commends Noah's ability to attract significant guests, highlighting that such achievements are a testament to Noah's effective strategies and relentless work ethic.

3. Overcoming Industry Gatekeeping and Rejection

Noah discusses the challenges of dealing with gatekeeping and being blackballed in the industry. He underscores the importance of persistence and creative thinking:

"You just got to think outside the box. Just, like, always, like... be creative in different ways, connecting the dots."
— Noah Kara [03:49]

Dana echoes this sentiment, reinforcing that persistence is crucial, but also recognizing that thinking differently can set one apart in a saturated market.

4. Strategies for Podcast Growth

Dana White provides Noah with strategic advice on scaling his podcast:

• Leverage Early Success: Utilize the impact of high-profile guests to attract more listeners and secure additional guests.

  "You already started with some bangers, so those are going to get good views and you could leverage that to just get more guests."
  — Dana White [08:30]

• Paid Advertising: Consider running paid ads to increase visibility and attract a broader audience.

  "You might have to run some paid ads behind it."
  — Dana White [08:44]

• Expand Platforms: Launch the podcast on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts to reach a wider audience.

  "You're not on Apple podcast yet."
  — Dana White [09:51]

Dana also points out the importance of engagement over sheer follower count, emphasizing that genuine interactions drive sustainable growth.

5. Personal Development and Self-Discovery

Dana shares his personal journey of self-discovery through podcasting, revealing that engaging with diverse guests has led to significant personal insights:

"Through the podcast, I've learned a lot about myself, dude. I did not know myself before the show."
— Dana White [08:03]

This highlights podcasting not just as a professional tool but also as a medium for personal growth.

6. Balancing Podcasting with Other Ventures

Noah balances his passion for podcasting with his primary business in restaurant development. He emphasizes that while podcasting is not his main source of income, it remains a fulfilling pursuit:

"Podcasting is just something that I'm pat. Like, I just love this space. I watch podcast all day."
— Noah Kara [10:16]

Dana relates by sharing his experiences with his own ventures, underscoring the importance of maintaining multiple streams of income and interests.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Noah Kara on Persistence:

   "A lot of grinding behind the scenes that people don't see. A lot of fucking sleepless nights, stress days, stressful days."
   — [02:19]

2. Dana White on Podcast Strategy:

   "You already started with some bangers, so those are going to get good views and you could leverage that to just get more guests."
   — [08:30]

3. Noah Kara on Life's Longevity:

   "Life is very long. Like never burn a bridge because you never know how things are gonna circle back."
   — [00:54]

4. Dana White on Personal Growth:

   "Through the podcast, I've learned a lot about myself, dude. I did not know myself before the show."
   — [08:03]

5. Noah Kara on Overcoming Challenges:

   "You just got to think outside the box... connecting the dots and in ways that people can't connect the dots."
   — [03:49]

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Conclusion and Takeaways

This episode of Digital Social Hour underscores the enduring value of maintaining positive professional relationships and the impact of persistence in overcoming industry challenges. Noah Kara's journey illustrates that success in podcasting isn't solely dependent on follower count but rather on the quality of connections and the ability to think creatively. Dana White's insights provide a roadmap for aspiring podcasters to amplify their reach and engagement. Together, their conversation offers a blend of inspiration and practical strategies, reinforcing that with the right mindset and approach, one can navigate and thrive in the competitive digital landscape.

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Quick Links:

• Noah Kara’s YouTube Channel
• Dana White’s Podcast
• Digital Social Hour on Spotify
• Digital Social Hour on Apple Podcasts

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Stay tuned to the Digital Social Hour Podcast for more inspiring conversations with industry leaders and trailblazers.

Transcript

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[Noah]

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[Dana White]

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[Noah]

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[Noah]

If I have to live another 45 years burning bridges with people, that's a long ass time. The one philosophy that learn and this is like somebody, something I learned from like somebody I look up to in the industry. Life is very long and like never burn a bridge because you never know how things are gonna circle back.

[Dana White]

All right guys, Noah care here today from the 60 for 60 with Noah show. And he started off with two bangers. Yeah, man, let's go. Dana White and who was the other one?

[Noah]

Ryan Garcia.

[Dana White]

Dude, what a start. So you wanted to come out the gate swinging?

[Noah]

Yeah, man. I mean I've been in the industry for probably, I'd say like two and a half, three years. And like, I don't know, my personality is just like the type to like kind of like go big or go home.

[Dana White]

So yeah, now some people.

[Noah]

Fuck it, man. Might as well start off big. It sucks because the expectation is crazy. And now it's like everyone's like, oh, who's the next guest? And my following is not significant at all. I'm just going to say that like straight up, I have only 2500 followers on my Instagram, probably like 180 subs on my YouTube. But like the two guests that I have are like fucking insane. So I don't know, man. That's kind of like how my personality type is. Like go big or go home.

[Dana White]

I mean the fact that you pulled off those names off rip is, is a testament to something you're doing right though. Yeah. You know, that's not luck. That's not just like those people don't say yes To a lot of hard work, man.

[Noah]

A lot of grinding behind the scenes that people don't see. A lot of fucking sleepless nights, stress days, stressful days. You know, this year has been a very, like, interesting year for me, personally and professionally. So I'm just glad that I was able to kind of get those out. And then, you know, I have a lot more to come. I don't know if I want to do, like. So you do weekly, right?

[Dana White]

Daily.

[Noah]

You do daily. Holy fuck, dude.

[Dana White]

I dropped daily. I don't film daily.

[Noah]

But, yes, nuts. Because it's like, I know, like, I've been in the business for a good amount of time to understand, like, the. The back end of, like, how, like, to stay consistent. But it's like, for me, it's like, all right, you should be weekly. But doing daily is nuts, bro.

[Dana White]

Well, I stack my day, so I'll film twice a week, and I'll be good for the week.

[Noah]

That's fire.

[Dana White]

That's fire.

[Noah]

That's fire. You've been crushing it, too, by the way. Yeah, guess I've been keeping up with your shit. But, yeah, for me, it's like more of like, a hot. Like, a passion thing. Like, it's a hobby. So it's like, I, like, I just enjoy talking to interesting people. Even, like, yourself, like, so I'm just like, all right, let me just do this. And, like, it doesn't have to be weekly. It doesn't have to be daily. Doesn't have to be monthly. It could be, like, once a month or twice a month or even, like, once every two months. So it's like, it just depends on, like, who I can sit down with and have an interesting conversation with.

[Dana White]

Yeah, I mean, you've built a great network in three years, dude. That's impressive, dude.

[Noah]

I know. I have. I know a few people that have been in this business for, like, a decade, and they haven't been able to fucking.

[Dana White]

So what do you attribute that to?

[Noah]

Persistence, bro.

[Dana White]

Yeah, that's it. Like, there's got to be more to it because a lot of people work hard.

[Noah]

Oh, my God, bro. It's like, you just got to think outside the box. Just, like, always, like. Like, just, like, connecting certain situations to certain situations. I know that sounds ridiculous, because if this gets clipped. But it's like, just thinking outside the box and, like, thinking like, okay, how can I connect this situation to this situation and, like, make something out of it? So it's like, being persistent, thinking differently. Like, even right now, like, I have an interviews lined up. Tomorrow, probably. Hopefully they don't flake on me, but it's like it's with a UFC fighter and I was like, you know what, let me try something new. I'm gonna train with him as I'm interviewing. So it's like a different style of interviewing, you know what I'm saying? So it's like always kind of just being creative in different ways, connecting the dots and in ways that like people can't connect the dots, you know what I'm saying? So. And just being persistent because a lot of people are shut their doors in this industry specifically, but it's really about like how bad you want it, you know what I'm saying?

[Dana White]

Yeah. A lot of people are closed off though. I know what you mean.

[Noah]

They're closed off. They gatekeep, they blackball. So it's like they'll tell you like, oh yeah man, let's do this. And like they'll, the next day they're like, not answer like, you know, like ghost you. But it's like, you just got to keep going, dude. Yeah, you got to keep going. I've been fucking ghosted so many times. Blackballed so many times.

[Dana White]

You got blackballed.

[Noah]

So, bro, so many times. It's like people that like, oh, they say they fuck with you, but they don't fuck with you. And it's like, it's all good. I mean, I don't take nothing personally. It's, for me, it's like really just like just pushing through all that bullshit.

[Dana White]

Yeah.

[Noah]

Like making, making it.

[Dana White]

You kind of can't take it personally these days. You know, you got to separate the two.

[Noah]

You got to separate the two because it's like if you add emotion into it, then you' like be able to like progress in your career. Right.

[Dana White]

And I don't, I don't burn bridges. If I, if I can avoid it, it's impossible, bro.

[Noah]

Even if someone you over, you cannot burn a bridge.

[Dana White]

Exactly.

[Noah]

That's the one thing, because.

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[Noah]

And there it was, that hologram trading card. One of the rarest, the last one I needed for my set. Shiny like the designer handbag of my dreams. One of a kind. Ebay had It. And now everyone's asking, ooh, where'd you get your windshield wipers? Ebay has all the parts that fit my car. No more annoying, just beautiful.

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[Noah]

Like, the one thing I learned about. Learn about life is like, people say life is very short, but, like, life is very long. Like, yeah, it's a short life, but at the same time, it's like you live a very long time. So it's like if you burn a bridge. Think about it, right? Like, the average life lifespan is probably like, what, 75, 70. 75. 70. 75.

[Dana White]

71 for men. I think 74 for women.

[Noah]

Okay. I'm 30, bro. So if I have to live another 45 years burning bridges with people, like, bro, that's a long ass time.

[Dana White]

Yeah.

[Noah]

So it's like the one philosophy that I've learned, and this is like, somebody. Something I learned from, like, somebody I look up to in the industry. I won't name his name, but he's pretty big time, is that life is very long. And, like, never burn a bridge because you never know how things are gonna circle back.

[Dana White]

Right. Your reputation follows you these days with social media too, bro.

[Noah]

So it's like. But you've been crushing it, man.

[Dana White]

Tell me about yourself, dude.

[Noah]

Your audience knows about you, but I know a little bit about myself, and we can cut this out if.

[Dana White]

Yeah, no, it's cool, though. Through the podcast, I've learned a lot about myself, dude.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

I did not know myself before the show.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

Yeah. A lot comes out when you're conversing with people on Just Life.

[Noah]

Okay.

[Dana White]

So I would.

[Noah]

What?

[Dana White]

Just like, my health was at. I'm 27 right now.

[Noah]

Okay. I'm 30. Okay, cool.

[Dana White]

My. I thought my health was good.

[Noah]

Okay.

[Dana White]

It was terrible. Once I got some blood tests from Gary Breca.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

Once I did some therapy. Once I did all these different healing he's been on.

[Noah]

Oh, Gary.

[Dana White]

I told him he changed my life. Yeah, that's dope. Yeah.

[Noah]

All my levels were messed up on my.

[Dana White]

Dude, get. Get his tests, dude.

[Noah]

I need to get my viewership up because it's like, it's harder to get guests based off, like, obviously I have a good network, but it's like, only. I can only get so many people.

[Dana White]

Yeah, I.

[Noah]

What would you recommend?

[Dana White]

You already started with some bangers, so those are going to get good views and you could leverage that to just get more guests.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

Yeah. How many views are those at right now?

[Noah]

I think Dana just hit, like, 7K. But, like, I only have 180subs, so it's like, 7K for me is huge.

[Dana White]

You might have to run some paid ads behind it.

[Noah]

But you think so?

[Dana White]

I mean, I do it.

[Noah]

Really? Yeah, in my head. Okay. I'll just tell you. I'm just. I'll just be honest. And, like, I like to create genuine relationship, so it's like I'm not taking a shot at all. If somebody has 11 million followers on the gram, you got to be like, a list celebrity.

[Dana White]

I don't know, because I run into people with more than me, and I don't even know them.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

Yeah.

[Noah]

I feel like if you were like, 1, 2 million, it's all right. You can get away with it. But, like, 11. It's like, you. I have to know who that is. But, yeah. So explain to me, like, how does that work? You did.

[Dana White]

You've never heard of High Key Cloud or those giveaway companies? Jordan Lynn?

[Noah]

I've never heard of that, no.

[Dana White]

So basically, these celebrities post these iPhone giveaways or whatever. They give away Chanel bags.

[Noah]

Oh, I've seen that on, like, Scott Disick and, like, yeah, Scott.

[Dana White]

Kim Kardashian has done it 100%. So they're like, follow everyone I'm following.

[Noah]

Okay.

[Dana White]

So to get on that following list, you have to pay someone.

[Noah]

Okay.

[Dana White]

So you could do that and get millions of followers, but those are irrelevant because you want views and you want real fans.

[Noah]

Dope.

[Dana White]

So what impresses me more than followers is like, engagement. Your engagement. What rank you are on Spotify.

[Noah]

So I haven't even started on Spotify yet.

[Dana White]

Oh, you should start. Dude.

[Noah]

Bro, you gotta help me out.

[Dana White]

You're not on Apple podcast yet.

[Noah]

Nothing.

[Dana White]

What?

[Noah]

I'm just doing straight YouTube, dude.

[Dana White]

That's how you make money as a podcaster.

[Noah]

Yeah, but I'm not really doing this for the money. I'm just doing it because I just love connecting.

[Dana White]

So you would do it even if you lost money?

[Noah]

I'm doing it now, and I'm losing money.

[Dana White]

Well, I lost money the first six months, but I wouldn't do that forever.

[Noah]

It's not my primary business. I'm in restaurant development.

[Dana White]

Okay.

[Noah]

So my first restaurant opens in, like, three weeks.

[Dana White]

Restaurants, a tough space. I lost my ass on restaurants.

[Noah]

Like, by. You buy the land you built, you develop the land, you build a restaurant, and then you operate the restaurant.

[Dana White]

So it's like, oh, that's quite more safe.

[Noah]

That's like my bread and butter. At least, like, from. It's my first ones opens in three weeks, so it's like, I can't even say it's my bread and butter. But podcasting is just something that I'm pat. Like, I just love this space. I watch podcast all day, bro. Like, literally glued to my phone or laptop.

[Dana White]

Yes.

[Noah]

Like, watch, study consistently. Like, understanding what the culture is. Like, it's just like, I watch a ton of shows. It's my.

[Dana White]

What are your top shows?

[Noah]

I don't really go based off of shows. It's more about the guests. But, like, if I were to name top shows, obviously Theo, the Ovon Jre, what's it called? Bad Friends.

[Dana White]

Okay. Bobby Lee.

[Noah]

Bobby Lee and Santino.

[Dana White]

You like the comedy ones?

[Noah]

Yeah, I like the more entertainment ones. A flagrant. I love a lot because it's, like, entertainment mixed with, like, informative.

[Dana White]

Yeah.

[Noah]

So it's like. And I love Schultz. Like, he's just fucking hilarious. Hilarious. So is Theo. Joe Rogan's obviously the goat when it comes to this shit. We all wish we could be him. He's a modern day Oprah, I like to call it.

[Dana White]

He paved the road for all of us.

[Noah]

He's fucked.

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[Noah]

Insane dude. Like, the guy. That dude. That's one guy. It's like, I'm. I would be nervous to even, like, sit down with him ever, because, like, I'm like, he's so much smarter than me. I'm like, I look like an idiot.

[Dana White]

I've had a couple of those guests where I felt really stupid.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

Yeah, there's been a few.

[Noah]

Do you research your guests a lot or.

[Dana White]

Yeah, you have to. I think it's kind of disrespectful if you don't know anything. So you got to know at least a little bit. I mean, even though I do do a lot of reps, I got to find that balance.

[Noah]

So it's like, let's say somebody calls you for, like, an immediate show.

[Dana White]

I would research. No, but he DM me, like, and we did it, like, within an hour, but I still researched for an hour.

[Noah]

Really?

[Dana White]

But he was like, yo, I'll be there in like an hour.

[Noah]

You pay him.

[Dana White]

No, why would I? I've never paid a guess. Why would I do that?

[Noah]

I wasn't sure.

[Dana White]

People do that.

[Noah]

Some people do. I've never done it. See, I don't guess both of them are rich as and they don't need money.

[Dana White]

I don't ever want to do that because then they're just gonna. Word of mouth. Spread it and say, oh, this kid pays people to come on.

[Noah]

Yeah, 100%. You have. You have a deal with poker girl.

[Dana White]

Yeah, we filmed the celebrity poker tournament. After people get knocked out, they just come in here, hop on the pod, fire, fire.

[Noah]

I need to get it set up like this because it's super cool to like just have this here because it's super convenient. You can just like, boom.

[Dana White]

Exactly. That's how I got hot to a girl last time. Got Dwight Howard, got a bunch of people allowed to remain sterling.

[Noah]

How do I get a. How can I be a part of this poker go?

[Dana White]

I mean, I'll put you in touch, bro. I'm very giving with my network. I'm not closed off. As long as you're. You're good business and you don't scam and yeah, 100% I believe in karma.

[Noah]

So, yeah, I did.

[Dana White]

On the same way I do good business.

[Noah]

Other questions you have for me?

[Dana White]

No, brother. Thanks for hopping on. I know it's kind of random, but.

[Noah]

I know we just met and we'll do.

[Dana White]

We'll do a full episode one of these days where I prepare.

[Noah]

Dude, it's all good. Eventually it's going to come to the point and I'm pretty confident to where it's like, you're going to want to do a full episode with me. Yeah, I mean, already not a friendship out of like. Okay, like, fuck. He's breaking barriers.

[Dana White]

I love it.

[Noah]

I need to get him on.

[Dana White]

I love it. We'll keep an eye on Noah, guys. We'll link your YouTube below.

[Noah]

Yeah, let's do it.

[Dana White]

Perfect. Thanks for coming on.

[Noah]

Thanks for having me.

[Dana White]

Peace.

[Noah]

Peace out.