Outworking the Algorithm - The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: Outworking the Algorithm

The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

Host: Paul Alex Espinoza
Date: May 9, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Paul Alex draws from his journey as an ex-Detective turned multimillionaire entrepreneur to address a major pitfall plaguing modern business owners: obsessing over social media algorithms. He explains why real business growth comes from mastering fundamentals—not chasing viral trends—and shares practical strategies for regaining control, building lasting success, and “outworking” any algorithm.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with Chasing Algorithms

The False Security of Virality
- Paul Alex warns against relying on algorithm-driven virality as a business strategy.
- Quote:
  - “If your entire revenue strategy relies on a social media platform giving you viral reach, you do not own a business. You are just playing the lottery.” (01:14)
- Viral reach is unpredictable; building a business on it sets you up for instability.

2. Fundamentals Over Fads

Human Psychology is Constant
- While platforms and trends shift rapidly, the basics of customer behavior don’t.
Broken Sales Processes
- Many founders fixate on hacks and trends rather than repairing broken sales systems.
- Quote:
  - “Too many founders spend hours a day trying to hack the latest video trend while their actual sales process is completely broken. It is a massive waste of time if you cannot convert a lead into a paying client.” (01:36)
- Going viral with a broken funnel simply “exposes your bad systems faster.”

3. Build What You Control

Own Your Audience
- True business value comes from direct relationships with customers—not followers “rented” from a platform.
Action Steps
- Actively collect emails and phone numbers.
- Invest in a bulletproof CRM (Customer Relationship Management system).
- Treat your database as “your most valuable asset.”
- Quote:
  - “People do not build generational wealth by renting an audience from a tech giant. They build it by collecting emails, securing phone numbers and owning the direct line of communication.” (02:15)
- “Make your database your most valuable asset.” (02:27)

4. Fulfillment is the Best Marketing

Let Your Product Speak for Itself
- Create products or services so effective that clients become your advocates.
Benefits of World-Class Fulfillment
- High retention and massive referral rates become a natural growth engine.
- “Stellar customer support creates a fortress.”
- Quote:
  - “When your product is so undeniably good that your clients become your sales team, algorithms no longer matter.” (02:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“If you chase the hype, you kill your conversions.” (01:54)
“Instead of praying for a viral video, build a bulletproof CRM.” (02:20)
“Bottom line, stop trying to trick the Internet into liking you. Build a real business, own your data and deliver massive value because when you do, you will scale more securely than ever.” (02:50)
Paul’s closing mantra:
- “Fundamentals beat trends every day of the week. Secure the infrastructure, serve your people and, as always, keep leveling up.” (03:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:30–01:14: Introduction & framing the algorithm problem
01:14–01:54: Dangers of algorithm-chasing; viral reach ≠ real business
01:54–02:15: Why fundamentals matter more than trends
02:15–02:36: Building audience ownership & CRM importance
02:36–02:56: Fulfillment and customer loyalty as secret growth strategies
02:56–03:06: Paul’s call to action and summary mantra

Takeaways

Virality is not a business model; core business systems, direct customer relationships, and exceptional fulfillment are.
Focus on what you control: your database, your sales process, and your client experience.
Deliver so much value that you transcend algorithms—and your customers do your marketing for you.

In Paul Alex’s words (03:06):
“Fundamentals beat trends every day of the week. Secure the infrastructure, serve your people and, as always, keep leveling up.”

This episode is essential listening for entrepreneurs distracted by social algorithms, reminding them to double down on solid business-building tactics for sustainable growth.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:01]
A
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[00:30]
B
welcome to the Level Up Podcast. I'm your host, Paul Alex. I went from being a cop to an eight figure entrepreneur that helps average people like you and me make money every single day. I created this podcast to help you get motivated and to crush your goals. Let's win together. Remember, I have your six. Get ready to level up right now. What's up everyone? Welcome back to the Level Up Podcast. I'm Paul Alex and today we are talking about a distraction that is ruining modern businesses. Chasing the algorithm because let's be real. If your entire revenue strategy relies on a social media platform giving you viral reach, you do not own a business. You are just playing the lottery. Let's break down how to outwork the algorithm by focusing on raw fundamentals. First, realize that platforms change, but human psychology does not. Too many founders spend hours a day trying to hack the latest video trend while their actual sales process is completely broken. It is a massive waste of time if you cannot convert a lead into a paying client. Millions of views will only expose your bad systems faster. Whether you are selling digital consulting or a credit card machine business, the foundation has to be rock solid. If you chase the hype, you kill your conversions. Second, you have to build infrastructure you actually control. People do not build generational wealth by renting an audience from a tech giant. They build it by collecting emails, securing phone numbers and owning the direct line of communication. So instead of praying for a viral video, build a bulletproof CRM. Make your database your most valuable asset. Lastly, world class fulfillment is the best marketing strategy on earth. When your product is so undeniably good that your clients become your sales team, algorithms no longer matter. High retention, massive referral rates and stellar customer support create a fortress. When you focus on the client, the growth handles itself. Bottom line, stop trying to trick the Internet into liking you. Build a real business, own your data and deliver massive value because when you do, you will scale more securely than ever. Thanks for tuning in to the Level up podcast. I'm Paul Alex reminding you that fundamentals beat trends every day of the week. Secure the infrastructure, serve your people and and as always Keep leveling up. Thanks for listening up to the Level up podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, make sure to share with a family, friend and everyone you know who's ready to level up. Leave a five star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you tune in. It really helps spreading the word. And don't forget to check out officialpaulalex.com for more episodes and resources to kickstart your journey. Let's level up together.