Wanna make $1m per year just wearing T-shirts? Who doesn’t right?
August 3, 2011 
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Maybe it takes a little of both…
You’ve probably already heard the story of Jason Sadler and IWearYourShirt.com but if not, here’s a brief background:
In 2009, Jason turned himself into a human billboard of sorts by wearing the tshirts of hundreds of advertisers. He charged just $1 for January 1, 2009 and then $2 for January 2nd and so on… up until December 31, 2009, which cost $365. He wore each shirt for a full day and wrote about and posted about it on via various social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. He made $70,000 that first year.
In 2010, Jason added another employee who also wore tshirts. In 2011, Jason and 4 other people wear the tshirts each day and January 1, 2011 cost $5… January 2nd, 2011 cost $10 and so on. This year, Jason will make more than $220,000 and he expects to bring in half a million next year, with no stopping in site.
Here’s an excerpt from his interview with David Seaman at entrepreneur.com:
DS: What gave you the idea for I Wear Your Shirt?
Jason: I’ve always been a creative thinker and, of course, have always worn shirts like everyone else. When the Million Dollar Homepage became a sensation a few years ago I knew there had to be something I could come up with that would hopefully be as successful and, maybe down the road, just as profitable.
Inspired by other people’s success, Jason is well on his way to the Millionaire’s club himself…
Jason’s personal blog, Focus More, Do Less suggests “Stop trying to do everything.”
On July 29th, Jason blogged about his plans for IWearYourShirt in 2012:
“I’m definitely wearing shirts next year and we will be having multiple shirt wearers. I firmly believe in what we do each and every day is helping companies and I know this because 90%+ tell me this. Social media is still new and brands need a unique way to get themselves out there… I can’t believe it’ll be year #4 for IWYS and you better believe it’s going to be even more kick ass than the past 3!”
He also wrote about his efforts to focus more on IWYS and do less of the extraneous stuff that always comes up. I’m of the same mentality (or at least I try to be) and this was a great reminder for me. I tend to get super excited about a new idea or project and I want to get it done, fast. But it’s important to maintain focus on the things that are actually important to driving our business rather than all of the little things that come up.
With that said, here is your Action Item for Startups based upon the life and times of Jason Sadler:
Strive for Balance – Jason says, “Work/life/balance is effing tough.” But it’s important to find that balance that’s right for you. Being out of balance not only affects your work, your relationships, but your personal health as well. (Jason mentioned on his blog that he’s gained weight, been eating terribly and more stressed than he’s ever been.) The lesson here is to take time for yourself. Taking the time for eating well, exercising, and meditation (or other forms of relaxation) are actually GOOD for your business. Because when you are strong and healthy, you’re better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
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