The Game with Alex Hormozi
--% time saved
PodcastThe Game with Alex Hormozi
Publisher/creatorAlex Hormozi
Shortcast updated
About this episode
Download your free personalized $100M scaling roadmap in under 30 seconds: https://www.acquisition.com/roadmap?el=yt-alex-486r&htrafficsource=youtube Most people can only get money by trading for it. In this episode, Alex Hormozi breaks down the six levels of trading stuff for money, revealing how each level ramps up leverage, income, and reward. From the lowest-risk 9-to-5 jobs to high-stakes equity deals, Alex explains how to decide which paths could work for you. Your income boils down to how much risk you're willing to take and how well you manage it. In this episode 00:00 Introduction to deal structures 01:10 Scheme 1: I work, then you pay 02:06 Scheme 2: You pay as we go 03:22 Scheme 3: You pay, then I work 06:15 Scheme 4: You’re paid based on outcomes 10:00 Scheme 5: Buying and selling risk 11:19 Scheme 6: Always get paid no matter what 12:35 How to move up the pyramid More Value: Book Your Spot To Join The 2-Day, Interactive Scaling Workshop In Las Vegas: https://www.acquisition.com/o-vegas Download Your Free Personalized $100m Scaling Roadmap In Under 30 Seconds: https://www.acquisition.com/roadmap?el=yt-alex-486r&htrafficsource=youtube Discover The Easiest Business I Can Help You Start (Free Trial): https://www.skool.com/hormozi Get the $100M Book Bundle: https://shop.acquisition.com/pages/100m-book-bundle Take the $100M Lead Generation Course: https://www.acquisition.com/training/leads?hsLang=en Learn How to Make Offers People Cannot Refuse: https://www.acquisition.com/training/offers?hsLang=en Follow Alex Hormozi’s Socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Acquisition
Listen to the original episode
Loading episode data...
Episode summary
You’ve heard me beat this drum before: we need reminders more than new lessons. I brought this one back because it matters, so if it sounds familiar, take it as a nudge to move, and if it’s new, welcome to the game.
There are a few paths to money, but for most of us it comes down to trading value for cash. I’ve done it at scale, from fast weekend launches to a portfolio doing hundreds of millions at Acquisition dot com.
Inside that path, there are six ways to structure the trade, and pay rises with the risk you take on, especially when others misread that risk.
One path is I work, then you pay. It’s the most reliable, and despite the hustle myths, most owners aren’t automatically wealthier than good employees.
Another is you pay as we go. Contractors like it because cash comes in along milestones, but vendors churn far faster than employees.
A stronger setup is you pay up front, then I begin. Surgeons, sharp attorneys, and savvy operators use deposits, retainers, or even layaway so clients commit and you reduce risk.
A higher‑leverage move is outcome‑based pay. Rev shares, equity, profit splits, and performance bonuses unhook income from hours and reward results.
The through line is simple: compensation tracks perceived risk. Your edge is taking bets that look scary to them but are controlled for you, even inside a job by trading some salary for meaningful upside.
At the top, sell risk itself. Insurance gets paid when nothing happens, a reverse lottery that rewards disciplined underwriting month after month.
Above that, control the cash stream so you get paid no matter what. Governments do it with taxes; in business, payment processors and strong franchisors take their slice first.
To move up, push for royalties or revenue‑based deals over profit splits, add guarantees or warranties for a premium, and grab control of payment flow wherever possible.
People overestimate downside and miss long‑tail wins. Place asymmetric bets, expect small misses, let a few home runs pay for the rest—and if you’ve heard this before, act now, and if it’s new, welcome aboard.
Ready to save time?
Download Shortcast and get started today