Own business at 26: All about Fabian Arnold

But that was just the beginning: A bold move eventually led him from Germany to Los Angeles to advance his career on a global scale. In this interview, we will also talk about his experiences in entrepreneurship, his unique personal style and his impressive brand. Learn all about Fabian Arnold, who managed to make his dreams come true, here.

Here you can read more about Fabian:

• Fabian’s Instagram
• NEREUS Instagram

From Backpacking to Model: Fabian’s Story

FIV: Hello Fabian! Perhaps you could introduce yourself very briefly in your own words so that our readers can get an impression of you. Who are you and what makes you and your brand special?

Fabian: My name is Fabian Arnold, I am 26 years old and come from near Cologne. After my dual studies as a businessman for insurance and finance in Cologne, I spent a year abroad in Australia, more precisely in Sydney, as a backpacker. There I was discovered as a model and started modeling in the fashion sector. Since then, I’ve lived in cities like Singapore, Milan, London and Berlin, which also led me to work as an influencer on social media.

After meeting with a modeling agency in Los Angeles in 2019, my dream of moving to Los Angeles came true. I was able to fulfill this dream after the pandemic in 2022 when I received a visa. Since 2022, I have also turned to acting and have already made two films. This year I have two more films coming up.

Own business inspired by Greek mythology

At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, I was thinking in Germany what else I could do besides modeling and acting. Since I have always been interested in Greek mythology and personally have not found any underwear for men that met my needs and also had more to offer in design, I decided to start my own brand.

My goal was to create the best underpants for men. Our USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is clearly our design, not just our brand name. We also rely on innovative technologies like the double bottom to prevent holes between the legs, a reinforced support for a round silhouette and a fitted cut in the front to emphasize masculinity.

The dream of Los Angeles

FIV: What inspired you to move from Germany to Los Angeles to further your career?

Fabian: Since I more or less started my career abroad, I had little contact with the industry in Germany. In Germany, everything is very narrow-minded and everyone fights for themselves, so I don’t really get along with the social politics. I wanted to think bigger and go further out, and Los Angeles is of course the right place to play a role in the global market. Here, it wasn’t enough for me to be successful only in Germany.

I was eager to inspire and reach people all over the world. Since I already had my mother agency in Los Angeles, I had of course already laid the foundation to gain a foothold in Los Angeles. Another point is of course my physical disposition. Since the German model market is strongly focused on fashion and rather slim male models, I have better chances on the American market, especially in Los Angeles, because of my physique.

Also for acting, I could always identify better with the English language in films than making films in German and portraying characters.

Living in Los Angeles: advantages and challenges

FIV: What challenges did you face starting your career in Los Angeles and how did you handle them?

Fabian: Since I had already lived in Los Angeles in 2019, I knew what I was getting into and also already knew people on site. So I was not completely alone here. Los Angeles is a huge city with many artists and people who want to realize their dreams and come here to make a career. So it’s incredibly easy to quickly meet a lot of people who are also working in the industry and make a lot of connections through that.

However, it’s difficult to build real, deep relationships because everything is very fast-paced. All people come to Los Angeles to further their careers. That’s definitely also the biggest danger and risk, that you lose yourself in partying and superficial relationships and don’t find a stable footing.

How much does it cost to live in America?

In addition, the housing market in Los Angeles is extremely expensive. It is almost twice as expensive as in Germany, to find cheap maintenance and cheap apartments is almost impossible. Therefore, you have to reckon with about 2500 € per month just to get a single room. Food in the supermarket is also much more expensive than in Germany.

Therefore, one has to reckon with monthly costs of 4000 to 5000 €. Taking the step to Los Angeles is definitely not easy, especially if you are just trying to start your career. I would recommend everyone to start their career first and then, if it is going well, dare to take the step to America, otherwise it can break your neck.

“Sex Sells”: Important for your career?

FIV: What differences have you noticed between the German and US entertainment industries in terms of acting and modeling?

Fabian: Since I don’t have much experience in the acting industry in Germany yet, I can’t say much about the difference between acting in Germany and in America. But I can imagine that the difference is that in America people always think bigger and approach projects much more ambitiously than in Germany, for example. In Germany, there are also not so many investors who invest a lot of money.

As far as modeling and the entire entertainment industry is concerned, the motto in the U.S. is “sex sells,” and that’s also the biggest difference from the German industry. As a German, you are always taught to have values and to do the right thing. In America, it’s often just about doing good marketing to be perceived as a unique person and to become successful. People will do anything for that, like Kim Kardashian’s sex tape. She did it and now no one cares what she did in the past to become famous.

In Germany, something like that would simply not be possible. So you could say that in America you have greater opportunities by asserting yourself. In Germany, there is a very traditional hierarchy that you have to overcome first.

Development of Fabian’s personal style

FIV: How would you describe your personal style? Are there any trends or styles that you follow?

Fabian: It’s always difficult to describe your own style. Especially because I’ve been active in modeling and social media for six years, I’ve gone through different phases. In the beginning I worked as a Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch model, with long surfer hair and often topless with Calvin Klein underpants. At some point, that time was over and I wanted to evolve so I wasn’t just the typical “Cute Boy”, so I got more and more into the technology of cameras and video cameras.

Own production company and role models

As a result, I started my own production company, FXA Media GmbH. With my production company, I focused more on the commercial market and developed short films, motivational quotes, thought-provoking content and other formats on my own social media channels. In modeling, I’ve always tried to model myself after Nick Bateman, Zac Efron or Channing Tatum, who I looked up to when I was younger. In terms of acting and my current acting skills, I would say that I could pass for a German version of Channing Tatum or even a Jake Gyllenhaal.

I love doing comedy, but of course I also love doing deep dramas. Of course, since my last name is Arnold, I’ve always looked up to Arnold Schwarzenegger as a role model and would like to work with him in a movie one day. It’s time for Arnold 2.0 to take off in LA. I do my best for that every day, with acting classes, scene study and everything that goes with it, including stunt training.

From Billboard in LA to projects with Dior, Gucci and more.

FIV: What projects have made you most proud in terms of your career?

Fabian: Relatively high on my list is definitely the global campaign for Aussiebum, which I shot in Australia in 2018. The photo was then presented as a huge billboard on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles. When I was in Los Angeles for a few months in 2019, it was an indescribable feeling to see myself on a billboard in Los Angeles.

Besides this project, of course, I had many other projects with brands like Dior, Versace, Gucci, Cartier and MCM. Overall, it’s been an incredible journey with a lot of great things happening that you can’t boil down to one specific project. I’m just incredibly grateful for all these opportunities to meet so many interesting people and put myself out there.

Fabian’s tip: Hard work pays off!

FIV: What advice would you give to young people who want to pursue a career in acting or modeling?

Fabian: One thing must be clear to anyone who aspires to a career as an artist: It’s a very, very long road, with many ups and downs. Often you feel like you don’t want to do it anymore and you don’t even know why you’re doing it at all. You have to work hard every day, because somewhere in the world there is always someone who can do it better, looks better and has more skills. You have to use every free second to improve yourself, develop yourself, read books and be present on social media. Even if you want to work as a fashion model, social media is now essential and you have to perform well there.

Own network and a clear vision

Nowadays, acting and the modern market is much more than just about the talent itself. You also have to deal a lot with marketing and building your own network. You have to be aware that it will be a hard road and you have to persevere. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged by people badmouthing you. There will always be people who criticize.

You should take the positive out of it, either by recognizing that they are envious of what you have already accomplished, or by accepting the criticism and thinking about how you can improve your work.

However, it is also important not to give too much weight to every criticism. Sometimes you have to stick to your own ideology and ideas and work on them. Having a clear vision is essential in any case.

Through experience to entrepreneurship

FIV: How has your experience as a model, influencer, and actor influenced your approach to entrepreneurship and starting your brand?

Fabian: Through my extensive behind-the-scenes experience with various fashion brands and my dual studies as a business administrator for insurance and finance with a focus on marketing and sales, I was already able to learn a lot about the entrepreneurship of fashion brands. My main goal was to create something that doesn’t exist in this world yet, instead of being just another street style brand for apparel.

In addition, I knew from my knowledge of influencer marketing that only brands with the highest quality and positive word-of-mouth effect can be successful. Since I can’t compete with brands like H&M or Zara without investors and a big budget, the focus of my brand is on quality and attention.

“You can always connect the dots in your life”.

Through my contacts in different fields and my own skills, I tried to work out the strengths and shape the brand around those strengths. As a male model and with many contacts with photographers, I knew I wanted to create a high quality designer brand to capitalize on the strengths of photographers and my model friends. Since I also know many magazines, my goal was to place editorials in these magazines.

Everything you learn in life you can apply in some way, and that’s also something I’d like to pass on. Even through my dual studies as a business administrator for insurance and finance, which has nothing to do with the fashion world or a new fashion company, I learned basic skills like creating Excel spreadsheets, conducting business negotiations, or understanding marketing and sales, as Steve Jobs once said: “You can always connect the dots in your life.”

Through my work in acting, I have of course also met many actors and personalities who can act as brand ambassadors for my brand. So I try to take advantage of all the areas that my contacts offer.

Nereus: A brand that conveys strength

FIV: What are the most important values or messages you want to convey with your brand?

Fabian: The name of the brand (NEREUS) was not just chosen at random. I must have taken a year and thought about which name was not yet available on the market and which name also had a meaning in mythology. Nereus is the god of the Aegean Sea in Greek mythology, which lies between Turkey and Greece. It is said that he had the gift of prophecy and people from all over the world came to him to talk to him and seek divine advice.

In addition, it is said that Nereus conveys strength and gives supernatural powers. This is exactly what NEREUS products are supposed to offer: Through innovative cuts, finest materials and great design, your self-esteem shall be strengthened and your self-confidence shall be increased to make you a demigod. That’s where the slogan “Half God, Half Human” comes from. On our website, we tell you a lot about the mythology and background of the god worlds.

The brand’s values are clearly defined: You can achieve anything you set your mind to if you work hard and are confident. This is exactly the feeling NEREUS wants you to have by wearing our underwear every day from morning to night, as it is the garment you wear every day. You feel more comfortable and confident in your own body when you wear something that feels great and is perfectly cut. With an innovative cut with a supportive bottom area and a sculpted front, it emphasizes masculinity and strength.

Characters with magical powers

FIV: How did your creative vision as an actor translate into the design and style of your products?

Fabian: I was always blown away by the movie “Percy Jackson” back then and love watching movies where a person gains magical powers, like in “Spider-Man”, “Captain America”, “Iron Man” or even “Superman”. Since water has always played an important and fulfilling role for me and I have always loved to move in water, it was important for me to use the trident as a symbol of strength.

A dream, of course, would be to one day make films about NEREUS in which I myself would be an actor. On the waistband of the underpants you can see a battle of demigods and creatures, reminiscent of a Greek mythology war movie such as “Troy”, “300” or even “Sparta”. All the content, the model images and also the campaign videos are all shot in acting and move heavily into editorial, away from just modeling in front of a white wall.

More than just packaging!

FIV: Is there anything else that makes Nereus the new best underwear for men?

Fabian: Another special feature is of course the packaging, which is not only meant to be thrown away, but can also be used as a coffee table box or for the bookshelf due to its unique design and quality with the certificate of authenticity. The first black box “Season One” is very limited and after the first season will of course come a second season, which is completely white.

Then comes the third season, then the fourth, and all together form a pattern for the bookshelf or even the coffee table. We’ve been thinking not only about the products, but also about how to reduce packaging and increase its use to leave a positive environmental footprint. Our goal is clearly not to create just another fashion brand, but to take the right step, to act as a role model and not just focus on profit, but to act according to the motto: Do the right thing.

Briefs and swim trunks: this is what you can be excited about

FIV: What products are planned next?

Fabian: The next products planned are a dark gray and a light gray version, as well as briefs and a new waistband. In addition, we will push with momentum into the area of swim trunks and also Speedos.

We will also move with momentum into swimwear, sportswear, apparel, jewelry, beauty and interior design.

In addition to the underpants and other products, another highlight is the Members Club, which works similarly to Amazon Prime. There you get discounts and free shipping, but also access to a limited art collection where you can buy limited art prints from the Nereus collection. Currently, these are available worldwide as one-of-a-kind pieces. Our vision is also to create a coffee table box and calendar.

More from Nereus can be found here!

Did you like the interview with Fabian? Discover more of Fabian’s brand Nereus:

• NEREUS website

What exactly are business expenses?

The income tax law regulates in § 4 quite clearly what is meant by the term business expenses: It is all expenses that are necessary to make your business functional and to keep it. In other words, all purchases and expenses that are caused by your entrepreneurial activities and without which you would not be able to run your business. You can enter these necessary expenses in your tax return, they reduce your profit and therefore your tax burden. However, tax law does not accept all business expenses equally, immediately or even in full.

What types of business expenses are distinguished?

The legislature has sorted all conceivable business expenses into four different categories which are mandatory and decide the respective tax reduction status. These are as follows:

Anticipated operating expenses

The most important rule for all solo self-employed people: Carefully collect all receipts – and start doing so before you even get started with your business. All costs incurred in the preparation phase, i.e. before you are officially registered, can be claimed later as anticipated business expenses. This includes, for example, travel and financing costs, expenses for seminars and the like.

Immediately deductible business expenses

This drawer includes all the bills you need to pay in order to run your business at all. Classically, these include:

• Occupancy costs (rent, electricity, water and heating, cleaning and maintenance),
• Telephone, fax, Internet connection,
• Office supplies (paper, postage, pens) and office equipment (printer, copier, scanner),
• Insurance and car expenses, costs of travel by public transport,
• Training costs,
• Bank Charges.

The acquisition of an asset, such as a company car, is an immediately deductible business expense, but the costs are split over the expected useful life. Here, the so-called depreciation for wear and tear (Afa) applies.

Limited deductible business expenses

Not all costs that you incur in principle but not exclusively in connection with your business are recognised by the legislator as tax-reducing. This is especially true if there is no clear dividing line between private living and business. Thus, in the case of a study in one’s own living quarters, small details often make the difference. The same applies, for example, to the cost of meals while travelling (additional expense) or the expenses for coffee and biscuits that you offer your business partner.

Non-deductible operating expenses

Anything under this heading doesn’t reduce your tax payment. The catalogue is long, here are the most important points:

• Gifts over 35 euros (if 35.01 euros is on the invoice, the whole amount is void!),
• Travel expenses between home and work,
• Entertainment expenses “for business reasons” are accepted at 70 percent, the remaining 30 percent are not,
• Penalties and warnings, reminder fees or interest for evasion.

How can I deduct my business expenses from my taxes?

You simply enter your business expenses in your tax return. They reduce your profit and thus your tax liability. But be careful: In order for the tax office to recognize your costs, you have to prove them meticulously. You should therefore always and consistently keep all receipts and sort them regularly. If you lose an invoice or receipt, the tax officials can estimate the item or cancel it altogether – both are usually bad for you.

If you deliberately or even accidentally declare private expenses as business expenses, then you risk not only a “hefty” penalty payment in the event of a tax audit, you can also rely on the fact that the tax officials will henceforth keep a particularly critical eye on your tax return.

Who can claim business expenses as a lump sum?

Some self-employed people are granted the right by law to have their business expenses credited at a flat rate. These include:

• Childminders (flat rate 300 euros per month),
• Self-employed midwives (25 percent, maximum 1,535 euros per year),
• Freelance journalists and writers (30 percent, maximum 2,455 euros per year).

Members of these professions can, of course, still choose to itemise their business expenses if this is more favourable to them.

Bottom line: how can you lower your tax burden?

All costs and expenses that you incur in direct or indirect connection with your business are part of your business expenses. You should keep all receipts and invoices carefully and sort them regularly so that you can enter these expenses correctly in your tax return. There, they will then reduce your profit and thus reduce your tax liability. With smart accounting software, this is all a little easier to do. You can claim even the smallest amounts, because the proverbial little things save taxes. Just don’t forget to always separate private and business expenses – the tax office reacts very sensitively to such “inaccuracies”.

Tax tips and tax tricks

For families, students, employees and the self-employed – tax tips bring you an extremely high return. Just filing your tax return will bring you back an average of 1,027 euros. With a little practice, you can do the tax return yourself in a day. A good hourly wage, right? If you know the basics, your private assets will increase as an employee and especially as an entrepreneur.

For many, the world of taxes is a maze of terms and phrases that no one seems to understand. But actually, it’s not all that complicated. We bring light into the darkness and show you how you can save a lot of money with the next tax return even without great know-how.

If you are looking for tips online, we can recommend Lukinski.de. Here you will find everything. From Basics: Understanding Taxes, to Real Estate as an Investment through Renting, to Saving Taxes with Real Estate (external). All free of charge from the experts.

Tip! Overview Taxes XXL

Taxes are often a vexing topic, especially in Germany. Wage tax, value added tax, real estate transfer tax and much more: it is not easy to keep track of everything. But if you’re not interested in employing a tax consultant, who can be quite expensive, you need to get to grips with the subject of taxes. We want to help you with that! Here you will find an overview of guides as well as book and video tips on the subject of taxes. Whether we introduce you to individual types of German taxes or you watch a video on the subject of tax returns, all your questions about German taxes will be answered here.

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Find a tax consultant: near you

Are you still looking for the right tax advisor in your area? Then take a look at our lists: We have compiled the best-rated tax consultants for you for almost every city in Germany, where you should always receive good advice. You can find more information about tax advisors in your area here.

Tax tips for start-ups and young entrepreneurs

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The tax classic for start-ups and young entrepreneurs is already in its 5th edition. Since 2012, it has inspired more than ten thousand readers! 96% of all start-ups and young entrepreneurs regularly give away good money to the tax office! Knowledge gaps, disinterest or even fear of the topic of taxes are just a few reasons why entrepreneurs burn thousands of Euros from year to year! How would you like to have a guidebook in your hand that helps you to save taxes easily and quickly and to gain more valuable time for your core business? A guidebook that…

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Konz: 1000 legal tax tricks

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Conc. 1000 completely legal tax tricks – the standard work under the tax councellors and the guarantor for highest tax refunds of the tax office.
This completely revised edition includes a host of new tips and tricks for filing your 2019 taxes. With the revised Konz, you’ll get the tax knowledge that will make you more money when you file your taxes, true to the motto: More knowledge. More Money. Tax returns are made easy with this book, allowing you to save money and nerves with your upcoming tax return.

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Tax knowledge to go: Crash course in taxes

Rating: 4.4 from 5.0 (110 ratings)

In this crash course you will learn – even without previous knowledge – everything you need to know so that none of your hard-earned euros will be accidentally transferred to the tax office. You get everything worth knowing explained around:

• Income statement
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• Income tax

You will learn how to deduct business expenses (such as company cars, workrooms, entertainment, travel expenses, gifts) from your taxes. Instead of grey theory and legalese, you’ll get the necessary basic knowledge presented in an easy-to-understand and practical way; tax savings and legal tax tricks included. Just implement a tax tip or save a quarter of an hour of tax consultant fees – and this tax savings book has already paid off for you. By the way, you can deduct the purchase price from your taxes. The tax office thus participates in your investment with a tax saving.

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With the right tax strategy to wealth and prosperity

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Why do rich people and large companies pay so little in taxes and duties? And why does the taxman collect so much from middle-income earners? The answer is: The “big ones” manage their taxes themselves and the “small ones” are not even asked. This book uses the “3-pillar strategy” to show you how even average earners can sustainably reduce their personal tax burden. In addition, there are tips on investing money and protecting assets.

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Tax lexicon of the basics

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This unprecedented tax encyclopedia is the 1st of its kind and is specifically designed to help beginners understand everything about taxes.
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Who is this tax encyclopedia of basics for?

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As a special bonus, you will receive an extra workbook with this book. The workbook is intended to help you to immediately go into practice and to practice the basic tax terms as effectively as possible, to understand them and later to use them profitably for yourself (and for your company).

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Tax for entrepreneurs, self-employed and start-ups

Rating: 3.9 from 5.0 (4 Reviews)

Businesses and the self-employed minimize tax liability with these pro tips:

The proven guide provides competent answers to all tax questions, whether it is about the private or the business tax return. The comprehensive, clear encyclopedia section explains the most important keywords from A – Z concisely and understandably. The book offers tax knowledge on the latest legal status as well as detailed information on all tax forms and attachments. The big final check gives entrepreneurs and self-employed the opportunity to fully exploit their tax savings potential.

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• The tax lexicon: Easy to look up – all keywords are explained briefly and comprehensibly. With a focus on depreciation, workrooms, company cars, electromobility and sales tax.
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The Tax Bible for Investors: Saving Taxes

Rating: 4.5 from 5.0 (15 ratings)

There are people who earn their money through physical or mental work and there are people who make money work for them. But even hard-working people can molt bit by bit into a bigger and bigger investor. This is clever, because making money or investments work for you creates freedom in the form of time.

However, life as an investor is not quite that simple. An investor must find lucrative investment opportunities and take risks with his investments. He must be well versed in the various investment options and choose the best solution for him. How he chooses his investment depends on many different factors: The capital invested, the risk, the return opportunity, the investment horizon (time), expert knowledge, costs and, of course, taxes.

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Related links about the topic Taxes

Are you interested in everything that has to do with real estate and taxes? You already own a property or want to buy one, but don’t know how to finance it? Here you will find more tips, tricks and book recommendations on the subject of real estate and taxes.

Taxes for real estate/home ownership

Taxes in the area of real estate / home: For beginners, the tax world is already quite confusing, but to connect the whole thing again with the real estate world, is its own little world. We want to make this entry easier for you with the best recommendations and tips from the pros. Our book tips will guide you through the whole world of real estate and taxes and help you learn the basics, guides for private investors and savings tips.

• Book recommendations on the subject: Taxes on real estate/home ownership
• Video tips on the subject: Taxes real estate / home ownership

Tax return

Why, why, why are tax returns so important? Not only professionals, but also students or pensioners can benefit from a tax return. If you have never deducted anything from your taxes and have no previous knowledge, you can get super informed in our tax return guide. We show you tips and tricks on how to avoid mistakes and give you direct tutorials with which nothing can go wrong with your first or next tax return.

• Book recommendations on the subject: Tax return
• Video tips on the subject: Tax return

Back to overview Taxes XXL: Tax return, tips & more

Here you can return to the overview of book and video recommendations on the subject of taxes in Germany. Tax forms, tax rates, tax returns and much more will be explained to you by experts and made understandable. In this XXL guide you will find information and articles on the most diverse questions on the subject of taxes.

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Real estate agent: The profession under the magnifying glass

Training is the first step for a career in the real estate industry. Not only young people start their way into the highly competitive industry, but also career changers begin training or further education. Legal framework conditions for real estate agents, communication and psychological aspects as well as marketing are contents of this training and fixed components in the everyday life. Everything about the life of a real estate agent sorted thematically in this list.

Buy and sell (external & free of charge)

Learn from the experts. You can find many, many more guide articles for free at Lukinski. Here you can learn everything you need to know about buying real estate for free. Start in general with buying real estate, go over your specific type of real estate, from apartment, to house, apartment building to buying land. Also important, everything about the purchase contract (who pays the costs?), ancillary purchase costs and saving taxes with real estate. through legal forms such as a real estate GmbH or family foundation.

However, Luxury Realtors also write new articles on selling property every week. With more specific advice pages on selling a house, selling an apartment, and multi-family house and land.

Tip! Overview Real Estate XXL

The world of real estate is complex and multifaceted. If you want to keep an overview and avoid making mistakes, you should prepare well and clarify as many open questions as possible in good time. No matter whether you want to build, buy and rent out a property or live in it yourself, or even use a property as an investment to generate passive income: The preparation is the A&O. Here you will find articles, as well as book and video tips with successful and helpful books and videos on the subject of real estate – including tips and tricks from professionals and experts.

• Book & Video Tips Overview: Real Estate

A day as a real estate agent

How does a real estate agent spend his day? Are you interested in the profession, but you don’t have a clear idea of what it’s like? In this video you will find out! We slip into the everyday life of a real estate agent!

How to become a real estate agent?

Study or training? You hear about them all the time, but many people ask themselves: How does one become a real estate agent in the first place? Do you need a degree, an apprenticeship or something else altogether? Who has always been interested in the profession of real estate agent and would also like to enter this profession, learns here how to get to his dream job:

Career changer through further training

You’ve been in the business for years and you’re increasingly realizing that you’re drawn in a different direction and that’s real estate? Not only 20 year olds can become real estate agents! What’s the best way to make a lateral move into real estate? Here you can find out how to make your dream come true and become a real estate agent:

Make $300,000?

Earnings of a real estate agent: When you think of real estate agents, you think mainly of a luxurious lifestyle, but what is really behind it? How much does a real estate agent earn? As a real estate agent you can earn little, but also a lot of money. How you manage to belong to the high earners, reveals this video:

Business start-up and self-employment

You want to stop being an employee and start your own business? How to do that, what your first steps should be and an insight into the first year can be found here:

Self-employed real estate agent at the age of 18? Is that possible?

You are finally of age and want to stand on your own two feet? Your goal is the real estate industry? This video will show you how you can fulfill your dream of becoming self-employed at a young age and earn your first own money with real estate!

Entry into the real estate industry

Do you want to enter the real estate industry as an agent? There’s a lot to consider here, find out how to clear the first hurdles and then get to grips with attracting clients and building your property portfolio. Alex Fischer informs you here about the entry into the industry:

Build up a real estate portfolio

Many real estate agents have a problem having enough properties in inventory to market. But as a real estate agent, it’s important to land a lot of clients, but you can only do that by offering a variety of properties. Learn how to find good properties and build an appealing inventory in this video:

Customer acquisition as a real estate agent

As a real estate agent, a good customer base is essential. So the question is how do you get this good customer base? Which acquisition source most real estate agents ignore and how you can use them in the future for your real estate business, that you learn in the video.

Real Estate Agent Starter Kit

Just like back in school, there are a few things you’ll need to get you started as a real estate agent. Here’s a list of things that real estate agents should have ready when they start their careers to bring some structure to their daily lives. This is also something for all trainee estate agents to impress your boss with. So what are you waiting for?

What makes a top broker?

Your dream job is to be a real estate agent. But what makes a top real estate agent? You will find out in the following video. Afterwards you will know how suitable you are for the profession, what you already bring with you and what you can still optimize to become a top realtor:

Characteristics of the perfect real estate agent

The real estate agent: what personal and professional skills must he possess to make it to the top? Luxury agent Marcel Remus reveals the 4 most important qualities to become a perfect real estate agent: Top Styling, Best Preparation, Emotional Sensitivity & Easiest Problem Solving….

Inexperienced real estate agents: worst mistakes

Just starting out in the real estate agent profession and wondering what faux pas to avoid? This is quite normal as many inexperienced real estate agents make mistakes at the beginning of their career. However, many real estate agents fail because of these mistakes and have to give up their self-employment. So that it doesn’t come to that and you start successfuly in the profession, we present the most common mistakes that happen to inexperienced real estate agents at the beginning:

Are rents too expensive? Ten questions

When looking for an apartment, everyone has probably come into contact with a real estate agent at some point. Do you have questions you’ve never asked but always wanted to ask? In this video you get 10 questions answered by a real estate agent:

Further links

If you would like to know more about the topic of real estate, then take a look at our other articles on the topic of real estate. We have compiled book recommendations and video tips for you on all relevant topics, from real estate financing to real estate as an investment to renting out an apartment or finding an agent. Become a real estate professional with us!

Buy and rent property

Buying and renting real estate: For newcomers to the real estate industry, it’s still a world where you can’t see the forest for the trees. We want to make this entry into the industry easier for you with the best recommendations and tips from the pros. Our book tips walk you through the entire world of real estate and leave no topic out. We focus on home buying, renting properties and all legal and contractual issues. Sorted by most and best reviews, we put here for you a list of the best guides on real estate.

• Book recommendations on the subject: Buying and renting real estate
• Video tips on the subject: Buying and renting property

Real estate financing

Real estate financing – You want to buy a property, but do not know how you can finance your dream? Terms such as loan, interest, credit, repayment or building society contract only raise more questions for you? Here you will find all the important information on the subject of real estate financing: from financing with equity to financing without equity to applying for a loan, we cover all the important topics!

• Book recommendations on the subject: Real estate financing
• Video tips on the subject: Real estate financing

Build property

To build or to buy a house? This question is on the minds of many prospective buyers. Here we show you the advantages and disadvantages of both options and offer interesting tips on financing. Both options have their advantages. A new build has the great advantage that you can determine the layout of the rooms according to your wishes. In an already existing property you don’t have to deal with the complicated construction phases and you can live in your own home much faster. Here you will find books and videos that will help you to finance your dream home and show you what you should pay attention to.

• Book recommendations on the subject: Building real estate
• Video tips on the subject: Building real estate

Overview Real Estate XXL: Investment & Co.

Here you get back to the overview of book and video recommendations on the subject of real estate in Germany. Investment cases, capital investment, passive income, house or apartment buy and rent and much more is explained to you here by experts and understandable. In this XXL guide you will find information and articles on the most diverse questions on the subject of real estate.

• Back to Book & Video Tips Overview: Real Estate

Who are the top entrepreneurs when it comes to success?

Especially the topic “earn money” attracts many who want to earn money with the “earn money”. The products behind it are absolutely dubious and mostly just standard know, stolen together from the internet. In so-called webinars (recorded videos that seem as if they are currently being recorded by chance) but also in personal conversations, methods are promised to earn money quite simply. Ultimately, it is rip-off that one “earn money coach” recommends the products of the other “earn money coach” and so earn in the end the provider. In return you get nothing but a few PDF’s and the mentioned webinar.

The classic electric blanket on the coffee drive, completely pointless and overpriced. Nevertheless she is brought to the man and there are buyers! This is also the crux of the matter, there are entrepreneurs who sell and that without a real business model with added value. However, this is the smallest part of the entrepreneurs. The majority of entrepreneurs offer a great business model and are good sellers at the same time. The perfect mix!

The goal for self-employed

So your goal is to be a good salesperson and also to offer a good business model with added value and benefits for the consumer.

Role models are important for young entrepreneurs, because of course you won’t find many friends who share the same lifestyle. From evening thoughts that are less about leisure time, more about new business or finances, to working hours. While most have a classic job from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll either be on the road much earlier or much later. But role models are also important in order to see how it can run. Everyone has their own favorites.

may it be a little “nerd”?

In my lectures I always have a few examples to show us how different types of entrepreneurs are. From personal legends like Robert Geiss, everything done right, from entrepreneurship to family, from absolute greats like Carsten Maschmeyer to trendsetters, well born like Kylie Jenner but also the absolute nerd icons like Elon Musk and my favorite story about space travel, automobiles, banking systems and a domain name x.com.

You can learn from them. Be it the marketing of Robert Geissen, the sales genius of Carsten Maschmeyer, the PR machinery around Kylie Jenner or one of the new icons of our current time, Elon Musk.

In addition, we take a very interesting look at the topic fail. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates. Everybody’s miscalculated before. Did you know?

Failed and Improved: Success Stories

• Amazon wanted to found its own auction house (model eBay): Failed.
• Amazon wanted to found a search engine (model Google): Failed.
• Bill Gates (Microsoft) first software (still in high school) nobody wanted to buy it, even for free nobody wanted it, so he hired it. After that, “Micro-Soft”

Therefore we look on the one hand at the types of sellers, but we also take a short look at the other side of the moon, away from the functioning business models, at projects of the international top entrepreneurs who have failed.

5 role models – top entrepreneurs

Here’s my top five entrepreneur.

Robert Geiss – Fashion and real estate

I find Robert Geiss absolutely inspiring, because he has a great family, has been with his wife for ages, gets around a lot and earns money at the same time. I like the TV series best, especially the scenes where they look at real estate, like islands. Robert grabs a sheet of paper, sits down on the beach and plans the land and buildings directly. When I work on my real estate project, there is no better inspiration in visual terms.

Robert Geiss started his career in the family business, a carnival outfitter. Later he and his brother founded the fashion brand “Uncle Sam”, which he later sold profitably. Today he invests primarily in real estate. When I work on my new real estate project in the evening, there’s nothing better than watching the entrepreneur’s series on the side. A short excursion to the Maldives, a few new houses planned, maybe one bought by himself, all his marketing is extremely well clocked. The yacht is of course branded with the new fashion brand “Geissini”. The TV team accompanies the travels and his wife produces a song called “Jetset”. A little later the song becomes the title melody of the series. Vacation, family, marketing, business, all in one.

Carsten Maschmeyer – Financial products

Carsten Maschmeyer is one of the most interesting self-made millionaires. An absolute and genuine genius in sales. He made his big money with financial products, today he invests in numerous companies and of course is still involved in his old business. In Germany, Carsten Maschmeyer became known above all for his successful series “Cave of the Lions”. In the show, three to four investors evaluate pitches of young start-up founders. What distinguishes him is that he is a very analytical and strategically thinking person. In spite of his possibilities, he keeps a very low profile. When you hear him talk and talk, whether with TV cameras or behind them, you feel this absolute entrepreneur in every word and every sentence. He has managed to take financial products (insurance) for the mass market to a whole new level.

Kylie Jenner – Reality TV and Beauty

Kylie Jenner should be mentioned because she is one of the new phenomena. Well-known family, excellent starting possibilities and optimally used. At the age of 21, she became the youngest billionaire in the world. What an achievement! After all, she could have been perfectly resting on her millions, but she is still interested in business. Your parents will be very happy!

Kylie Jenner also shows you that origin is everything. In my life I have also met many entrepreneurs, who without their parental home probably would not have been able to anything. But if you get the right consultants at your side right from the start and don’t have to worry about finances, you’ve already won. Because this person and can immediately afford good employees and with that you do not have to think much yourself. What you have to deal with, there always will be. The only solution, you always have to run twice as long, twice as fast and twice as hard. If you do this for 10 or 15 years, you might be able to bring it to a similar level at some point. But it won’t be easy. Especially if you have such people as competition, it costs nerves. You have to work hard, the others are on vacation. You keep asking yourself, how can they afford it? The bitter realization, you have to go through it. Entrepreneurship is not a social club.

Elon Musk – payment system and space logistics

This man should not be missing from any list when it comes to role models for entrepreneurs. Elon Musk is certainly one of the most inspiring people in the world. It all started with Paypal and other projects, today he is one of the pioneers in space travel. An incredible career.

Briefly described, everything started with the revolution of payment systems, namely PayPal. The great smart one was the symbiosis with Ebay. Today PayPal is almost standard as a payment system. But Elon Musk already had good ideas before PayPal and of course afterwards. With Tesla, he discovered one of the new technologies of the future at an early stage and was the first to start mass production of electric cars. A few weeks ago, the 100,000 vehicle rolled off the assembly line. Meanwhile more and more car manufacturers are jumping on the trend. Of course also by threatening CO2 certificates but also to get a part of the cake. Sky is the limit! That’s why Elon Musk is of course also in the current race into space among the multi-billionaires. Elon Musk also knows how to use his own network and last year he launched a Tesla into space with a SpaceX launcher. Naturally worldwide with live transmission. Wow. Wow.

My favorite story is the one from x.com. As a nerd, I’m especially fond of this story. At that time Elon Musk sold the domain in a package. Now, many years later, he has bought it back for three million. The page is empty, hardly any source code, a simple X. Not even an https certificate has the site. The love for a domain can be so great!

Personal experience

Think big! A source of inspiration that I always carry inside me and even in tattoos on my skin. Big and small stars that stand for the fact that I always set myself goals that I will probably never reach. What’s the matter with you? If I only set myself small goals, I reached them quickly and then? Motivation is an extremely high drive. The higher the goals, the more motivating it is to be one of the few to achieve them. An example? After my advertising agency I absolutely wanted to found a model agency. The name “CM Models” had done it to me so, since all domains were free. Free PR with a slightly different brand name and the complete domain package. No sooner said than done. 24 months later, the entire network (3 agency brandings) was on page one. Not only in German, also in English for keywords such as:

• Model Agency Berlin
• Model agency Hamburg
• Modelling agency Tokyo
• Modeling agency Chicago
• Modeling agency Los Angeles

All that’s missing is New York and London. If I had set myself the goal of becoming “number 1” digital in Germany, I would probably never have taken any other steps. It was clear right from the start that the brand positioning would be international and that all systems and structures would be designed in such a way that we could achieve the goal quickly and efficiently.

Set yourself big goals!

“Think big” or “stay hungry, stay foolish”.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs, the legendary founder of Apple, currently the most expensive company in the world. He died a few years ago and is still known to almost everyone today. Famous quotations like
“stay hungry, stay foolish”
have been quoted ten thousand times.