3 reels that hooked me

1. Expert M&A Business Breakdown

Why it works:

• Question Hook: You have “X” to invest do you buy Y or Z?  This frames the entire video so the audience knows exactly what to expect. Relevant for anyone with money whose thinking about buying a small business (his target audience) 

• “Let’s Do The Math”: This is a simple and repeatable format. There are endless business comparisons he can do. 

• Branding: The crinkled paper as background, black, white, and yellow as colors and pacing create a repeatable identity. You can spot his videos within half a second. This familiarity builds trust and keeps viewers returning.

• Strong positioning. M&A strategy is a niche with high value and low noise on short form video. Packaging complex topics in quick, digestible scripts creates an instant advantage.

• Bonus: He sorta looks like Brad Pitt. 

2. Audacious Challenge

Why It Works:

• A bold mission hook: “Is it possible for a 23-year-old to build the biggest soft pretzel company in the world” The opening line taps straight into journey-based storytelling. Viewers immediately understand the mission and want to see if he can pull it off.

• Clear enemy marketing: Positioning Auntie Anne’s as the enemy in the space creates a natural underdog arc. Audiences love rooting for the underdog. 

• Pope in the Pool: There is always something happening in the background while he is talking. Flour falling, a machine spinning, a conveyor belt moving. These additional visuals keep the viewer’s eyes busy and maximize retention.

• Series content. The mission can unfold over dozens of videos. Each one adds a new chapter.

3. How To Create Desire

Why It Works:

• A targeted hook. “If you’re selling to rich people” This first line filters viewers instantly. If you work in luxury or premium categories, you stay. If you don’t, you scroll. This strengthens the retention curve because the right people enter the video from frame one.

• Rejection handling/social proof. She calls out an obvious objection viewers might have: “why should you trust me” and answers it with humor + social proof “you probably shouldn’t, but these people do” showcasing luxury brands (her client) who do. This turns a potential objection into credibility within seconds.

• Simple, repeatable slides. Clean computer graphics, minimal movement, and direct copy create a format easy to recreate daily. 

• Clear POV for high-end markets. Her advice speaks to a very specific buyer: brands that sell to wealthy customers. That tight positioning gives the content a premium feel and attracts her target audience.

That’s all for this week.

Rooting for ya,

Dodds