Hey ScorpA\rents! 🌟

As we step into the 🧧Lunar New Year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, refocus, and set the tone for success.

Whether you’re working on your side hustle, growing your investments, or sharpening your mindset, I’ve got some insights today to help you take things to the next level:

• DeepSeek’s groundbreaking AI is shaking up the tech world, proving innovation can come from unexpected places.

• The short straddle strategy shows how you can profit even when markets stay calm.

• The 48 Laws of Power reveals timeless strategies to grow your influence and make smarter moves in life and business.

These ideas can inspire and empower you as you hustle smarter, to make it a year of growth and opportunity!

🔎 TL;DR

1) STING & GROW: AI HUSTLES🤖

• 🔍 DeepSeek’s AI Disruption
  The Chinese AI company is shaking up global tech with a low-cost model that rivals top U.S. firms, raising big questions about AI dominance and innovation.

2) STING & GROW: INVESTING 📊

• 🎯 Short Straddle Strategy
  Profit from stable markets by selling both call and put options at the same strike price, ideal for low-volatility conditions.

3) STING OF SUCCESS: MILLIONAIRE MINDSET🧠

• 💼 The 48 Laws of Power
  Learn timeless strategies to build influence, gain respect, and master the art of leadership in any situation.

Estimated Reading Time: 5-6 minutes ⏱️

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STING & GROW: AI HUSTLES

🔍Deepseek A 'wake-up Call' For US Tech Firms
🔗Link🔗

Imagine an AI model that rivals the best in the world but costs a fraction to create.

That’s exactly what DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company, claims to have done.

Their new AI model, DeepSeek-R1, has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, impacting stock markets and raising big questions about the future of AI.

Let’s break it down.

💡 Why Is DeepSeek Making Headlines?

1️⃣ Unprecedented Affordability:
DeepSeek claims their R1 model was built for just $6 million, far less than the billions spent by rivals like OpenAI.

2️⃣ Surging Popularity:
Just a week after launch, DeepSeek became the most downloaded free app in the US.

3️⃣ Tech Industry Impact:

• Stock Shock: Nvidia’s stock dropped sharply, wiping out nearly $600 billion in market value.

• Global Ripple Effects: Shares of Japanese AI firms also took a hit, while markets in China were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday.

🚀 What Makes DeepSeek Stand Out?

• Efficient Technology
  DeepSeek’s AI model uses 2,000 specialized chips for training, compared to an estimated 16,000 for other leading models.
  

• Performance for Less
  The company claims R1 rivals top AI models in tasks like math, coding, and natural language reasoning—all at a much lower cost.
  

• Praise from Big Names
  Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the model "impressive for the price," though he added that OpenAI is focused on delivering even better models.

🌍 Why This Matters for AI’s Future

DeepSeek’s success shows that software innovation can compete with advanced hardware.

Lower costs could make AI tools more accessible, pushing more companies to adopt AI in their workflows.

💡 What It Could Mean for You:

• Businesses might integrate AI faster, making it easier for you to use these tools in your side hustle or investments.

• Lower costs could encourage startups and solopreneurs to build digital assets with AI-driven solutions.

⚠️ Concerns and Controversy

1️⃣ Cybersecurity Risks:
Some governments, including Australia, have raised concerns about data privacy and security with DeepSeek’s tools.

2️⃣ Skepticism Over Claims:
Critics, including Elon Musk, question whether DeepSeek’s cost and chip usage claims are accurate.

3️⃣ US-China AI Rivalry:
The US has restricted the export of advanced chips to China, forcing companies like DeepSeek to find innovative ways to work around limitations.

👥 Who’s Behind DeepSeek?

DeepSeek was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur based in Hangzhou, China.

Wenfeng also runs the hedge fund that backed the company.

Despite global attention, he has remained humble, saying the pricing strategy was just part of following “our own pace.”

📈 What’s Next?

DeepSeek’s emergence is a wake-up call for the US tech industry. It’s proof that AI dominance isn’t just about hardware—it’s about creativity, efficiency, and adaptability.

💡 What You Can Do:

• Watch for AI Adoption: More affordable AI means more businesses will integrate it into daily operations.

• Stay Informed: Changes like this can create new opportunities for side hustles and value investments.

💬 What’s Your Take?

Does DeepSeek’s breakthrough excite you or raise concerns?

How could more accessible AI impact your side hustle or investments?

STING & GROW: INVESTING

🎯 Short Straddle: Profit from a Stable Market
🔗Link🔗

Ever wonder how traders make money when the market isn’t moving much?

A short straddle is one way to do it.

This options strategy lets you profit when a stock’s price stays stable.

But it comes with risks, so it’s better suited for experienced traders.

Let’s break it down simply.

💡 What Is a Short Straddle?

A short straddle involves selling both a call option and a put option on the same stock, with the same strike price and expiration date.

🎯 The Goal:

• Profit by collecting the premium (the payment you get when you sell the options).

• It works best in a low-volatility market, where the stock price doesn’t move much.

🧩 How It Works

1️⃣ You sell a call option:

• You make money if the stock price stays below the strike price.

2️⃣ You sell a put option:

• You make money if the stock price stays above the strike price.

3️⃣ The Sweet Spot:

• Maximum profit happens when the stock price is at the strike price at expiration and both options expire worthless.

⚠️ The Risks

• Big Moves = Big Losses:
  If the stock price moves sharply up or down, your potential losses can be unlimited.

• Break-Even Points:
  For a short straddle, there are two break-even points:

  • Strike price + total premium collected.

  • Strike price - total premium collected.

💡 Example:
If the strike price is $60 and the total premium collected is $7.50:

• Breakeven range = $52.50 to $67.50.

• If the stock price falls outside this range, you lose money.

📊 Example of a Short Straddle

Let’s say a stock is trading at $25:

• You sell a $25 call for $2.50 and a $25 put for $2.50.

• Total premium collected = $5.

Possible Outcomes:

1️⃣ Stock stays at $25:

• Both options expire worthless.

• You keep the $5 premium.

2️⃣ Stock rises to $50:

• You lose $25 on the call but keep the $5 premium.

• Net loss = $20.

3️⃣ Stock falls to $10:

• You lose $15 on the put but keep the $5 premium.

• Net loss = $10.

🛠️ When to Use a Short Straddle

• You expect the stock price to stay within a narrow range.

• You believe the market will have low volatility during the options’ lifespan.

• You’re experienced and comfortable managing unlimited risk.

🔄 Short Straddle vs. Other Strategies

• Straddle vs. Strangle:

  • Straddles work best when the stock’s direction is unclear but volatility is low.

  • Strangles are used when traders expect the stock to move in a specific direction but still want some protection.

• Short vs. Long Straddle:

  • Short straddle profits from stability.

  • Long straddle profits from big price swings (either up or down).

🧠 Quick Takeaways

1️⃣ Short straddles work best in calm markets.

2️⃣ Maximum profit: When the stock price is exactly at the strike price at expiration.

3️⃣ Maximum risk: Unlimited if the stock moves sharply up or down.

💬 What’s Your Take?

Would you try a short straddle, or does it feel too risky?

Reply to this newsletter—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

STING & GROW: MILLIONAIRE MINDSET

💼 The 48 Laws of Power: Master the Rules of Influence
🔗Link🔗

Ever wonder what makes great leaders so influential?

In The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene reveals the timeless strategies that powerful people have used throughout history.

These aren’t just for world leaders—they’re tools you can use to gain respect, build influence, and take control of your life.

Here’s a breakdown of the key lessons to help you on your journey to success.

💡 What You’ll Learn

1️⃣ Power is a Skill:
It’s not something you’re born with.

It’s something you learn by observing, practicing, and applying specific strategies.

2️⃣ The Strategy of the Crown:
Behave as if you’re destined for greatness.

Confidence and presence make people respect and follow you.

3️⃣ The Mirror Effect:
Reflect people’s emotions and desires back to them.

This builds trust and makes you seem relatable.

4️⃣ The Power of Appearance:
People judge based on what they see.

Control how others perceive you to gain an edge in any situation.

📚 How the Laws Work

The book divides the 48 laws into key sections:

Laws 1-7: Master Your Words and Actions

• Watch what you say. Words can build or destroy power.
  

• Actions speak louder—use them wisely.

Laws 8-17: Gain Power in Every Interaction

• Learn to read people and understand their motivations.
  

• Use every social situation to strengthen your influence.

Laws 18-24: Keep Your Plans Hidden

• Don’t reveal your intentions.
  

• Gather information quietly and use it when it matters.

Laws 25-32: Control Through Image

• People’s perception of you is your greatest tool.
  

• Shape your image to match the power you want.

Laws 33-40: Win Hearts and Stand Firm

• Earn loyalty by winning people over emotionally.
  

• Stay firm in your decisions to gain respect.

Laws 41-48: Outmaneuver and Triumph

• Eliminate threats with strategy.
  

• Use every opportunity to strengthen your position.

🧠 Why These Laws Matter for You

Whether you’re leading a team, building a side hustle, or managing family life, these principles can help you:

• Gain respect in personal and professional relationships.

• Build influence without manipulation.

• Make smarter, more confident decisions.

📖 About the Author: Robert Greene

Robert Greene is known for his books on power, strategy, and influence.

He says he doesn’t live by his own advice because it might make him difficult to be around—but the insights in his books have earned him global recognition.

💬 What’s Your Take?

Which of these laws do you think is most important for success?

Reply to this newsletter—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Final Thought for the Week:
We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.
- by John F. Kennedy