When you think of investments, your mind probably goes straight to stocks, real estate, or maybe even crypto. But here’s the truth—some of the smartest investments don’t go into assets at all. They go into yourself. Today’s story is about a young actress who spent her own money, not on luxury, but on visibility. And that decision transformed her drama into one of the most popular shows in China. This is the power of betting on yourself.
The Story
In 2024, Singaporean actress Eleanor Lee was starring in a new Chinese wuxia drama called The Journey of Legend. She knew that the competition for attention was fierce. Viewers had endless options, and new dramas were being released every week. So, Eleanor made an unusual move.
She reached into her own pocket and spent 39,900 yuan—about RM24,000—buying 666 monthly VIP membership cards for streaming platforms iQiyi and Tencent Video. Each card was worth about 30 yuan, and she gifted them to her fans over Instagram so they could watch the drama for free.
Her co-stars joined in too. Cheng Yi reportedly spent more than 530,000 yuan—yes, half a million—on a similar buyout, and other cast members followed suit. Together, they created a wave of viewership. The results? The Journey of Legend shot straight to the top of the charts, becoming the most popular drama on both iQiyi and Tencent Video.
This wasn’t luck. It was investment.
Breaking Down the Lessons
- Invest in yourself before others do.
Eleanor didn’t wait for the studio to spend more on promotion. She took the risk personally. That’s what real entrepreneurs do: they bet on their own vision first. - Marketing is an investment, not an expense.
Too often, people see marketing as money “wasted.” But Eleanor understood that visibility is everything. Without an audience, even the best product goes unnoticed. - Leverage social proof.
By giving away memberships, she created buzz. Fans shared, the show trended, and more people wanted to see what the hype was about. Perception created momentum. - The power of collective effort.
It wasn’t just Eleanor—it was her co-stars too. When everyone invested together, their efforts compounded. In investments, collaboration often accelerates results. - Short-term cost, long-term reward.
Yes, she spent RM24,000. But what’s the potential return? A bigger fan base, more leading roles, endorsements, and a higher market value as an actress. That’s career capital that compounds over a lifetime.
Lesson for readers
This story teaches us that not every investment pays in cash. Some investments pay in visibility, credibility, and reputation. Those are the kinds of assets that open doors for decades to come.
So, here’s the reflection: What part of your life or career could explode if you dared to invest in yourself, instead of waiting for someone else to bet on you? Sometimes the smartest play is to buy your own ticket to the future.
Book Recommendation
📖 The Brand Called You by Peter Montoya – A timeless read about turning yourself into your greatest investment. It’s not about vanity, it’s about building equity in your name, reputation, and credibility.
Eleanor Lee’s RM24,000 wasn’t just a marketing stunt. It was a statement: I believe in myself enough to back myself. And that’s a reminder to all of us—if you want others to invest in you, start by investing in yourself.
Until next time—see the long game. Own your future.
Salima
Just me thinking out loud over here