Navigating the bustling world of entrepreneurship can often feel like venturing into a vast, uncharted ocean. But you have a compass, a guidebook penned by someone who has not only sailed those turbulent waters but mastered them? That's precisely what Elaine Pofeldt offers in her treasure trove of a book. Through its pages, she generously shares her profound insights, unearthing the secrets of building a thriving million-dollar venture, even if you're starting solo. Here’s the distilled essence of wisdom from Elaine.Let her words illuminate your entrepreneurial journey.

1. Embrace the Solo RevolutionYou don't need a big team to make big money; master your niche solo.Countless young entrepreneurs have debunked the myth that you need a massive team to earn big. It's all about finding that sweet spot where passion meets demand. Remember, some of the most influential digital platforms were birthed in dorm rooms and garages. One person, with a burning desire and the right tools, can indeed change the world.<ul><li>Identify your unique skill set.</li><li>Invest in continuous self-education.</li><li>Seek out niche markets.</li><li>Streamline operations to manage solo.</li></ul>

You don't need a big team to make big money

2. The Power of LeverageThe right tools and strategies can amplify your efforts tenfold. Automate, scale, and simplify.The secret is knowing what tools, when and how to leverage them. Embrace technology and let it be your silent partner, turbocharging your endeavors and giving you the edge in this bustling digital marketplace.<ul><li>Automate repetitive tasks.</li><li>Embrace digital tools for scaling.</li><li>Delegate or outsource when necessary.</li><li>Regularly review tools for relevancy.</li></ul>

Maximize output by using tools, technology, and smart strategies

3. Foster Genuine ConnectionsWhile the digital world offers vast opportunities, it's the human connection that leaves an indelible mark. Beyond algorithms and analytics, it's genuine relationships that propel success. By weaving a tapestry of authentic connections, you're building not just a network but a community. This tribe will be your cheerleaders, collaborators, and sometimes, your toughest critics. In every interaction lies an opportunity for growth.<ul><li>Attend industry events.</li><li>Actively engage on social media.</li><li>Seek mentorship and offer it.</li><li>Prioritize relationship-building over transactions.</li></ul>

Your network is your net worth; cultivate it authentically.

4. Master the Art of AdaptabilityThe rules of the game are ever-evolvingFor the modern entrepreneur, adaptability isn't just a trait; it's a survival skill. Embrace change as an exciting challenge, not a roadblock. Whether it's a shifting algorithm, a new platform, or evolving consumer habits, viewing these shifts as opportunities rather than obstacles sets you apart. Flow with the tides of change, and you'll find yourself at the forefront of innovation.<ul><li>Stay informed on industry trends.</li><li>Embrace feedback and iterate.</li><li>Be prepared to pivot when needed.</li><li>Engage in regular self-reflection.</li></ul>

In the face of change, be fluid, not rigid.

5. Diversify Revenue StreamsThe most successful digital magnates understand the wisdom of diversification. In an ecosystem as dynamic as the online marketplace, relying solely on one income stream is a gamble. By exploring various avenues, you cushion yourself against unforeseen disruptions and simultaneously open doors to exponential growth.Experiment, and let multiple streams feed your entrepreneurial river.<ul><li>Launch complementary products/services.</li><li>Explore affiliate marketing.</li><li>Consider passive income opportunities.</li><li>Re-invest profits to fuel growth.</li></ul>

Explore multiple income avenues 

6. Mindset is EverythingBeyond strategies and tools, it's the mindset that determines the trajectory of an entrepreneur. Every setback, every win, every feedback - they can either be roadblocks or stepping stones, depending on how you perceive them. Cultivating a growth mindset, one that thrives on challenges and views failures as lessons, is the bedrock of entrepreneurial success.<ul><li>Embrace challenges as learning opportunities.</li><li>Surround yourself with positive influencers.</li><li>Regularly practice self-care.</li><li>Celebrate small wins to fuel motivation.</li></ul>

Your belief system will shape your business trajectory 

Remember that every entrepreneurial journey is uniquely beautiful, punctuated with challenges, triumphs, and infinite learning. The digital realm is vast, filled with both challenges and opportunities, but with resilience and the right mindset, it's yours to conquer. Take these nuggets of wisdom to heart, and let them fuel your aspirations. The world awaits your unique imprint, and the time to start is now. Dream big, act relentlessly, and let your online venture be the testament to what one can achieve with determination and the right guidance. Here's to your boundless success!

Your drive and passion are the true north stars

Elaine Pofeldt's "The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, Revised" revealed enlightening insights on solo entrepreneurship, inspiring hope for vast untapped potential in the digital landscape.

The self-employment revolution is here. Learn the latest pioneering tactics from real people who are bringing in $1 million a year on their own terms. Join the record number of people who have ended their dependence on traditional employment and embraced entrepreneurship as the ultimate way to control their futures. Determine when, where, and how much you work, and by what values. With up-to-date advice and more real-life success stories, this revised edition of The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business shows the latest strategies you can apply from everyday people who--on their own--are bringing in $1 million a year to live exactly how they want.

moneyandinvestments

Money & Investments

entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

business

Business

startup

Startups

books

Books

Elaine Pofeldt

The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, Revised

Navigating the digital business world can sometimes feel like deciphering an enigmatic code. But what if someone handed you a guidebook? Scott Oldford has done just that. In "The Nuclear Effect", he graciously uncovers layers of insights from his own journey, turning them into actionable wisdom. What you're about to delve into isn't just advice; it's the distilled essence of Scott's experiences, lessons, and secrets to thriving in the digital realm in six condensed tenets

Your roadmap to digital success awaits.

1. The Six-Figure FoundationToday, businesses can scale faster than ever. However, the lure of rapid growth can sometimes make us overlook the essentials. Having a robust foundation isn't old-fashioned—it's the smart play. Before chasing the glamorous million-dollar milestones, ensure your operations, customer relations, & niche understanding are rock solid. This isn’t about slowing down; it's about moving forward with intention & certainty, reducing costly backtracking later on.<ul><li>Know your niche.</li><li>Streamline operations early.</li><li>Consistently measure & adapt.</li><li>Prioritize relationships.</li></ul>

Ensure you're grounded before skyrocketing

2. The Relevancy EngineThe digital realm is constantly evolving. Yesterday's hot topic is today's old news. For young entrepreneurs, staying relevant is both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands a finger on the pulse of consumer demands, tech advancements, and cultural shifts. By aligning with what's relevant, you not only solidify your current customer base but also position yourself as an adaptable, forward-thinking brand in the millennial marketplace.<ul><li>Regularly audit market trends.</li><li>Pivot when necessary.</li><li>Personalize your offerings.</li><li>Engage in active customer feedback.</li></ul>

Keep your offerings relevant and timely

3. The Omnipresence PlayDigital natives, particularly millennials, are online across multiple platforms. To connect, it's vital for businesses to have a presence wherever their audience is. However, there's a fine line between being available and being intrusive. In the age of information overload, the art isn't just in showing up; it's in delivering meaningful, valuable content that respects the consumer's time and intelligence.<ul><li>Craft a consistent brand voice.</li><li>Optimize for each platform.</li><li>Limit promotion; boost value.</li><li>Engage, don’t spam.</li></ul>

Be everywhere but not overwhelming

4. The Momentum MakerEvery entrepreneur, especially in the digital space, knows the thrill of a 'win.' But these aren't just for celebratory moments; they're stepping stones to greater success. Recognizing and leveraging these successes provides a motivational boost, a credibility marker, and a roadmap for future endeavors. In a digital landscape where trust is invaluable, showcasing momentum isn't bragging—it's building a narrative of reliability and growth.<ul><li>Celebrate all wins.</li><li>Use feedback as fuel.</li><li>Stay adaptable.</li><li>Invest back into the business.</li></ul>

Fuel your progress with past achievements

5. The Relationship ROIWhere algorithms often dictate interactions, genuine relationships stand out. For digital entrepreneurs, these aren't just 'contacts'—they're potential collaborators, advocates, mentors, & clients. Every meaningful relationship is an asset that can multiply in value over time, especially in the interconnected era we live. Building & nurturing these relationships isn’t networking in the traditional sense—it's weaving a supportive web for sustainable success.<ul><li>Prioritize networking.</li><li>Offer value without expecting returns.</li><li>Foster community.</li><li>Maintain consistent communication.</li></ul>

Treat relationships like gold; they compound

6. The Infinite Scale StrategyThe beauty of the digital realm is its boundless potential. However, that doesn't mean scaling is a simple, upward trajectory.It's a nuanced dance of reassessing, refining, and redefining strategies. For the millennial entrepreneur, this isn't a cautionary tale but an exciting invitation. Every stage of scaling offers fresh learning curves, innovative approaches, and unexpected horizons. Embrace the nonlinear journey; it's where the magic happens.Embrace change.<ul><li>Reevaluate strategies regularly.</li><li>Continuously educate yourself.</li><li>Delegate and decentralize.</li></ul>

Scaling isn't linear; it's a constant evolution

As we draw the curtains on Scott's invaluable lessons, it's essential to recognize something profound: every piece of wisdom shared is a testament to the possibilities awaiting you in the digital sphere. While the path to online success is riddled with challenges and uncertainties, it's also paved with unparalleled opportunities. Scott's journey isn't just a blueprint; it's a beacon of hope, illustrating that with persistence, adaptability, and a touch of guidance, dreams can manifest into reality.

Chasing Digital Dreams: The Journey Ahead

So, armed with these insights and fueled by your passion, step confidently into the digital arena. Your aspirations aren't just fantasies; they're potential success stories waiting to be written. Embrace the journey, cherish the process, and remember: the digital world isn't just a marketplace; it's a playground for dreamers like you. Go forth and make your mark!

Your aspirations aren't just fantasies

Inspired by insights from Scott Oldford's "The Nuclear Effect," it was felt that sharing these enlightening lessons could illuminate our shared digital journey, hoping the wisdom would be found as motivational and guiding for future endeavors.

A nuclear chain reaction is one of the most powerful forces known to mankind. Its energy feeds other reactions, creating endless possibilities for self-sustaining growth. Imagine harnessing this kind of energy in business-what if you could create your own nuclear effect? It's easy to feel trapped when you start an online business, stuck in a tug-of-war between success and the requirements for continued growth. The more you progress, the more money you need. Your company's bank account mirrors your own emotions in a rollercoaster of inconsistency and instability-you've left the rat race, only to find yourself on a 6- or 7-figure hamster wheel. In The Nuclear Effect, Scott Oldford shows you how to free yourself from this cycle, scale a profitable, multimillion-dollar business, and keep the money you make. By following Scott's 6 pillars of sustainable growth, you will create the momentum your business needs to become an unstoppable force.

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

Scott Oldford

The Nuclear Effect

Bigger isn't always better. In business, mindless growth can lead to more problems than solutions. Instead of chasing endless expansion, focus on building a business that's just the right size for you. It's about finding that sweet spot where you're profitable, sustainable, and happy.

1. "Growth Isn't Always Good"

Listen, hustle culture? It's overrated. Instead of burning out trying to do everything, build a resilient business. That means creating something that can weather the ups and downs, adapt to changes, and stand the test of time. Resilience is your secret weapon in the entrepreneurial world.

2. "Build Resilience, Not Hustle"

I've got a secret for you: It's not about having the most customers; it's about having the right ones. Focus on serving a smaller, dedicated audience exceptionally well. When you prioritize quality over quantity, you build stronger relationships and a more loyal customer base.

3. "Quality Over Quantity"

Here's the thing, the business world is ever-changing. Instead of setting rigid goals and sticking to them no matter what, stay agile. Be ready to pivot, adapt, and change direction when needed. It's like being a nimble dancer in the world of business – always ready for the next move.

4. "Stay Agile and Adaptable"

You know what's truly liberating? Defining success on your own terms.Don't let society dictate what success looks like for you. Maybe it's not a multi-million dollar company but a business that gives you freedom and joy. Remember, success is personal. Own it.

5. "Define Your Own Success"

Ever heard of the saying, "less is more"? It's true in business too. Instead of spreading yourself thin, focus on doing a few things exceptionally well. Simplify, streamline, and prioritize. Sometimes, doing less can lead to achieving more.

6. "Less Can Be More"

Here's a golden nugget for you: Business is all about relationships. Instead of seeing customers as numbers, see them as people. Build genuine, authentic relationships with them. When you connect on a deeper level, you create a community around your brand.

7. "Build Strong Relationships"

Freedom and autonomy are priceless. Instead of building a business that ties you down, create one that gives you the freedom to live life on your terms. Remember, the goal isn't just to build a successful business but to live a fulfilling life.

8. "Embrace Autonomy"

Lessons from ‘Company of One’ that teaches us to embrace a new entrepreneurial approach where genuine relationships and personal vision redefine success, proving that sometimes, less is truly more.

What if the real key to a richer and more fulfilling career was not to create and scale a new start-up, but rather, to be able to work for yourself, determine your own hours, and become a (highly profitable) and sustainable company of one? Suppose the better--and smarter--solution is simply to remain small? This book explains how to do just that. Company of One is a refreshingly new approach centered on staying small and avoiding growth, for any size business. Not as a freelancer who only gets paid on a per piece basis, and not as an entrepreneurial start-up that wants to scale as soon as possible, but as a small business that is deliberately committed to staying that way. By staying small, one can have freedom to pursue more meaningful pleasures in life, and avoid the headaches that result from dealing with employees, long meetings, or worrying about expansion. Company of One introduces this unique business strategy and explains how to make it work for you, including how to generate cash flow on an ongoing basis. Paul Jarvis left the corporate world when he realized that working in a high-pressure, high profile world was not his idea of success. Instead, he now works for himself out of his home on a small, lush island off of Vancouver, and lives a much more rewarding and productive life. He no longer has to contend with an environment that constantly demands more productivity, more output, and more growth. In Company of One, Jarvis explains how you can find the right pathway to do the same, including planning how to set up your shop, determining your desired revenues, dealing with unexpected crises, keeping your key clients happy, and of course, doing all of this on your own.

Paul Jarvis

Company of One

Craft a venture rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and true self-expression.

10 Golden Nuggets to Building A Business That's Truly Yours

Discover the power of being genuine. When you're authentic, your work resonates deeply, creating a foundation that's uniquely yours. Embrace your true self and let your passion shine.

1. Authenticity: The Core of Creation

Value every moment. Intentional living means prioritizing tasks that align with your core values, ensuring every second counts towards your unique vision.

2. Time: Your Most Precious Asset

In a world of excess, simplicity stands out. Learn to declutter your venture, focusing on what truly matters. A minimalist approach often leads to clearer, more impactful results.

3. Simplicity: The Art of Less

Craft a venture that stands the test of time. By integrating sustainability, you ensure your initiative benefits not just you, but the world around you.

4. Sustainability: Building for Tomorrow

Your unique experiences and perspectives are your venture's greatest asset. Dive deep into self-reflection to unearth the values that set you apart.

5. Selfhood: The Unique Value Proposition

Shift from busywork to value-driven tasks. Recognize moments of clarity that redefine productivity, focusing on outcomes rather than hours spent.

6. Epiphanies in Productivity

When your actions mirror your values, work becomes effortless. Explore ways to align your daily tasks with your overarching vision, reducing friction and stress.

7. Alignment: The Path of Least Resistance

Reimagine work as an extension of your being. When you're in tune with your authentic self, tasks flow naturally, and 'work' transforms into 'expression'.

8. Being vs. Doing: The Natural Flow

Your unique value isn't just about what you gain, but what you give. Understand the joy of contributing authentically, and how it amplifies your venture's impact.

9. Contribution: The Joy of Giving

Sometimes, the best action is inaction. Learn the art of letting things unfold, trusting in your foundation and the value you bring to the table.

10. The Power of Letting Go

10 Guiding Lights to Designing a Business Reflecting Your Essence

mindfulness

Mindfulness

writing

Reading & Writing

Simple Virtues: On a Journey of Mindfulness, Personal Development, and Entrepreneurship

This is specifically for the subset of copy writing within marketing.

If you’re a marketer, then you know the importance of good copywriting. Without compelling and engaging copies, your marketing efforts will fall flat. It’s how you communicate your message, sell your product, and engage your audience. But copywriting can be tricky – it’s not always easy to know what to say, or how to say it.

The first step to becoming a copywriting ninja is to understand the basics of copywriting. Copywriting is the art and science of persuasion. It’s about understanding your audience and knowing how to craft messages that will influence their behavior.The goal of copywriting is to get the reader to take the desired action, whether that’s buying a product, signing up for a newsletter, or clicking on a link. And to do that, you need to understand how to write persuasive copy.There are three primary elements of persuasive copywriting – headings, body text, and calls to action.Headings are the fir<warningtag>st thing that your reader will see, so it’s important to make them attention-grabbing and relevant. The body text is where you’ll make your case – this is where you’ll explain what you’re offering and why it’s valuable. And finally, calls to action are what you want the reader to do – they’re your instructions for what you want the reader to do next. </warningtag>

1. Understand the basics of copywriting

One of the most important aspects of copywriting is being able to capture attention and create a connection with the reader. After all, if you can’t get someone to read your copy, then you can’t persuade them! There are a few key techniques that you can use to achieve this: – Use an interesting headline: Write headlines that are compelling and make people want to read more. – Write in a clear and concise manner: Use short, simple sentences and avoid jargon. – Be relatable: Write copy that speaks to your reader’s needs and concerns.

2. Learn how to capture attention and create a connection with the reader

To write effective copy, you need to know how to structure your sentences, use persuasive language and make an emotional connection with your reader. This means using words that will evoke an emotional response in your reader and motivate them to take action. Some examples of persuasive language include words like “free,” “exclusive,” “limited time only,” and “act now.” You also need to be aware of the different types of copywriting, such as direct response, SEO, and brand advertising.One important aspect of copywriting is understanding your audience. It’s not enough to just know who your targe<warningtag>t customer is, you must also understand what motivates them and what kinds of language will resonate with them. A good copywriter always strives to make an emotional connection with their reader. This means writing in a way that resonates with the reader on a personal level and speaks to their needs and desires. The best way to do this is to create buyer personas for your target customers. Once you have a good understanding of your buyer personas, you’ll be able to write copy that speaks directly to their needs and desires. </warningtag><warningtag>So, what’s the takeaway? If you want to write great copy that sells, remember these three things: know your audience, hook them with a strong headline and use persuasive language. And most importantly, the ability to write great copy that sells is a skill that can be learned and perfected with practice. Practice, practice, practice. The more you write, the better you’ll get at it. </warningtag><warningtag>If you want to become a Copywriting Ninja, start by studying the work of the masters and practicing your craft. Start small, with sales letters or landing pages, and then move on to longer-form pieces. Always be testing and tweaking your copy until it’s as persuasive as possible. And above all, remember that the goal is to help your customer take action—whether that’s buying your product or clicking through to another page on your site. </warningtag>

3. Master the art of persuasion and influence

Start small, with sales letters or landing pages, and then move on to longer-form pieces. Always be testing and tweaking your copy until it’s as persuasive as possible.

Start by studying the work of the masters

If you're a marketer, then you know the importance of good copywriting. Without compelling and engaging copies, your marketing efforts will fall flat. Copywriting is one of the most important skills for any digital marketer. It's how you communicate your message, sell your product, and engage your audience. But copywriting can be tricky - it's…

marketingandsales

Marketing & Sales

Becoming a Copywriting Ninja: A Guide to Writing Compelling Copies like a Pro

Profit: The Lifeline of BusinessYou'd be wise to prioritize profitability above all else. Remember, profit is the oxygen that keeps businesses alive. Instead of chasing investor funds or planning to sell before profits kick in, focus on creating a product that customers are willing to pay for. Avoid the trap of selling users to advertisers; instead, sell a valuable product directly to your customers.

Prioritize Profitability from Day One

Community: The Heartbeat of SuccessYou'd benefit immensely by building on a foundation of community. Instead of merely asking how you can assist, be observant and nurture genuine relationships. Dedicate time to understand and earn trust. Before crafting any product, ensure you've deeply understood the market's needs.

Cultivate Genuine Community Ties

Simplicity: The Essence of CreationYou'd achieve more by building less. Focus on what's absolutely necessary, and consider automating or outsourcing the rest. Strive for excellence in one thing rather than being average in many. Collaborate with your customers, iterate solutions with them, and ensure it's something they'd pay for.

Build Only What's Essential

Sales: A Journey of DiscoveryYou'd find more success by educating rather than convincing. Treat sales as a two-way discovery process. Engage with potential customers individually, understanding their needs while introducing them to your product. This approach is a long-term investment in relationships, not just a quick sale.

Educate, Don't Just Convince

Authenticity: Your Unique Selling PointYou'd resonate more by sharing your genuine journey, from challenges to victories. Understand that people connect with real stories. Instead of chasing headlines, focus on building genuine fans who, over time, become loyal customers.

Market Authentically, Be Yourself

Mindful Growth: The Sustainable PathYou'd be happier and more successful by owning your business, not letting it own you. Avoid debts and never compromise profitability for mere scale. Remember, in the game of business, it's not about being the biggest but being the most sustainable.

Grow Mindfully, Stay Grounded

Craftsmanship: Building with PurposeYou'd thrive by surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. Challenge the status quo and build your company based on first principles. Your unique approach might not appeal to everyone, but it will resonate deeply with a select few who share your values.

Craft a Business You're Proud Of

Success: A Personal Definition You'd find fulfillment by understanding that entrepreneurship isn't just about the company. It's about improving the quality of life for many. Define what "enough" means to you. Success isn't a fixed target; it's what you make of it.

Redefine Success on Your Terms

My new favorite book on building your venture

“Pay attention.”—Jason Fried A revolutionary roadmap for building startups that go the distance   Now more than ever, you don’t need a fancy office, Ivy League degree, or millions of dollars in venture capital to launch a business that matters for the communities you care most about. Software, the internet, and remote work have made it possible for entrepreneurs to start for free, make a customer of anyone, and grow a profitable, sustainable company from anywhere.  Packed with hard-won, battle-tested lessons from Lavingia’s own journey of building Gumroad, a platform for creators to sell their work, The Minimalist Entrepreneur teaches founders how to:     •  start then learn   •  build a community, then solve a problem for them   •  charge for something even before you’ve built anything   •  avoid running out of money and, more importantly, energy   •  run a tight ship amid the rise of the gig economy and remote work   •  own a business without it owning you back.   The Minimalist Entrepreneur is the manifesto for a new generation of founders who would rather build great companies than big ones. This is essential knowledge for every founder aspiring to build a business worth building.

Sahil Lavingia

The Minimalist Entrepreneur

The way to get startup ideas is not to try to think of startup ideas. It's to look for problems, preferably problems you have yourself.

The way to get startup ideas

The very best startup ideas tend to have three things in common: they're something the founders themselves want, that they themselves can build, and that few others realize are worth doing. Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo, Google, and Facebook all began this way.

Look for these three Things

Why is it so important to work on a problem you have? Among other things, it ensures the problem really exists. It sounds obvious to say you should only work on problems that exist. And yet by far the most common mistake startups make is to solve problems no one has.

Work On A Problem You Have

When a startup launches, there have to be at least some users who really need what they're making — not just people who could see themselves using it one day, but who want it urgently.

The Initial group of users is Usually Small

You can either build something a large number of people want a small amount, or something a small number of people want a large amount. Choose the latter. Not all ideas of that type are good startup ideas, but nearly all good startup ideas are of that type.Nearly all good startup ideas are of this type. Microsoft made Altair Basic. There were only a couple thousand Altair owners, but without this software they were programming in machine language. Thirty years later Facebook was exclusively for Harvard students, there were only a few thousand, but those few thousand users wanted it a lot.

Build something a Small number of people want Urgently 

How do you tell whether something is the germ of a giant company, or just a niche product? Often you can't. So if you can't predict whether there's a path out of an idea, how do you choose between ideas? The truth is disappointing but interesting: if you're the right sort of person, you have the right sort of hunches. If you're at the leading edge of a field that's changing fast, when you have a hunch that something is worth doing, you're more likely to be right. It doesn't mean you have to be one of the people pushing it forward. You can also be at the leading edge as a user.

How do you tell whether there's a path out of an idea? 

The verb you want to be using with respect to startup ideas is not "think up" but "notice."The key is to have a mind that's prepared in the right way.If you look at the way successful founders have had their ideas, it's generally the result of some external stimulus hitting a prepared mind.ust one that in the worst case takes a year rather than a weekend.

Live in the future, then build what's missing.

When you find the right sort of problem, you should probably be able to describe it as obvious, at least to you. It’s a weird process: you're trying to see things that are obvious, and yet that you hadn't seen.What you need to do here is loosen up your own mind, and not to make too much of a direct frontal attack — i.e. to sit down and try to think of ideas. The best plan is to keep a background process running, looking for things that seem to be missing. Work on hard problems, driven mainly by curiosity, but have a second self watching over your shoulder, taking note of gaps and anomalies.

Coming up with startup ideas is a question of seeing the obvious

Don't let that deter you.It's exceptionally rare for startups to be killed by competitors — so rare that you can almost discount the possibility. So unless you discover a competitor with the sort of lock-in that would prevent users from choosing you, don't discard the idea.A crowded market is actually a good sign, because it means both that there's demand and that none of the existing solutions are good enough. A startup can't hope to enter a market that's obviously big and yet in which they have no competitors.

Worrying that you're late is one of the signs of a good idea

You'll need to turn off these two filters if you want to notice startup ideas.The schelp filter is preferring not to deal with tedious problems or get involved in messy ways with the real world. Which is a reasonable preference, because such things slow you down. But this preference is so widespread that the space of convenient startup ideas has been stripped pretty clean. If you let your mind wander a few blocks down the street to the messy, tedious ideas, you'll find valuable ones just sitting there waiting to be implemented.

The unsexy filter and the schlep filter.

.. it keeps you from working on problems you despise rather than ones you fear.The unsexy filter, while still a source of error, is not as entirely useless as the schlep filter. If you're at the leading edge of a field that's changing rapidly, your ideas about what's sexy will be somewhat correlated with what's valuable in practice. Particularly as you get older and more experienced. Plus if you find an idea sexy, you'll work on it more enthusiastically.

The unsexy filter is similar to the schlep filter, except..

Best way to discover startup ideas is to become the sort of person who has them and then build whatever interests you, sometimes you don't have that luxury. Sometimes you need an idea now. For example, if you're working on a startup & your initial idea turns out to be bad.When you use the organic method, you don't even notice an idea unless it's evidence that something is truly missing. But when you make a conscious effort to think of startup ideas, you have to replace this natural constraint with self-discipline. You'll see a lot more ideas(bad ones), so you need to be able to filter them.

You just have to be more disciplined

When searching for ideas, look in areas where you have some expertise.The place to start looking for ideas is things you need. There must be things you need.One good trick is to ask yourself whether in your previous job you ever found yourself saying "Why doesn't someone make x? If someone made x we'd buy it in a second." If you can think of any x people said that about, you probably have an idea. You know there's demand, and people don't say that about things that are impossible to build.

There must be things you need.

The next best thing to an unmet need of your own is an unmet need of someone else.What would they like to do that they can't? What's tedious or annoying, particularly in their work? Let the conversation get general; don't be trying too hard to find startup ideas. You're just looking for something to spark a thought. Maybe you'll notice a problem they didn't consciously realize they had, because you know how to solve it.One way to ensure you do a good job solving other people's problems is to make them your own.

Talk to everyone you can about the gaps they find in the world

That's why most people who try fail so miserably. The best approach is more indirect: if you have the right sort of background, good startup ideas will seem obvious to you. But even then, not immediately. It takes time to come across situations where you notice something missing. And often these gaps won't seem to be ideas for companies, just things that would be interesting to build. Which is why it's good to have the time and the inclination to build things just because they're interesting.Live in the future and build what seems interesting. Strange as it sounds, that's the real recipe.

Finding startup ideas is a subtle business

Favorite article on things to bear in the back of the mind when coming up with startup ideas

creativity

Creativity

How to Get Startup Ideas

We don't want the thing we’re after, we want to be after the thing

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The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, Revised

The Nuclear Effect

Company of One

Simple Virtues: On a Journey of Mindfulness, Personal Development, and Entrepreneurship

Becoming a Copywriting Ninja: A Guide to Writing Compelling Copies like a Pro

Narayan Prasath