Work Smarter, Not Harder – Part 1
I hope you started generating new ideas to your biggest business struggle.
Just in case you didn’t start yet (or you missed it today)… CLICK HERE to do it NOW.
Remember – this week’s assignment is coming up DAILY with 10 new ideas…
- Did you give the Idea Generator a try?
- Do you have any question about the process?
- Did you get stuck anywhere?
This is your opportunity to ask any question related to this week’s implementation assignment – to make sure you get the maximum out of it.
It’s also a golden chance to help someone else – by reading their question in the comments below – and offering them an answer, an idea, an encouragement…
If you have any question regarding this week’s implementation assignment or you need some support – let me know in the comment box below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
If you can offer an answer or support to anyone – please reply to their comment below.
Top Commenters – last 30 Days
Work Smarter, Not Harder – Part 1
I hope you started generating new ideas to your biggest business struggle.
Just in case you didn’t start yet (or you missed it today)… CLICK HERE to do it NOW.
Remember – this week’s assignment is coming up DAILY with 10 new ideas…
- Did you give the Idea Generator a try?
- Do you have any question about the process?
- Did you get stuck anywhere?
This is your opportunity to ask any question related to this week’s implementation assignment – to make sure you get the maximum out of it.
It’s also a golden chance to help someone else – by reading their question in the comments below – and offering them an answer, an idea, an encouragement…
If you have any question regarding this week’s implementation assignment or you need some support – let me know in the comment box below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
If you can offer an answer or support to anyone – please reply to their comment below.
I am looking forward to celebrate your progress and results on Friday (I’m curious to hear what solution you’ll go for).
Until then…
Live fully, stay awesome,
Nisandeh
120 comments
Deciding on how to deal with the zero-tolerance on showing up in a yet to develop Martial arts class.
1. Zero tolerance on missing 2 lessons a week but not 1. (Changing lessons structure)
2. One time a month extra (paid) lessons in the weekend to catch up.
3. Give out ranks within group and let the degrade for missing.
4. Let the group decide how to deal with it
5. Let them clean everyone’s shoes.
6. Let them be the dummy for the whole group during an impact training
7. Make them run an interval test, only to resume classes if they better their previous record.
8. Egging them
9. Let them scout 2 new participants for any program before allowing them back in.
10. Let them record a video on why they regret missing a class to show for future groups.
@Nisandeh, I have to admit that I really do come up with new insights. Lot of things I can't use but some really get me thinking to implement in one way or another.
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Great to hear, Logan…
Keep up the good work.
You just need one idea to change the world…
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... maar één idee nodig om de wereld te veranderen ... dat klinkt opwindend en toegankelijk
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I was at 50 already on monday, because of no thinking time tuesday and wednesday - so I'll take 2 more questions for another spin. I get much use out of doing 3 to 5 questions per vision week. And those new questions were in urgent need of implemented solutions anyway.
I'll do "what is beyond succes?" Given that I can't answer the impact-question any more, and "how can I create multiple income streams of decent volume fairly easy and within the next three months?" That question is my summer question. Will implement a combo solution after friday 🙂
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Hi Nisandeh and all,
It's nice to learn from the questions and answers already asked... thanks for that.
I just finished day 3 of the idea list.
I notice it opens my mind to new possibilities and is fun to do.
At the same time, some questions come up:
1) I'm wondering if my struggle/question is too broad -- generating more value & income without putting in extra hours
2) Ideas are recycling....I get to 10 every day but half of them are the same as yesterday, but a bit more refined
I already have a quite a clear picture of what direction I want to go in with my business, so that might be one of the reason for 2) happening.
Are there any practical tips on how to break out of the recycling and generate more ideas?
It's nice to have ideas a bit more refined, but that's not the purpose of the exercise.
I'm a pretty creative person and know how to squeeze my brain work-wise, but in this case ..... not that much.
I know I can do it ... any tips are welcome.
Thanks!
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To your questions, Rens…
1. I think the struggle/question is fine… no need to change for this week.
2. Recycled ideas are not bad… let them be.
If you want to come with more new ideas, simply adjust the assignment to coming up with 10 NEW ideas…
Which means if 5 of the ideas are recycled, write them down, but come up with 10 more ideas that are new.
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Thanks Nisandeh!
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Go deeper in to your problem, maybe you find more inspiration.
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Hi Nisandeh and all, I chose as my biggest struggle "to increase the Amazon sales of my book".
Launched it last year, campaigned like crazy, got it to become bestseller for 1 day, received rave reviews but… now nobody finds it among the million other self published Amazon books.
I am struggling to come up with ideas beyond "Facebook Ads", "Instagram Ads" and "Amazon Ads".
I am trying to avoid to just googling 'how to increase the sales of my Amazon book', would that be cheating on the assignment as I would not be using my own creativity?
Thanks a lot in advance for ANY suggestion!
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It's not cheating, Lola - but for the sake of your creativity - I suggest you come up with your own ideas.
Getting those creative muscles stronger (Google makes them weaker).
Here are a few directions you can think of:
1. Come up with 10 ideas to get influencers to recommend your book to their followers
2. Come up with 10 ideas to get people to order multiple books (think 10, 25, 50 books)
3. Come up with 10 ideas to get book reviews on Amazon (there are tons of book review websites out there, as well as hundreds of thousands of reviewers on Amazon itself)
4. Come up with 10 ideas to get a book review/author interview in online and offline media (they'll happily share the Amazon link with their "readers/listeners/viewers")
5. Come up with 10 ideas to partner up with another author(s) and promote each other's books on Amazon...
Just to get your creative juices flowing...
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Brilliant! I'm gonna use those too! 🙂
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Thank you so much!!!! This helps me a lot!!! I appreciate it
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This was an interesting response. Take the question, come up with ten answers that are turned into ten new questions that are more specific then the first one. I like it. Will use it.
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Good evening, I have a more practical question. What is the easiest way to get all the questions and my answers and assignments together I have sent in through the comments? I have lost the overview a bit. Thank you very much in advance for your reaction!
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Hi Peter,
I don't know if this is the easiest way, but what works for me is to save all my own answers and elaborations of the assignments in a document on my computer. I also add the relevant answers and other reactions from other participants and from Nisandeh. It's not a lot of work and this way I have a complete portfolio of ideas and insights that I can always fall back on.
Maybe this will help you. Good luck!
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There's a much simpler way, Manny.
Please see my reply to Peter below...
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Hi Manny,
How do you copy your answers when you cannot export them? Do you just copy / paste or do you have a tool which you use?
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Hoi Manny, thank you!
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Hi Peter (and Manny),
If you look just under the comment box (and the number of comments) you will see a search box with the text "Search Author Name" in it.
Put your name in the search box and click the search icon, and it will show you only your comments on the page.
Not only that - you will also see all the replies to your comments...
I hope that helps...
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Dank je wel. Dat antwoord helpt mij in ieder geval ook want ik zat er behoorlijk mee te klungelen.
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Great, thank you, that is an effective way!
404 comments
Nice tool, Nisandeh! Thanks
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Hi Nisandeh,
I gave it a try and it works really well for me. The second day I woke up with some new ideas and during the week I get more and more motivated to get through the struggle and solve it (implement them). My struggle is how to implement CRM more consistently (send quotations). I asked the question: How can I (re-)gain complete insight and overview of my (potential-) projects including promises made and expectations raised? Now I realize I should change "projects" into "clients" and I should add: "-and meet the expectations/fulfill promises made".
My question about the process. Is the commitment to be made on Mondays the commitment to do the assignment? Or should I make also another commitment regarding my company/regarding implementation? I did the Idea Generator each day, that was my commitment (and still is) but I am a little insecure whether I am on the right way or not.
About the "stuck-part": yes I got stuck in the process of implementation of the ideas. Many are really simple and necessary, somehow however I postpone to solve the puzzle.
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Aah, I actually read a lot of valuable comments down below, thanks!
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Thank you for asking for clarification, Matthias...
We so often tend to assume, instead of simply ask.
From the point of view of the WOMB program - What I ask you to implement is the assignment I give you every Monday.
So, in this week's case - if you do 5 times the Idea Generator - you've completed your assignment.
I'm happy to hear it works for you.
About implementing in your business...
This week's Friday - I would like you to choose one idea of all those ideas you came up to implement it in your business.
However, it's your choice what, when, how and even IF you choose to do that.
There is no way for me to keep you accountable for that... and even if I had - I don't think it would be empowering for you.
For the coming weeks - in many of the Monday assignments I will ask you to commit to implement something in your business until Friday (so you'll have 5 days).
I will give you the area in your business, and some guidance/ideas, but at the end - you will have to choose WHAT to implement and HOW.
We will help you keep accountable by waiting to hear your progress/success report each Friday.
My goal with this process is to help you get "unstuck" and give you the extra incentive/accountability to not postpone and actually do - at least the one commitment you will make in front of all of us on most Mondays.
I hope it helps...
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Many thanks for your clear answer! It surely helps. Work in progress. I am sure there is in this process of postponement also different layers: 1, I have the need for order and clearing clutter... where to start and what to priorities. Also 2, I am "afraid of the consequense" of removing barriers to start getting speed.. it leads to a lot of follow up... but then again, 3, by keeping it simple, start with one idea and then to the next postponement is also a matter of lack of planning: failure to make space for implementation. Tnx for the support.
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You're welcome, Matthias,
And this program is all about implementation - so first - you'll get a lot of opportunities to practice implementation.
And second - several of the things you mentioned - we're actually gonna deal with...
No worries - you'll get there.
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One of my ANSWERS to my question was: "Ask what Nisandeh would do."
So, here I go:
What would you do, Nisandeh, to get a constant stream of new assignments if you had an animation business?
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I would make a list of 100 dream clients I would want to work with, study their business and every week create animation for 2 of them.
Watermark them and send them to a few relevant people in each company, asking them "How can I make this perfect for YOU?"
Then I'd make it perfect for them - based on their input - and charge them if they want to use it (removing the watermark).
It gives you the following benefits:
1. It's very hard for people to visualize what an animation can do for them specifically... Now they can see exactly what it is.
2. No one in your field is doing it (it's a "no no" among creative people).
3. It gives you 100 times a year a chance to practice and hone your skill until it's remarkable.
4. You can show 100 animations for impressive clients to prospective clients.
5. Very often you will only need to make small changes to those animations - that were not sold - in order to fit them to another potential client - saving you lots of time.
6. Many time a prospective client will look at one of these animations and say... "I want that" or "I want something like that".
7. You can put all those on your website (as well as social media and everywhere else) and anyone who see so many of those will know... he's the expert.
I can go on and on... but I would go that route.
I know it's time intensive... but when your business is small... what you have the most... is time.
Use it well... and the future is yours.
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WOW ! An amazing marketing strategy Nisandeh. This is usable for many of our businesses. I will add this to my marketing strategy and book the investment as such.
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WOW , Nisandeh!
Thank you so much. This is perfect. I will for sure implement this.
(Although the numbers will be different, I can make about 2 to 3 animations a month, 4 if I work weekends and evenings, so instead of the 100 you mentioned, it will be more like 35, if I have no other clients.)
The cool thing about this strategy also is, that when buisiness goes well, I have no time for this strategy but I also don't need to.
When business is slow, I do have the time.
Sound like a brilliant plan.
Thanks again!
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Go for it, Paul…
I look forward to see what you will create in the coming 6 months.
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to add to this: when Nisandeh had Happy, Healthy, Wealthy, Wise (and I started working for him), we got an email from a Portuguese guy who wasn't even a star in animations but he made a fun one for us- he showed us that he got the idea of what we wanted to give to the world. We had a chat and he worked for us the whole year...
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That is good to know!
I am very curious about what he made. 🙂
Thanks for the feedback Gerdy!
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What a powerfull question Paul. A very clever way to tap into the knowledge and experience of Nisandeh. I will copy this kind of questioning for next Wednesday.
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STRUGGLE: How to get more hands on our Customer Care. I still must do a lot of work myself.
INSIGHTS: I can not let the company grow, by doing this work myself. That insight is not new😊
Solution is already made. I hired (was not easy to find the right people) a new colleague and he started 2 months ago. And the next colleagues start at the first of July.
After that we can start with the next struggle: Marketing and visibility. And a plan is almost finished.
The idea generator is fantastich.
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Great to hear that the Idea Generator works for you, Jellie...
Please put your struggle and the ideas you come up with on the Monday page...
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Don't attach too much value on "visibility". Visibility is sometimes miles away from sales. I know "visibility" is a hype. But visibility pays no bills, sales do.
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I have another question. I am really curious to hear the input you all have.
What is the right question to ask?
For instance, I am lacking new clients and I wrote down "How can I get three new clients every week?". But I could also pick 10 as a number or ask a question that supports me in getting clients. Like "How can I reach more people?" or "How can I increase my conversion rates from opt-in to front end product?".
Or a completely different question that solves the same underlying issue. Like, how to increase turnover? Or how to increase profits?
We also talked about it a bit in our accountability group. When I focus on my struggle, I will see the struggle. So how to ask a question that moves me beyond my struggles?
I hope the question is clear 🙂
(On a side note, I got three new paying clients on monday and tuesday already)
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Wonderful question, Max...
Now... you're getting strategic...
If I were you - I would take a few days, and every day come up with 10 answers to this question...
You'll be amazed how powerful your process will become - when every question you ask - is actually a strategic question.
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I asked the question: "How do I get a constant stream of new assignments."
But the reason is, that I want to earn money.
So is a better question: "How do I get a constant stream of income?"
But the reason for money is to be happy and without worries or struggle.
So would a better question be: "How do I become happier and more at peace?"
Shall I also start with asking myself the question what the right question is?
Of should I Stick to my first question, just to finish this exercise for this week?
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Great question, Paul...
I'd say that the questions "How do I get a constant stream of new assignments?" and "How do I get a constant stream of income?" are related and relevant to your business situation at the moment.
The question "How do I become happier and more at peace?" is a higher level question, and I'd ask it regularly once a year (maybe every New Year, or every Birthday).
For the purposes of the WOMB program - if I were you - I would focus on one of the two first questions (about income).
And, yes, for the sake of the exercise - I'd stick to the same question you're already working on.
When you have 50 ideas by Friday - you'll have at least one good one to implement.
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Thanks for answering Nisandeh.
Much appriciated!
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How do I become happier and more at peace?" I am already in this place and because of this I was unable to move. There was a fear that I am ungrateful and dissatisfied, that it is never enough. I already answer that if I achieve my goals here that my life will change little I am so happy that I am now moving again because it helps me to help more other people on their way to where I am.
My question to Nisandeh is is there a higher goal than this to attain?
The only thing that keeps me moving is that this is my contribution in this life and that my customers are entitled to this and who am I not to give them this?
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It’s a great life question, Marcel.
I normally phrase it as “what is there, beyond success”.
It’s a question I let my mentoring students ponder for a while.
Take time to ask yourself that question… and see what comes up.
I think for everyone it’s different.
I discovered for myself, that until I reached real success - I wanted to direct my life - vision, purpose, goals, doing…
But after I’ve reached it - I’m more looking for Life, the Universe, God… whatever you want to call it to take me when I am most needed…
It’s a process…
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That is very recognizable what you write, Nisandeh. I texted a friend last week and he was not doing well. I called him right away and put my finger where it hurt the most for him. He cried a lot and then he let me know how much this had relieved him by finding an answer to something he couldn't find. This was one of those moments for me, which you describe as being there for someone when someone needs it the most. Imagine if we in the world would treat each other like this. With everyone who contributes to this, we are getting closer and closer to this goal. You are an example to others in this, Nisandeh.
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Interesting to follow your line of thoughts Paul. I recognize this. The answer of Nisandeh as to which of the question is the most powerful one is food for thought. Thanks to both of you.
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Thanks Max (and Nisandeh) for this question.
I had the same one. Its answered
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Haha. On it.
And then I have 50 questions to answer, which will last me for a year. Will report back 🙂
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Hi Nisandeh and the rest,
I struggle with coming up with 10 new ideas. In my experience, I come up with my ideas quite quickly. Quality ones. If I don't, I won't even if I try for days. It also starts to exhaust me then. I do know most of the time where I can get my ideas. Most of the time I have to open the Business University and start the right topic and Nisandeh just puts it all on a plate. Or I need to talk to others about the 'problem' and come up with things. Sometimes it's things they help me remember, most time it's something new. Maybe not even tailored/positioned for my target but I can adapt it then.
The question(s) now is(/are)... Am I stubborn in training my brain and should I keep pushing it? Or could this be right?
Do I have to continue coming up with new ideas for the same problem or should I keep changing if I think I go all I can up with.
The first question/problem is solved. I know what I have to do... now find the strength to do it.
For the second one, I'm also not looking for ideas (so much), just the right (combination) of choices.
How do I proceed? If the next assignment needs an x amount of ideas to further in WOMB ... What should I do?
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Good question, Logan...
And my answer is, "it depends".
Like everything in life, WHAT you do depends on WHY you do it.
Or, in other words... "what's your purpose?"
If your purpose is to come up with a good solution you didn't think of yet, and you came up with one - then - no - you don't need to keep pushing.
But, if your purpose is to train your brain to come up with new ideas "on command", then I'd say "keep pushing" - just like training in the gym or in the dojo.
My observation of most entrepreneurs (and I worked with so many of them - I have a bit of perspective, I believe) are what I call, "lazy geniuses"...
Meaning - they can easily come up with good and even very good ideas/solutions.
And as soon as they do come up with a good idea/solution - they declare it as the "winning" idea and stop the process of coming up with more ideas.
As long as you actually implement the good/very good idea - you'll be ahead of the game.
BUT... to achieve a major breakthrough - you'll have to go beyond the comfort/laziness/satisfaction of the good/very good idea - and look for the great idea.
And I don't know anyone (including people like Michelangelo, da Vinci or Einstein) that got a great idea before their brain got really "sweaty" for a while.
I hope you understand, Logan, I'm not here to tell you how to do/how to proceed.
I'm here to keep reminding you to look at your purpose.
When you're aware of your purpose (your WHY) for any action, tactic, strategy - you will know what to do and how to proceed.
Hope that helps...
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Thank you Nisandeh.
I understand and believe you 100%. You've got the experience, so in that perspective, I also have to follow you. Why else would I stay here 😉
For my first question, it was more I struggle I had to come to terms with I suppose. The second might be what you just wrote about. But in that case, I just get stuck after that and start to get pissed at myself. Which is never I good thing I suppose.
So, how do you proceed then without getting crazy and not turning lazy?
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Oh... you won't like my answer, Logan...🙈
Whenever I catch myself getting lazy I'm doubling whatever it is I'm supposed to do...
So, in your example, if I would catch myself stopping at 7 (instead of 10) - I'll put for myself tomorrow to come up with 16 ideas (10 for the day + 3 I missed + 3 as a "laziness fee").
About not getting crazy... It might be that you're trying to get all the 10 ideas to be amazing ideas.
That's not the purpose of the exercise...
It sounds stupid - but at this phase - your focus should be more on quantity.
You know probably better than anyone here - that the more times you practice a move - the better you'd become.
We're trying to achieve the same here.
Even if 9 of every 10 ideas are no good - the one idea - might be THE ONE.
And maybe some of the other 9 "bad" or "mediocre" ideas - will trigger an idea you'd never thought of otherwise.
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I love your answer! 😀 I need the occasional kick in the butt. 😀 Even if I didn't like it, don't bother holding back. I'm here for the support, not for some hollow nice responses. 😉 If I slack off or you think I make excuses, just give it to me. The worst thing that can happen is that I cry on the inside 😛
I understand your reference to martial arts. Even if I technically don't fully agree. 😀 Rather have 10 focused kicks instead of 100 lousy ones, but yes, you have to start trying the movement first... So, did yesterday 8 need 14 today...
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Brilliant... I know you're right about the 10 focused kicks... but I also knew you'll get the point...
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WOW Nisandeh!!! What a brilliant answer.
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This is to answer Manny and Rudolph and anyone else that managed to come up with so many great ideas, and then what…
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF AN IDEA IS A GOOD IDEA?
You won’t. You don’t. You can’t. You shouldn’t.
Let’s say you come up with ten ideas every day. In a year you will have come up with 3,650 ideas (2,600 ideas if you choose to let your idea muscle rest on weekends).
You will not come with 3,650 good ideas – but even if only 1% of these ideas will be good and you implement just a few of them and business is going to go through the roof…
(after you become an idea machine your ratio goes up but probably in the beginning your ratio of bad ideas to good is around 100:1).
HOW DO YOU IMPLEMENT YOUR IDEA?
Here’s what I do…
When I find an idea that I think is worth implementing I write down the idea and next to it the FIRST STEP I’m going to take.
You only need to know what is the first NEXT STEP. Then execute it. And in the clarity you created write down the first NEXT STEP… Then repeat… until the idea is completely implemented.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
There’s no way to know in advance if a business idea is a good one.
For example, Google started around 1996 but didn’t make a cent until around 2001.
So don’t be afraid to test, fail, test, fail, try again, repeat, improve, test, fail again, and keep improving.
The way to keep improving? Keep coming up with new ideas…
I hope that helps, guys…
Keep up the good work.
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Thanks, Nisandeh. I appreciate the realism in your answer and I like the idea of always focusing on the first step. I will follow my intuition in choosing the first idea to implement.
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Google did have metrics to focus on when they started, like number of users, average amount of pages they clicked through, number of websites indexed.
When I test and fail, I base the "failure" on something. For instance that I did not get enough participants or the feedback was disappointing or anything else.
So, how do we decide if a result is a success or to try something else? Do you make rules for this in advance? (Like, at least 20 participants for WOMB or you cancel the program?)
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Good question, Max.
I usually divide my "tryouts" to two main categories:
1. Experiments - those are things I have no idea/indication how they will go (e.g. in 2020 I wanted to experiment with creating a successful YouTube channel)
2. Explorations - those are new things in familiar "territories" (e.g. WOMB is a new program - content, context, rules... but with familiar topics/audience, etc...)
I treat these 2 categories differently:
1. With the experiments - I can't predict results, so I focus on a period of time - usually 6 or 12 months - where I put everything I've got into it - research, experiment, making mistakes, correcting, trying crazy stuff...
If, after the period I decided in advance, nothing significant comes out - I usually get rid of the project/experiment.
2. With the explorations - I have enough past experience to define success... So yes, minimum number of registrations to open a new program would be a good condition.
Here the grace period is a lot shorter.
If I don't see immediate "success", I'll try a couple of different angles (e.g. guarantee, scarcity, different communication, personal contact, asking for feedback...) - but in general, if I don't see minimum results within 1-4 weeks - I'll drop the idea.
Since I never develop a product before I sell it - there is usually no loss but some time...
Hope that helps...
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Great. Thank you.
It reminds me of the Tim Ferris podcast. Where he says he wanted to start a new project, but even if the project would fail, he wanted to get success from it. So he chose to do 6 podcasts, because no matter the audience response/commercial success, it would train his interviewing skills and set him up to talk to interesting people.
376 comments