I ran across this photo and it immediately revived my appreciation for Become An Idea Machineby Claudia Azula Altucher and James Altucher.
A few quotes from this ‘best-bargain-around’** book’s foreword by James:
“…idea generation, of the good kind, the kind that helps you AND OTHERS, which is the type you will exercise in this book, is worth ten times that, or more.”
“You can’t trust the old style of thinking anymore…You have to come up with a new way of thinking, a new way of having ideas…we can train it (the mind) to work for us, and to move us in the direction of a life of fulfillment. One day at a time.”
“The way is this: Come up with ten ideas a day. That’s it.”
“Coming up with ten ideas a day is like exercise. And exercise makes the idea muscle grow stronger.”
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** The Kindle version is 99 cents. Yes, 99 cents! For a 251-page ebook with lots of…you guessed it, IDEAS! The link to the book is an affiliate link. If you happen to buy the book through that link, it doesn’t NOT affect the price, but it does give me a small commission, which I’ll be using to buy my small island in the Caribbean…or the yacht I’ll need to get to that island…or my therapist who’s exhausted himself trying to dispel my daily delusions.
Click the image above for a 90-seconds of idea-shopping in Pinterest…
Why watch the video?
Snappy words/phrases that speak to you or your customers
Product/service ideas you hadn’t considered
New customers
New websites/resources you hadn’t considered
Pinterest pin design strategies
A reminder to use Pinterest for the occasional brainstorming exercise
and some of the listings may actually affirm a strategy or product line you’ve already followed/created. Nothing wrong with a little reassurance, right?
So pause this masterpiece where needed.
I hope this steers you to something new, profitable, or reassuring.
Cue to Mike Brown: “Idea Magnets inspire creative ideas and encourage powerful creativity in everyone.”
Some examples:
What can we do better to translate what we know about our customers into pleasant surprises for them?
How can we create a place for smart, opinionated, snarky customers to share more of their knowledge with us about what they love (even if it’s NOT about our brand)?
How can we test our latest, greatest ideas with a radically small group to get enough confidence to quickly move forward?
The book’s seven categories:
1. Generate Inspiration 2. Embody Servant Leadership 3. Attract Opposites 4. Make Unexpected Connections 5. Encourage People and Ideas 6. Implement for Impact 7. Recharge Creative Energy
I had two Economics degrees and no economic/business experience. I almost felt like a fraud. I decided to start the photography business to a.) prove it to myself that I could run a business, b.) put my degrees to use, and c.) pay off the camera.
Advice and Lessons: Four key questions: “What skill set do I have that I can market?” “What am I so passionate about or interested in that I wouldn’t mind pursuing this interest the rest of my life regardless if I got paid?” “With this skill, what problem can I solve?” “How can I add value to my customer beyond what others are doing?”
Turning point: My first solo wedding once I started the business, I charged $2100, which was almost how much I was making in three weeks. If I could make three weeks worth of income in a weekend, I knew something was there.
Lesson: Volunteering introduces you to great people and supports great causes.
Lesson: Seek information and feedback from veterans in your industry.
As I get older, I value and am protective of my sleep. As soon as I feel my productivity slowing, I shut down for the night and go to bed. No Netflix, no Instagram, just bed.
The Golden Rule is really the only rule you need in business, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Be kind. Delight your customers. Listen with intention.
What could have gone better? Marketing. Sometimes, your competition will be marketing or branding experts even though their product or service is sub-par. Doesn’t matter. Something they are doing in their marketing resonates with the customer.
You’re greeted by a looping slide show of various side hustles showcased on his website, short book promos, and a video-burst of advice straight from Chris himself.
As of Monday, June 8, 2020, his channel offers 18 broadcasts and has 8649 followers. Niiiice. Click on his name in the lower right corner for a slide-in with that information.
An interesting promotional strategy, SH’s, don’t you think?
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Other stuff on my mind…
“For it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
I have my website started. Now what? I want to level it up to getting paid for it.
Chris G: Have you looked into Facebook groups? Send a note to group moderators to ask permission to connect.
Chris G: Can you do three or four small things each day to get the word out?
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Participant: Home school demographic. Teach a geology class in person and then we’d go rock climbing. During school year. I started at $5 per student.
Chris G: Consider a summer time camp, maybe? Pricing: I don’t know what others are doing, but the group says you should raise the price. [Note: The attendees were suggesting $15 or more.]
Chris G: You were offering babysitting for $5.
Chris G: Where did the first 15 kids come from? Answer: Local FB group.
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Participant: Mantramedallions.com: I don’t like social media, but I need to educate visitors about the nature of the product. Asking for feedback re: the website and on the concept/products.
Chris G: Headline font should be bigger. Pricing is good. I like the idea and the website. Is there an ‘About’ page? Is there a story behind it? A happy customer? Connect it to your own values.
Chris G: I like the 2-hour course package. Short enough, but with plenty of content. Sounds like you’re doing just about everything right.
Good ‘About’ page—people want to learn about their instructor.
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Participant: Creating morning routines to build self-confidence and self-respect. Uncomfortable experiences. I wrote an ebook and an accountability practice. My challenge: How to reach out.
Chris G: How is this just not like a blog post? Have you expanded this idea?
What is the benefit you’re offering?
Participant: These practices got me unstuck, strengthened my relationships with fears.
Chris G: I have no concerns about the program. My main question: How am I [the customer] being helped?
This is more feature-oriented than benefit-oriented.
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Participant: Herbal organic teas aimed toward treating insomnia, stress, etc. Very successful in the country of origin. There is lots of competition. How do I evaluate this as a side hustle option?
Chris G: Yes, this IS a tough market. Aim for some unique branding, story, twist.
Is this the side hustle option you’re most excited about? But it may not be THE one. Consider other options if you have other ideas that you’re more interested in.
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Participant [current day job as a consultant]: I want to help people at ‘end of life’ stage. Haven’t created a website yet. Looked at end-of-life doulas. Need ideas on getting started.
Chris G: What is your exact purpose? Educate? Inform?
Answer: To help people die well.
Chris G: As for website: There are lots of plug-and-play options like SquareSpace, Weebly, Wix, WordPress.
Chris G ideas:
— Even if you’re providing a local service, consider providing lists of resources for folks outside of your area.
— Would you consider a one-off Skype session for families to talk through the issues?
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“For it isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
Today [June 4] at noon Pacific Time/3:00 Eastern Time], meet with Chris Guillebeau as he offers feedback on side hustle ideas. All are welcome and he promises there will be no upsell at the end.
