Smaller than you think.
But first, a quick shout out to brother Mike O., who said something the other night at dinner that reminded me of this and helped me put the pieces back together in a way that clicked. Next time you’re in town, we’ll get the band back together, GVR4-style.
I’ve talked to a number of people over the years who have told me they’d like to do their own thing, take control, and live life on their own terms—but think all the good ideas are already taken. Or if they have a unique idea, fear there wouldn’t be enough people interested to make it worthwhile.
I can dig it. You want to sell your own turbosystems, start an adventure brand, a marketing agency, maybe even a consultancy—but there’s already 100, 1,000, 10,000, 1,000,000 other people doing it. Why would you be successful?
I could go on and on, answering that question—and I will, in a deep dive article in the future—but for now, forget about that question entirely. It’s rooted in old timey, industrial revolution bullshit.
Instead, ask yourself this: Who do I know who could use help right now?
Then go help them.
Do it up right. Pull out the stops. Make a difference.
Let them know you’re thinking about doing this for money, but need to figure out if it’s a good idea first. Would they ever pay for this? How much? What would they expect for that price? Is that doable?
The answer might be no, the number too low, or the expectation too high. But you know what? That’s a good thing—because now you’re working with data and can start tuning your idea.
You’re not going to be quitting your day job and rocking a six-figure salary overnight—but if you could make a few bucks a month on the side doing something you love that helps your friends (and their friends), doesn’t that seem worth a shot?
And even if none of your friends tell you they’d pay for it, I bet if you take pictures and document the project on your build thread, somebody’s going to come along and ask you for help. And then somebody else. And then somebody else.
We’ve all heard—and laughed at—the saying, if you build it they will come. Perhaps, but a guy by the name of Zig Ziglar is known for this little ditty…
“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”
4 Comments
Amen to this one brother. Definitely some wisdom here for us all.
Thanks, brother. Been trying to think more in terms of patterns and systems these days.
I’ve screwed up and wasted a lot of time. Feels like if I can help others avoid similar character-building mishaps, there’s a difference to be made.
This article is an eye opener. But damn its so easy being pessimistic…
I’m in the same boat, man. The same boat.
Even if all the other pieces came together just right—odds are good I’d fuck it up anyway, right?
Full disclosure. I don’t even think 20 people are subscribed to anything I publish here. Part of me says, “So what? This isn’t FOR the masses.” But another part of me says, “There’s got to be more than 20 people like us out there, though.”
I’m either doing it wrong, or not doing enough of the right thing.
But I’m always working on it, ya know?
Which reminds me. We gotta get you on the podcast here pretty quick, Ted. I wanna hear some of your stories…