Dedication to any Task, is the basic ask

When I was 18, I embarked on a journey at the university, not just for education but also to make some extra money for food etc, through an on campus job that was quite different from the norm. My role was not the usual campus job; instead, I was involved in painting a refurbishment project on campus in my department. This job required a level of precision and care similar to that of an artist, with my "tools" being paintbrushes that needed meticulous cleaning after each use which most students would just leave and cause more work for the professionals we were supposed to help.

Taking this job as seriously as one would a professional career, I immersed myself in learning the best practices, paying attention to every detail, and always ensuring my brushes were impeccably clean before starting any project and making detailed inventory notes on supply levels. I believed in the value of hard work and dedication, thinking this was the standard approach for everyone, it was also my first every job.

This earnest attitude towards my work didn't go unnoticed. At the university, we were involved in a project supervised by a professor known among students as a hardball. He was a formidable figure, known for his strict standards and the rarity of him offering recommendations for students, which were like gold dust for securing future opportunities.

Initially, I saw this project as just another task, but it became a pivotal moment in my university life. The professor observed my work ethic closely, noting how I approached each task with seriousness and dedication, traits that many might not associate with painting . This dedication made an impression on him, a feat I hadn't thought possible given his reputation.

Against all odds, the good professor offered to be a referee for my internship applications. This endorsement was unprecedented from someone of his stature and known reluctance to give recommendations. Working under his supervision and earning his trust changed my perspective on what was achievable through hard work and attention to detail.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize how the simple act of cleaning brushes and treating every task with the utmost seriousness opened doors for me that seemed locked especially as a foreign student. It was a life lesson in the value of doing small things well, a principle that requires no special talent but can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

My career advice to college kids & those thinking about career changes:

Pick a career with time leverage. What does that mean?

Where you can stop working and keep getting paid.

Good options:

1. Entrepreneurship

2. Sales

3. Insurance

4. Wealth management

5. Digital Guides in super niche or Boring things

Bad options:

1. Doctor

2. Lawyer

3. Teacher

Inspiration and ideas can come from any where. Ruth Handler, creator of the Barbie doll, got her idea when she saw her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls and giving them adult roles, but most of the dolls in the market were of infants.

Realizing that there could be a gap in the market, Handler suggested the idea of an adult-bodied doll to her husband Elliot, a co-founder of the Mattel toy company. He was unenthusiastic about the idea, as were Mattel's directors.

During a trip to Europe in 1956 with her children Barbara and Kenneth, Ruth Handler came across a German toy doll called Bild Lilli.The adult-figured doll was exactly what Handler had in mind, so she purchased three of them. She gave one to her daughter and took the others back to Mattel. The Lilli doll was based on a popular character appearing in a satirical comic strip drawn by Reinhard Beuthin for the newspaper Bild. The Lilli doll was first sold in Germany in 1955, and although it was initially sold to adults, it became popular with children who enjoyed dressing her up in outfits that were available separately.

Upon her return to the United States, Handler redesigned the doll (with help from local inventor-designer Jack Ryan and the doll was given a new name, Barbie, after Handler's daughter Barbara. The doll made its debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City on March 9, 1959. This date is also used as Barbie's official birthday.

Being Real Vs. Being Fake (Smart)

6 Brilliant books you can read for free:(Legally)

1. $100M Offers

2. $100M Leads 

3. The Pathless Path

4. The Anthology of Balaji

5. Poor Charlie's Almanack

6. The Almanack of Naval Ravikant

By learning CHATGPT better.

Any thing is a good business if some one will pay for it.

$2k-$11k: What parents have paid to have Erika Clark take their infant’s photo. The California photographer offers packages that include costumes and personalized sets. Like what? Well, for a “Game of Thrones” shoot, Clark’s team fashioned modeling clay into 200 miniature swords to recreate the Iron Throne. The photos depict the client, who will remember none of this, sleeping peacefully upon it next to two dragon eggs.

Bonus! Thought(s) of the week

Looks like we’re in for a human creativity boom

Sure, you can now whip up an exhibition-worthy image in seconds, but a potential surprising effect of the AI-art surge? Rising demand for human creative outlets.

The global handicrafts market reached ~$788B in 2023, and is forecast to grow to $2T+ by 2032.

Todays Idea: Bookbinding Not just the hobby

Bookbinding videos rack up millions of views on TikTok and YouTube.

You can release limited-edition, one-of-a-kind bookbinding kits each quarter. Kit assembly requires minimal work (it’s just a collection of papers, glue, threads, and clamps), and the math of it ain’t half shabby:

Harness just a smidge (1%) of the ~33k+ quarterly US Google searches for “book binding” (~330 kits)

Sell 330 kits/quarter for ~$119 each Annual revenue: $157k+

When exploring a new idea, it's crucial to ensure that the product not only meets a functional need but also connects with the customer on a deeper level. To justify a premium price, crafting a compelling narrative around the product is essential. Hiring a freelance designer can significantly enhance the product's appeal, giving it a polished, professional look that resonates with potential buyers.

Incorporating literary references and themes can elevate the product, making it stand out in a crowded market. This approach adds a layer of depth and sophistication, appealing to customers who appreciate culture and storytelling.

Adding a social element to the product can also increase its value. Hosting in-person workshops, for example, not only teaches customers a new skill, such as bookbinding, but also turns the purchase into an experience. Participants leave with something tangible and valuable, a gift-worthy item they've crafted themselves. This concept of making the act of creating or repairing a communal and enriching experience can be a powerful differentiator.

Moreover, it's wise to consider tapping into related, growing niches. The market for personalized and handcrafted items is expanding, and aligning the product with these trends can capture a wider audience. By offering something unique and meaningful, the product can become more than just an item to buy; it becomes something to cherish and share.

In summary, to make a new idea successful, focus on storytelling, design, community engagement, and aligning with emerging trends. These strategies can transform a simple product into a sought-after experience, creating lasting value for customers.