Being Human. 👥

A few years ago, I had a transformative experience that reinforced the importance of human connection in business. While visiting a local coffee shop, I overheard a barista struggling with a complicated order. Despite the growing line, she remained calm and friendly, taking the time to chat with each customer.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her during a quieter moment. Lets call her Maria, and she explained how she made a point to remember regular customers' names and favorite orders. She shared stories about how some customers confided in her about their lives, seeking her advice or simply enjoying a friendly chat. We typically think these things are cliche but they aren’t. Real connections enable real sales. Being human is an under appreciated skill set.

Maria’s genuine interest in her customers created a loyal following, making that coffee shop a community hub, she didn’t own the cafe, but owned the experience. People weren't just coming for the coffee; they were coming for the connection. This small coffee shop's success wasn't driven by marketing or promotions but by Maria’s authentic, human touch.

Let us not forget that as we build better outcomes for our selves. No amount of over the top marketing or advertising replaces the need for being human.

Finding Inspiration Via Reddit..to Change your Outcomes

I read a post titled “From an idea to replacing my full-time salary in 4 months and hitting $20 million in total sales as of this week. How I did it, and what's next!” The author describes how they turned a simple idea into a profitable business quickly. Key points include:

1. Consistency: They focused on solving one problem each day, leading to significant progress over time.

2. Mindset: Overcoming self-doubt and silencing negative thoughts were crucial.

3. Execution: They emphasized the importance of taking action rather than overthinking.

4. Results: The business grew to replace their full-time salary within four months and continued to expand.

Here is the full post..

There was a point during the 1990s when TY beanie babies made up 10% of all sales on eBay. This completely shocked me.

Beanie Babies are a line of stuffed toys created by American businessman Ty Warner, who founded Ty Inc. in 1986. The toys are stuffed with plastic pellets ("beans") rather than conventional soft stuffing. They come in many different forms, mostly animals. Created in 1993, Beanie Babies emerged as a major fad and collectible during the second half of the 1990s. They have been cited as being the world's first Internet sensation in 1995.They were collected not only as toys, but also as a financial investment, owing to the high resale value of particular ones

Every culture, every geography, and every family has a treasure trove of remedies for health, wellness, and everyday challenges. Imagine a universal platform where these remedies are curated, shared, and easily accessible. This section explores the potential of creating a one-stop-shop for remedies, transforming traditional wisdom into a digital goldmine.

The Vision/Idea

A comprehensive online repository of remedies that:

1. Collects: Gathers remedies from diverse cultures and regions.

2. Curates: Ensures the accuracy and efficacy of each remedy through expert validation.

3. Connects: Links remedies to the products and ingredients needed, creating a seamless user experience.

Step-by-Step Plan

1. Market Research

   • Identify Demand: Survey potential users to understand their needs and interests.

   • Competitive Analysis: Study existing platforms and identify gaps in the market.

2. Platform Development

   • User-Friendly Interface: Design a website and mobile app that are intuitive and easy to navigate.

   • Search and Filter: Implement robust search and filtering options for users to find remedies based on symptoms, ingredients, or cultural origins.

3. Content Collection and Curation

   • Crowdsourcing: Encourage users to submit remedies, offering incentives like recognition or rewards.

   • Expert Panels: Assemble a team of experts in various fields (medicine, wellness, herbalism) to review and validate submissions.

   • Multimedia Integration: Use videos, infographics, and step-by-step guides to make the remedies easy to follow.

4. Monetization Strategy

   • Affiliate Marketing: Partner with online retailers to link remedies to products. Earn a commission for every purchase made through your platform.

   • Subscription Model: Offer premium features, such as personalized remedy recommendations or exclusive content, for a subscription fee.

   • Advertisements: Allow carefully selected ads that align with the platform's ethos.

5. Building the Affiliate Network

   • Product Partnerships: Collaborate with suppliers of ingredients and wellness products to offer exclusive deals and discounts.

   • Content Integration: Embed affiliate links seamlessly within remedy descriptions and how-to guides.

   • Analytics: Use data analytics to track user behavior and optimize affiliate strategies.

6. Marketing and Community Building

   • Content Marketing: Regularly publish blogs, newsletters, and social media posts about popular remedies, user testimonials, and health tips.

   • SEO and SEM: Optimize the platform for search engines and invest in search engine marketing to drive traffic.

   • Community Engagement: Foster a community through forums, webinars, and live Q&A sessions with experts.

7. Ensuring Trust and Credibility

   • Transparency: Clearly disclose affiliations and ensure that all recommendations are unbiased.

   • User Reviews and Ratings: Allow users to rate and review remedies and products to build trust.

   • Continuous Improvement: Regularly update the database with new remedies and user feedback.

By creating a universal repository of remedies, entrepreneurs can bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern convenience. This platform not only preserves cultural heritage but also provides a valuable resource for individuals seeking natural solutions. With the right strategy, this venture can become a go-to destination for wellness enthusiasts worldwide.

Simple gorilla marketing without a big budget for real engagement. In a world of digital curation and algos, we keep forgetting the power of direct, fun, weird engagement. Any thing that makes people feel good, has a reward and is easy to do is always something worth trying. I came across this amazing marketing campaign and wanted to share it. In world of rising ad-costs, some times simple is all you need. Think about what you could do, that is simple that can make you win.

By Looking at boring business Ideas…and what it takes to get started.

Many people underestimate the monumental shift we are about to witness with Baby Boomers retiring and selling their businesses. Over the next decade, an estimated $30 trillion in small and medium-sized business (SMB) equity will change hands—or possibly be shut down if not sold. This generational shift presents a massive opportunity that is currently underexplored.

Most of these businesses are considered boring and therefore may be overlooked by the younger generation. While tech startups, content creation, and eSports capture the limelight, businesses like laundromats, lawn-care services, and car washes fly under the radar. You could buy or build these for far less than you think.

However, the less glamorous the business, the less competition you will face. Embracing these "unsexy" businesses could lead to lucrative opportunities with less rivalry from peers who are all chasing the same trendy ventures.

It's time to recognize the value in these traditional businesses and the potential they hold in a transforming economy.

Low Capital Requirements

1. Service-Based Businesses

   • Notary Service

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $200 - $1,000

     • Includes: Notary commission, basic supplies.

   • Window Cleaning

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $500 - $2,000

     • Includes: Cleaning supplies, ladders.

   • Pressure Washing

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $500 - $2,000

     • Includes: Pressure washer, cleaning solutions.

   • Pet Grooming

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000 - $5,000

     • Includes: Grooming tools, basic setup.

   • Car Detailing

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000 - $5,000

     • Includes: Cleaning products, tools, mobile setup.

   • Residential Painting

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000 - $5,000

     • Includes: Paint, brushes, ladders.

2. Professional Services

   • Accounting Firms

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000 - $10,000

     • Includes: Software, certifications, marketing.

   • CFO Services

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000 - $10,000

     • Includes: Certifications, software, marketing.

   • Wealth Management

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000 - $10,000

     • Includes: Licensing, software, marketing.

   • Insurance

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000 - $10,000

     • Includes: Licensing, marketing.

3. Home-Based Services

   • Home Cleaning

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $1,000 - $5,000

     • Includes: Cleaning supplies, marketing.

   • Carpet Cleaning

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $2,000 - $10,000

     • Includes: Cleaning equipment, solutions.

Medium Capital Requirements

4. Maintenance and Repair Services

   • Property Maintenance

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Tools, vehicle, marketing.

   • Tree Trimming

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Chainsaws, safety equipment, vehicle.

   • Pool Maintenance

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Cleaning equipment, chemicals, vehicle.

   • Vehicle Dent Removal

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Tools, training, marketing.

   • HVAC

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Tools, certification, marketing.

   • Plumbing

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Tools, certification, vehicle.

   • Electrical Services

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Tools, certification, vehicle.

   • Pest Control

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Equipment, chemicals, licensing.

   • Landscaping

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Tools, vehicle, marketing

    

5. Retail and Consumer Services

   • Vending Machines

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: Vending machines, initial stock.

   • ATM Routes

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $5,000 - $20,000

     • Includes: ATMs, initial cash for machines.

High Capital Requirements

6. Medical and Personal Care Services

   • Med Spas

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Equipment, rent, licensing.

   • Senior Home Care

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Licensing, staff, marketing.

   • Assisted Living

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $100,000 - $500,000+

     • Includes: Facility, staff, licensing.

7. Automotive Services

   • Car Washes

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Equipment, facility, marketing.

   • Automotive Maintenance

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Tools, facility, marketing.

   • Oil Change Center

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Equipment, facility, marketing.

8. Real Estate and Property Services

   • Property Management

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $10,000 - $50,000

     • Includes: Software, licensing, marketing.

   • Title Company

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Licensing, software, office space.

   • Surveying

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

     • Includes: Equipment, licensing, marketing.

    

9. Manufacturing and Industrial Services

   • Manufacturing

     • Estimated Startup Cost: $100,000 - $500,000+

     • Includes: Equipment, facility, licensing.

10. Logistics and Transportation

    • Trucking

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

      • Includes: Vehicle(s), licensing, insurance.

    • Towing & Recovery

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

      • Includes: Tow trucks, licensing, insurance.

    • FedEx Routes

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $100,000 - $500,000+

      • Includes: Routes, vehicles, licensing.

11. Facility Services

    • Storage Facilities

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $100,000 - $500,000+

      • Includes: Facility, marketing, insurance.

    • Dumpster Rental

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

      • Includes: Dumpsters, vehicle, marketing.

12. Construction and Maintenance

    • Roofing

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

      • Includes: Tools, vehicle, licensing.

    • Fence Installation

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

      • Includes: Tools, vehicle, marketing.

     

13. Event and Equipment Rentals

    • Tent Rental

      • Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000

      • Includes: Tents, storage, marketing

Todays contrarian thought…

"Chasing More: The Hidden Cost of Never-Ending Ambition"

Many founders fall into the trap of endlessly pursuing more success, more wealth, more accolades. It's tempting to believe that reaching the next milestone will bring ultimate fulfillment. But the real secret is this: the pursuit itself can become a prison, stealing precious life moments. True success isn't about accumulating more; it's about knowing when enough is enough and finding joy in what you have achieved. Balance your ambition with contentment, and you'll unlock the profound richness of life.

Bonus! Thought of the week

So profound.. This concept applies to making money too. Many have already earned more than they will ever spend. Continuing to trade time for money becomes a poor investment, yet they often can't resist. It's crucial to recognize when further effort yields little benefit and to focus on enjoying life and the fruits of our labor.