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- FASTer - Issue #168
FASTer - Issue #168
Being Human. đź‘Ą
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.
Outcomes
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:
Consistency: They focused on solving one problem each day, leading to significant progress over time.
Mindset: Overcoming self-doubt and silencing negative thoughts were crucial.
Execution: They emphasized the importance of taking action rather than overthinking.
Results: The business grew to replace their full-time salary within four months and continued to expand.
One New Thing (That you should know)
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
Boring Stuff That Scales
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:
Collects: Gathers remedies from diverse cultures and regions.
Curates: Ensures the accuracy and efficacy of each remedy through expert validation.
Connects: Links remedies to the products and ingredients needed, creating a seamless user experience.
Step-by-Step Plan
Market Research
Identify Demand: Survey potential users to understand their needs and interests.
Competitive Analysis: Study existing platforms and identify gaps in the market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What You Should Be Watching
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.
This is an American pizzeria called Glide Pizza doing an amazing and creative ad campaign. Here the customer needs to scan the running QR code for a free pizza.
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes)
3:20 AM • Jul 15, 2024
Monetize your time
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturing and Industrial Services
Manufacturing
Estimated Startup Cost: $100,000 - $500,000+
Includes: Equipment, facility, licensing.
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.
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.
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.
Event and Equipment Rentals
Tent Rental
Estimated Startup Cost: $50,000 - $200,000
Includes: Tents, storage, marketing
One Last Thing
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.
"The ability to play chess is the sign of a gentleman. The ability to play chess well is the sign of a wasted life."
Paul Morphy once said this, maybe the best chess player in the world in the 1850s, and it's always stuck with me, I haven't been able to shake it
— Dylan O'Sullivan (@DylanoA4)
5:28 PM • Jul 19, 2024