Don’t start a business until people are asking you to

2016-04-13

When you bake a cake, you need to do first things first. You need to get the ingredients before you turn on the oven. You need to bake it before you frost it and slice it.

I meet a lot of people who want to start a business. Some don’t have an idea yet. I don’t understand this. It’s like wanting to wear a bandage when you don’t have a wound.

Most have an idea but no customers. For them I always say, "Don’t start a business until people are asking you to."

This is not meant to be discouraging. It just means you need to get the ingredients before you turn on the oven.

First you find real people whose problem you can solve. You listen deeply to find their dream scenario. You make sure they’re happy to pay you enough.

Don’t announce anything. Don’t choose a name. Don’t make a website or an app. Don’t build a system. You need to be free to completely change or ditch your idea.

Then you get your first paying customer. Provide a one-on-one personal service. Then you get another paying customer. Prove a real demand.

Then, as late as possible, you officially start your business.

Copy & share: sive.rs/asking

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Comments

James (2016-04-13) #
So good. SO SO SO good.
Tom (2016-04-13) #
Nice video! To share more perspective, my first "start small" was for a game tournament hosting website. It didn't take off, but I got a job that I love because of the experience I gained. I agree that creating things (and businesses) should be a humble endeavour, and excitement for the opportunity to create and give is key. Thanks Derek.
Mash (2016-04-13) #
Oh man!!! Just in the nick of time. Going back to the drawing board.
pete b (2016-04-13) #
Great stuff Derek. "You need to be free to completely change or ditch your idea" . This is awesome.

Most successful startups are agile and market / customer development focused. With entrepreneurs, ego and pride can cloud judgement when approaching pivotal decisions which can only be done after learning more about their customers.
Gaurang Mhatre (2016-04-13) #
Your newsletter is the only source of motivation that I need.

Thanks
Damian (2016-04-13) #
Wowser. I love your ability to cut through the crap! This is a timely reminder.
Bridget (2016-04-13) #
Love this!!! Off to share it :)
Luis Gonzalez (2016-04-13) #
Agreed
Janar (2016-04-13) #
Very well said! I'll try to remember this approach next time I think of doing some startup or somebody else pitches me with some of their idea.

Thanks Derek!
Vytautas Alech (2016-04-13) #
Awesome!
Especially this: "I meet a lot of people who want to start a business.

Some don’t have an idea yet. I don’t understand this. It’s like wanting to wear a bandage when you don’t have a wound."

Short and to the point as always..
Luke Potter (2016-04-13) #
There are many that would say that you need to jump into a niche - and the deeper the better. But sometimes I wonder how can you know the niche before the niche finds you? This reminds me of your theory Derek of saying yes until you get so busy where you have to say no to some. Ingredients before the cake - boy that takes the pressure off!
Lewis Cowles (2016-04-13) #
I clicked the tweet expecting to disagree, on the face of it, it's pretty bad; I suppose that is how clickbait works...

I think I get what you are saying after reading more than a tweet though and the article is short, punchy and honest. I think the idea that starting a business because someone asks you to is a bad idea, but I see you qualified it with the important (and check they will pay you, what the arrangement will look like). TLDR; engage brain before wallet!

100% if your idea of starting a business is to build a website before you have paying customers it's a solid sign you should not run a business today.

100% if you want to build your product in a vacuum, validating with your nearest and dearest, and not a customer before approaching people with your problem; you should not run a business today.

But also 100% just because you shouldn't run one today, it doesn't mean in a month or a years time you won't be in the right place, or that if you shed the dead-weight mentally you shouldn't start today!
Ray (2016-04-13) #
great video - very encouraging - I needed that right now. cheers mate.
Daniek (2016-04-13) #
Good article. I particularly like the bandage analogy.
Francisco (2016-04-13) #
I was thinking of what to start and when precisely today
mind reader you are....
Bill Bodell (2016-04-13) #
So very true Derek and a good reminder.

Bill
Shubhendu Sharma (2016-04-13) #
Nice video, this is exactly how I started Afforestt, we have been profitable since we got our first client, we are now 5 years old, in 24 cities, 5 countries, 3 continents and 0 VC funding :) And I still work from home!
Thank you Derek for sharing your knowledge, you are a very nice person :)
Thanks! I hope to be your client some day, Shubhendu! -- Derek
Ravi (2016-04-13) #
Great post. I believe that most people who want to be an entrepreneur should really be a freelancer first. Who knows, with a few loyal and paying clients for your service, hiring people and building a "business" might be totally unnecessary! This is what happened to me.

Ravi
http://raviraman.com
Filippo (2016-04-13) #
True, looking for what's missing is a good idea. And not falling in love with your own idea before checking if it's useful or viable..also a good idea. And also a strong urge to change or improve the way we work can lead to a good idea and worth pursuing its development !
Mei Ying (2016-04-13) #
Always telling it like it is, Derek. Awesome stuff!
Denny (2016-04-13) #
Love it and I believe more of us should take this approach. I for one will do this and have started doing it. Thank you for sharing Derek. Take care.
Roberto montes (2016-04-13) #
Thank you for taking the time to always write back. There is a special place in my heart for you and Tim Ferriss. Maybe you are the medium of your 5 closest friends but I'm also the medium of my 5 closest mentors..
Ethan Bridges (2016-04-13) #
Thank you, Sir :)
Graham Cullen (2016-04-13) #
Just finished your book today - thanks for writing it - a reminder of how and why I started this business 10 years ago (which I'd forgotten or pushed aside) - and a a few clues to why its gone off track the last few years - cheers
Benedict Westenra (2016-04-13) #
Hooray, you finally read Zero to One! My next book recommendation is Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari - maybe the best book I've ever read.
Moh (2016-04-13) #
The article and video are outstanding I can use them in building my business, these words are so reassuring and positive that I can feel them coming from the heart.
Sharavana Rao (2016-04-13) #
Yea absolutely!
Melanie (2016-04-13) #
I have no words to express my resonance with this. People approach career, business, vocation - call it what you like - in a myriad of ways. For me, the way you describe starting-up worked fine. I started this journey in 2008, and am still in love with it all. I call it listening for thd path of least resistance! Nice one, Sivers.
Bonny (2016-04-13) #
Wise advice. Sometimes you think things happen randomly in the universe, and other times your experience makes you think otherwise. Start now on something useful without the finish line anywhere in sight. There is no finish line, anyway. I really liked the Tetris-like bits in your video, by the way. Well I just liked the video in general. This is just so not the kind of thinking I deal with (culturally) on a daily basis, so I really appreciate your sharing your insights. "Kia pai tō rā"
Jay (2016-04-13) #
Brilliant and concise as always. Thanks Derek!
Phil Aube (2016-04-13) #
Concise and actionable. People that envision the finish line first will never even start. This goes in hand with just releasing your MVP (Minimum Viable Product or service).

Many will not follow this instruction because they think it's too basic... But we all know it's more effective than never starting again.

Fantastic as always Derek!
joseluis tapia (2016-04-13) #
very enlightening
Henning (2016-04-13) #
This is so incredibly on point
Jason (2016-04-13) #
Have you ever thought about using Disqus as the comment feed? I'd love to comment on comments and see what happens if your followers can create a community. Thanks!
Erick Paquin (2016-04-13) #
This is so funny. Just yesterday someone asked me if I could integrate a music player on their website. I had one sitting around that I coded a few months back but doing nothing with it.

I remember at the time thinking I could probably sell this little widget online but then forgot about the idea.

So why not just put it out there and whoever buys it, buys it!

Funny how this blog came in right the next day! Cheers Derek!
Rohin (2016-04-13) #
That is the most profound wisdom in the tiniest of nutshells! I've seen too many people chase the promise of profit, without considering the loss that comes from not thinking about all the basics, like will people pay for what we're offering, or even why hasn't anyone else decided to do this yet if it was so easy? Great article Derek! Thank you so much!
Jose (2016-04-13) #
The best part: it works for real. I recently started a business like that. Someone asked me to solve a problem and I just said yes. In a second i was in. It's great!
---
I'm going to read "Anything you want" again.
☺ -- Derek
John Williams (2016-04-13) #
A great reminder.
Matt (2016-04-13) #
I love these short nuggets of wisdom. straight to the point in 300 words or less. Thanks for continuing to bring your unique insight to the web Derek!
Colin Michael (2016-04-13) #
I've started many businesses. It's so much fun, dreaming up scenarios that entertain me. My past is littered with them. My head is full of them. Only one of them ever amounted to anything, and that was an accident. I wanted to buy and sell used cameras (circa 1992), but people kept asking me to repair the broken cameras they had sitting in closets and drawers. I wound up in the repair business for several years, until I hot to the point there was too much work and I had to either expand or quit. I didn't love it. I walked away at the end of 1996. My experience proves your point, but what if the thing people want doesn't interest me?
Gary Pearson (2016-04-13) #
So well said once again. Man of few words but well chosen words. I am inspired once again - thanks Derek!
Rich (2016-04-13) #
So easy to forget this amid the noise. Great signal, Derek.
Kent McIntyre (2016-04-13) #
Derek - Thank you for sharing this nugget of insight. I've enjoyed many of your posts, over a few years now. And while I share almost none of your entrepreneurial spirit and drive, I find that your perspectives are useful to me, in my world. (I'm a teacher, an active church leader, a father of seven, ... and other descriptors that you don't need, today.)
I'm sure that you won't mind if I share some of your thoughts with others who might benefit. (Isn't that part of what this post was about? Isn't sharing the essence of the internet frowth model?)

Kent McIntyre
Wayne (2016-04-13) #
Derek, at a recent lunch break, I found myself parroting your concepts as one of the guys was talking about taking early retirement in order to find a change… do something he's passionate about… but with the backup of a pension. Now I'm going to send this URL to him.

As always, thank you for being you!!
Jason Ratcliffe (2016-04-13) #
Your advice is always bang on and to the point Derek - keep on sharing!
Todd (2016-04-13) #
Good advice, and timely for me. I am getting ready to transition. I need to review and modify my plan.
Martin (2016-04-13) #
Great advice. And it's to the point!
Leanne Regalla (2016-04-13) #
I've done it both ways.

When I started teaching guitar, I hung out my shingle and people started coming. It was a leap of faith - but it worked.

Then after a few years, people started coming to me for business advice. That's when I launched my blog.

Then people started noticing my blog and hiring me to write for them. My current freelance writing business came completely from customer demand.

But I had to be out there, trying things and doing things, in order to get noticed in the first place. ;)

So which comes first?

But I totally agree - the best businesses are built on what people are asking for.
Both ways can work, but I feel the other way ("build it and they will come") is conventional and popular, whereas this approach ("don't build it 'til they come") isn't mentioned enough -- Derek
Elizabeth Dyer (2016-04-13) #
Great advise and exactly how I have been growing my business over the last several years. One step at a time. We have already outgrew our location twice and moved to larger and larger facilities. If the demand is there, growth will happen naturally.
MarkDeafMcGuire (2016-04-13) #
It would be awesome if you could caption this video (not auto-captioning because it does not work). I would have liked to enjoy your video and see what you have to say.

But I do agree with finding people who wants what you have to offer. I'm exploring this myself before I start my business idea. It's an interesting strategy.

Sometimes, it is better to be late than first or never.
Good point. Sorry about that. It's just an animation to go along with a chapter of my book, so the words are in the book, but I'll try to get it online too. -- Derek
Leo (2016-04-13) #
Fantastic article, Derek. I enjoyed reading it and I am sure it gives readers motivation to do something.

Thank you.
Isaac Ring (2016-04-13) #
Derek, this is a great reminder that business is the process of solving customers needs. Letting people tell you what needs/problems they have and then providing solutions that delight them is why we are here. :)
Dr. Janice-Lynn Shuhan (2016-04-13) #
I understand what you're suggesting about not starting with the website. But I am aware of the need and also keenly realize nothing exists to fill that need. So what I'm asking is ...if not a website that is a flier acceptable to advertise to a school board the service I can offer them?

Not for your public post. Thx!
Jonas (2016-04-13) #
Its an interesting article and I think if more people thought about getting their customers First And then the business, the failure rates would definitely decrease And maybe more wantrapreneurs dare the step to become a full entrepreneur.
Avril Bonner (2016-04-13) #
Thank you Derek -
Once we have The Idea after may be a year's worth of ideas - the business comes to you!
Thanks again - Derek (what would we do without you) Avrilx
Katya (2016-04-13) #
I did this! Kinda. First I found a service I really, really wanted to provide. Them I read some books about self-employment, which taught me what you are saying. Then I walked around town, found a paying customer who would sign a contract and who was okay with being my Guinea pig, and then I learned how to provide the service. When I was done, he paid me, and I used that money to buy $25 business cards. Only once I had made $600 did I buy a business license, because that was the law.
Soon I realized that every client really needed something else, so I added that service.
A few years later the tech changed and I had to. But I had built a reputation by then, so now I'm teaching and volunteering, doing what I love.
I do wish I had read The E-Myth or and Rich Dad Poor Dad's "Cash Flow quadrant", or "The 4-Hr Workweek" first, because I would have realized that my passion wasn't easily scalable, and I was building a freelancing job, not a business.
But I like what I do, and there is little capital investment, so little risk.
Maybe someday I'll learn how to scale it. When I do, years of helping real people will make it better.

I think what you were saying is to help people who will pay you, and don't be a narcissist.
☺ -- Derek
Camilla (2016-04-13) #
Love this! And spot on, as usual. People are spending way too much time on creating a business plan, a marketing plan, creating a logo and all that before they even have one paid customer.
I'm very guilty of it, too. These posts are usually directed at myself. -- Derek
Brenda Jean (2016-04-13) #
Fantastic! Thank you, Derek.
Damien (2016-04-13) #
Damn you stole my excuses out from under me!!
I like that idea of an excuses thief! Thank you. -- Derek
Kathy (2016-04-13) #
Derek, I'm getting out there with teaching the entrepreneurial mindset (aka "problem solving") and just spoke with life-sentenced prisoners last night. Some of them are up for parole and will need to make a living after they're released. The job market is tough for everyone, but for these guys? Well, they'll probably need to do something on their own...start a business or provide a service...your video, and of course, your fabulous book, "Anything You Want" is exactly the message people need to hear. Mind if I post it on my 50plusreinvented.com site?
Anything on my site is free for taking, sharing, re-posting, whatever. Go for it. -- Derek
Roger (2016-04-13) #
Brilliant. I could do with taking this onboard!
Paul Saunders (2016-04-13) #
Brilliant - just what I needed to hear. As always totally on point Derek. Thank you
Lorenzo (2016-04-13) #
this is sooooooooooooo true
Omer (2016-04-13) #
yeah its true. Making prototype which can reflect your idea is very effective you can see the reaction of people to your product or service and its not expensive or hard. in our era you can do anthing in everwhere just work constantly and believe yourself. As you can tell you are puting together bricks for building a bridge that can chance your life
Gina Sideris (2016-04-13) #
This speaks to me, and possibly the most important statement is:

"You need to be free to completely change or ditch your idea."

Every time I failed at something, it was because it was about me -- my skills, my interests, the value I perceived I could bring to a customer. Anything I was ever successful at was about someone else -- their needs, their interests, what they were seeking in a product or relationship. Love the video!
iand (2016-04-13) #
lol..perfect message for today..thank you
Crystal Foth (2016-04-13) #
This is too good for words.... so so good.
Toby (2016-04-13) #
Love this advice....wish I had learned it before burning through $20+ Million dollars on a great idea that the market didn't really want....so much more to say and share, but such a little box ;)
Dale Turner (2016-04-13) #
In some way, this also makes me think about all the musicians who buy a CRAZY amount of gear (performance and/or recording) BEFORE a need has arisen for all that "stuff." Obviously it's important to "be prepared," but half the time (after the fact) they discover they purchased the wrong thing (once the actual need has arisen), and that cash is gone. Me=GUILTY of this as well!
Yes! Great example. Me too. ☺ -- Derek
Ryan Gass (2016-04-13) #
Derek conveys in 90 seconds what every entrepreneur should know. Find a need and fill it. Start with 1 customer. Grow from there.
Mark D. Ransom (2016-04-13) #
Timing is everything, as in the timing of this post.
Mel Hopkins Dot Com (2016-04-13) #
So glad you didn't do that with CDBaby! I actually remember purchasing a friend's CD from your company.

In fact, that is how I cyber-met you. If I remember correctly you solved your own problem first then others found you to solve their same problem.

Maybe, that is the key - ask yourself if there's a problem? If you can solve your own problem then that is the beginning of a building a business.
Tom (2016-04-13) #
Very cool article
JP (2016-04-13) #
Dope advice
Jackie (2016-04-13) #
Short, sweet and to the point!
Nicole P (2016-04-13) #
Great advice! It boils down to a basic principle of business and economics - supply and demand - if there is no (or little) demand for your product or service, there is no need to supply it. In addition, I think sometimes we feel pressured by friends and family to get all those other pieces - website, name etc. - in place, because it is something more tangible for them to understand. That's certainly been my case.
Kristy Landgren (2016-04-13) #
Sounds like good advice to me.
lynn fishman (2016-04-13) #
Dear Derek

Can I tell you how happy I am to have read and watched this? With razor sharp insight, you cut through the maze of so called start up needs; the website, the marketing, the social media channels, the advertising and the big investment needed to get going. A person can get so bogged down worrying they don't have the right mindset, action set or skill sets in order to succeed. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. Keep it simple- that's the best game plan. Most importantly come up with a product or service that you believe in and which will help others.
David Birsen (2016-04-13) #
Great advice. I think one of the keys points is that there is an opportunity cost of making decisions.

For example, decide on a name for your business too early and you'll be less likely to take advantage of future information that can help align your name with your target market. The same goes for a product design, user interface, etc.

Every decision can only be made based on the best information that is available. If you can take an action that will generate more information, you probably should not be making a decision just yet.
Fred (2016-04-13) #
This article/principle is worth more than a Harvard MBA. It will save you years of frustration.
Jared Rogers (2016-04-13) #
:) This brings much joy. Thanks Derek.
Jean-Baptiste Collinet (2016-04-13) #
Again, spot on.
I started studies again a few ago (never planned to get a degree to get a job, it's something I do for myself)… and I have been asked several times about doing stuff related to what I'm learning...
Hell, you're getting me thinking way better than I did before reading and watching the video. Thanks!
charles Nwabueze (2016-04-13) #
Wow!! Thanks for sharing Derek. Quite inspirational and motivational.

"Start small. Start where you are. Start with what you have. Learn as you grow. Grow as you learn."

Greetings to you and family. God bless y'all.
Robbie M. (2016-04-13) #
Thank you ;)
Candace Asher (2016-04-13) #
Can't wait to peruse further...funny, been at something for years and hit all these walls about official launch because of precisely this "moment" when team supports yadeya are going to be dictating all things next and I've just instinctively backed off kind of in shock after multiple phases/product development work to see how all things official now might unfold completely differently than I'd planned. As usual Derek, you're on it. More when I can read, watch..cheers, thanks, best!
Lisa (2016-04-13) #
I love the book and the cartoon!
Jen Zeman (2016-04-13) #
I needed to read this today - THANK YOU! I've been stressing about starting a business for awhile now.
Phil (2016-04-13) #
Hmm, You got me thinking...
Ram C (2016-04-13) #
Absolutely loved your video about starting without funding- just solve real problems!
Jeff McClung (2016-04-13) #
Great post, Derek! Love the video. This was a really good reminder for me. Sometimes it's so easy to get consumed with the gap between where you are and where you want to be that you forget to do what you can, where you are. Thanks for the reminder!
Brittany (2016-04-13) #
Hell YES!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Derek!! This approach COMPLETELY takes me out of the state of "complete overwhelm" and into a state of action and determination. It also allows anyone to have specific instances to draw upon for inspiration or validation that they truly CAN, in fact, help people, change the world, or just make progress in their chosen field.

This is absolutely wonderful, and I absolutely LOVED the video! It made it look so simple, not overcomplicated. I'm already feeling better about my life and the future! Just helping people NOW and focusing on that, instead of placing my focus on making it big and hoping I can have enough money to live.

You are an absolute GIFT to this world! Thank you again for your work. You are making a difference in lives (at least mine!)

Take care,
<3 Brittany
Terri Stilwell (2016-04-13) #
This is an interesting point of view and one that I don't see often. Usually we are encouraged to start our own business and learn along the way. I can see the value in both aspects. I suppose it could come down to what type of business and is there a need. Then again by stating is there a need corroborates the theory stated in this article :) things that make you go hmmm
Michael (2016-04-13) #
Rule of the Potluck Pie...if it's good you don't need anyone to tell you...the pan is empty at the end of the dinner. You're spot-on, Derek. If your business/service is quality then your business/service WILL organically grow. And you don't need $$$ to start being great at what you offer.
Rick E. (2016-04-13) #
Love it! Recently starting having this happen and it feels so much better than trying to force something to work!
Colleen (2016-04-13) #
I know this is not how you meant it, but this smacks of advice that I got for years that I finally realized really only works for People of Privilege (aka, able-bodied white males): "If it's meant to happen, it will." I have had to claw for every bit of my career and I think if I had waited for someone to ask, I would never have started my business (which is relatively successful for the niche it occupies). I think most of your advice is right on the mark, but in this case, I think you may be discouraging the wrong people.
No no no. Read the 2nd half again. This is the OPPOSITE of "if it's meant to happen". This is not WAITING for someone to ask! This is going out and talking with potential customers until they become customers. This is the hustle. This is hand-on high-touch personal-service to create a demand. -- Derek
Lori Milner (2016-04-13) #
Hi Derek,

Thanks for another brilliant article. People tend to get too emotionally attached to an idea rather than trying to solve an actual problem. I will share this with my base - truly inspiring.

All the best,
Lori
Flora (2016-04-13) #
Great video with very good clear points. I have been struggling for a while looking for jobs and not getting anywhere. This is just the motivation and the push I needed today, thanks for sharing
Michael (2016-04-13) #
Derek, I have been learning about self help for a long time and it wasn't until I met you and James Altucher that the windows of understanding finally opened.

Thank you man!
Joe (2016-04-13) #
Thanks Derek - a great wake up call & reminder!!!

PS Excellent video!
Wes Carroll (2016-04-13) #
Yep. This worked for me.

The one -- the only -- ingredient a business needs is a paying customer.

A lot may go into developing that ingredient, or not.
Drew R. (2016-04-13) #
It seems like this is a good approach. I like it. It made me think about asking myself this one question as a governing principle: "Who can I help?" Thanks, Derek. You are the man. Appreciate you. -Drew ☺
Stormy (2016-04-13) #
Love this thank you!!
John (2016-04-13) #
Great piece and is always very accurate giving information for people just starting it is indispensable!

Much love always to get Derek and all the very best,

John
Mark (2016-04-13) #
Its never about the business - its always about answering the cries for help - saving time, improvings someone's tasks or just pure entertainment. Never do a business plan, biggest waste of time ever. talk to people, dont solve for them, talk to them 20 people later maybe only 2 people have the same story - good. find more people like those 2 people.

The great thing about this - its all free, never be constrained by anything - my clothing company had no logo for 1 and a half years - I had no slogan except for what I believed in.

starting without resources (capital) is the best as it makes you more resourceful.

The world is an amazing place now with all the SAAS products on the market - play lego with them and piece the ones together that will support what your business will be (once you understand what you are doing)
☺ -- Derek
Will (2016-04-13) #
#BigIdea=(dime a dozen) when useful is null;

If (Select count(useful) from idea where start=#Now)>0 then #Adapt and #GoForIt;

http://www.willavery.com/
Kar (2016-04-13) #
I love it! Thanks.
Cesar Garcia (2016-04-13) #
Thank you Derek!!
annie (2016-04-13) #
you're the master of usefulness, derek!

money isn't essential.

but time to focus on something that is or can become a service or product is.

so is not giving up and getting distracted.

two reminders to myself to stop wasting time and getting distracted.
@TheGirlPie (2016-04-14) #
This post and video should be required reading/listening for every high schooler, and again every year of life. It's exactly what I did 19 years ago when my job went away... I started doing privatly what I'd done for my boss, and it's been fun and profitable ever since. But you put it so clearly here -- thank you for the reminder!
Tuti (2016-04-14) #
Hi Derek
I believe that each path to financial stardom is a unique one. Yours was as you described here. Others might be the opposite. Anyway it is good to have the insight of an actual achiever as yourself.
Steve Mann (2016-04-14) #
I was lucky...I inherited a studio in 1987 with customers already built in. I called it "The Sound Surgeon". It was a sound editorial studio, and it went well, until I discovered that the union gigs were paying better. LOL

(Still listening to the other downloads.)
Chris Boone (2016-04-14) #
Hey! I've been following you for awhile and even wrote to you from a Croatian vacation. I like your points but I would also like to say that with regards to music sometimes you have to build it first...and they will come. Having my articles of business, domain name and professional website secured me reliability and garnished me shows/gigs. This led to a fan base and I am literally turning down more shoes than I play, I built it first!
Bob (2016-04-14) #
Brilliant as usual.
Lee Cutelle (2016-04-14) #
Good advice.... I guess it all comes down to doing your homework before racing into anything.
Beverly Bennett (2016-04-14) #
I'm an Artist, I like to draw and paint greeting cards, but don't know how to market them, your ideas are spot on. I'm taking your advise.
Manjia Luo (2016-04-14) #
This writing talking serious topic in a comedy style. It makes me laugh. Derek, write more comedy staff please.
Alana McGuire (2016-04-14) #
Awesome,Derek! A great reminder atthe perfect moment! Thankyou!:)♥
Nathan Schofield (2016-04-14) #
Thanks for sharing your wisdom Derek. This is great wisdom to shatter hyped up myths that are gathering momentum. Really relevant for the government innovation space also.
Audio-Rarities (2016-04-14) #
Thanks Derek,
Audio-Ratities
Jan
Barak (2016-04-14) #
Love your way of simplifying a powerful message. Thanks!
Joe Marty (2016-04-14) #
Thank You, Derek! I have been seriously considering starting a blog and podcast, and my analysis led me to realize I'd have to monetize it/them (eventually) to cover the costs... So, your wisdom arrived very timely with Tim Ferriss' email about podcasting. I probably will start both, but thanks to your advice I think I'll let the advertisers come to me (which also seems like the honest way to let the market decide if I should continue).

Thanks, Derek!
Idan (2016-04-14) #
Hi Derek,

Thanks for the reminder!

A lot of people say that you should do what you love and the money will come, it's nice to hear something simple that also says that the money will come if you find people to serve.
Daniela (2016-04-14) #
Thanks for the inspiration! Makes it easy to look beyond the ego. For me it's easy to just do when it's "real-life" events or practical stuff. When it comes to implementing ideas that involve online/digital I am still more hesitant. More adventures are in the making...
Dean Wilson (2016-04-14) #
Thank you for the re issue. Have already, thanks to my ego, experienced this lesson. Have concluded I don't require fame and fortune at the expense of allowing myself to be.
Willi (2016-04-14) #
Words Of Wisdom.
Daniel Martinusen (2016-04-14) #
And some of the ingredients will be something you accomplished, like a picture you painted, a song you wrote or a house you built.
Personally, I don't think about owning a business until I am reminded at the end of the year by the IRS that I have three or four of them-or is it five?.
Everett Adams (2016-04-14) #
Most small business don't stand a chance competing against large business, unless you are supplying a local service that these large business can't supply.
Peter Fegredo (2016-04-14) #
Derek, You make a lot of sense.
Mark (2016-04-14) #
Great video very true.
Denise (2016-04-14) #
Good Morning Derek! Thank you always for sharing your insight amd wisdom! I hope you are having good days
Wishing you continued inspiration... Denise
Arthur (2016-04-14) #
Tbanks Derek,
Appreciate your writings. Thank you. Got to start. Must begin. When I write. I see the opening scene and the end scene. I begin and move to my end. It will change on the way. But it gives you the drive toward that final moment.
Best,
Arthur

I have an idea for a t shirt company. The one shirt idea I envision on a large scale. Because it is so duplicateable. I hesitate to bring it out until I can bring it out on a 'branding scale'
Flies against your good advice. And then again, what you brought to CDBaby is not that duplcateable.
Rachel Walker (2016-04-14) #
Hi Derek! First of all, now I want to bake a cake!! Yum! Great thoughts! It seems to that we cannot always plan, but follow. Have a great day Derek! truly Rachel ☺
Matt (2016-04-14) #
In my case, I'm saying "I've got cake, and someone will want it because lots of people like cake!" I've got t-shirts with funny sayings/art that are geared to mountain bikers. T-shirts are my cake, humor is my frosting - and if some people don't like cake and frosting, I'm OK with not doing business with them.

Hopefully I'm right, or I'll be eating the whole cake.
Ron (2016-04-14) #
An interesting article.
In theory I'd say you're 100% spot on. But in this digital era, how does one start a business or build an equivalent model without investing in the software development, in infrastructure, or in a concept that works inherently in the digital space?

Are there examples you can provide?
Yes. Watch the video, above, and my WDS talk -- Derek
Penny (2016-04-14) #
You make me smile!
Rakesh Shah (2016-04-14) #
Well Said Derek.
But
Some people may just have to start something and then let people realize later on that they needed that product like facebook, iphone, google etc
Joey (2016-04-15) #
Thank you, Derek, for your clarifying message! Don't know if I'm alone here, but I've spent all this money pursuing the "ONE" plan or method that people promise will lead me to "Freedom" and nothing has changed. But really all I ever needed was to give myself permission to start and be realistic about the expectations. The FEAR is real but so natural and ingrained you don't realize it sometimes.
Law (2016-04-15) #
Great advice ;) learnt this the hard way a couple times! Also (going slightly off topic)...if you have started a business and only have one major client...beware! Ask yourself what will happen if they are no longer around. Failing to plan is essentially planning to fail.
Donnie (2016-04-15) #
Derek, this is so true. It took me years to learn it - I stumbled onto my current side business last year by accident. I was trying to get one thing started, but I was testing this other thing (designing wireframes for websites) at the same time. People started ordering almost immediately, and they haven't stopped. :)

Turns out the wireframing service became my business since it filled a need - I'm now constantly booked, and I often have to turn "vacation mode" on my order page when my schedule is too packed!

Ironically I put almost zero effort into launching it - I still don't even have a website or social pages for it, I just listed the service on one freelance site. I keep thinking I should get a business card with a fancy logo, but all my clients are virtual, so who would I hand it to? ;)

Thanks for another great post!
Guy (2016-04-16) #
Thanks for getting the cogs turning. Great advice.
Rae Rae (2016-04-16) #
Hey Derek,
I love the simple step by step on how to get started & thank you for being you!
Kit Parks (2016-04-16) #
Always insightful, Derek! Gives me much food for thought as I ponder my next venture. Thank you!
Pedro Okojie (2016-04-17) #
I always look forward to your news letter Derek.It inspires me everytime. Keep it coming am always in rehearsals of your thoughts
Dominic (2016-04-17) #
Working my way through your reading list, via audible is a great way to spend a work day. Thanks for the constant inspiration, motivation and reminders. Best Dom
Jon (2016-04-18) #
Awesome post Derek! I've fallen in to the trap of wanting to 'set everything up' first in the past. This post is a timely reminder NOT to do that! Thanks!!
Mark (2016-04-18) #
Hell no.
Annie Evans (2016-04-18) #
Awesome and pertinent as usual...
Doug (2016-04-19) #
Thanks Derek. Simply stated yet very effective.
Eric Lawson (2016-04-20) #
Great piece Derek, thanks. This reminds me of The Four Hour Work Week where describes marketing a business in reverse, creating an online ad and seeing how many buy clicks you get to test demand before actually investing/creating a product.
Exactly! -- Derek
Dan (2016-04-20) #
I like this article. Very informative and true.

Thanks D Man!
Ken kimura (2016-04-23) #
Thank you for your kind advice!
Tayo (2016-04-25) #
I have found that when I put the cart before the horse, I waste my time and its only a matter of time before it all crumbles. At that time, I would have lost any steam in the project or venture so starting at all doesn't intrigue me. Commonsense always follow nature...and its unfortunate that many of us are no longer paying attention to nature, hence common sense.
Ettosi (2016-04-30) #
Your advice is spot on. Thank you.
nicfoo (2016-09-05) #
The last couple of weeks I was toying with the idea of quitting full-time employment to start a business, or should I say an idea of a business. This article has reminded me to be on my quest to find a real customer and solve a real problem. Thank you!
Albeiro (2016-11-12) #
Thanks
Carl B. Nelson (2017-08-27) #
One of the best, wisest piece of advice I've ever read on starting a business.

I'm a classic wantrepreneur. This is because of how I grew up.

I grew up dirt poor. My family didn't have a car until I was 18 and I bought that car because I'd been awarded a full scholarship and needed to get to school. My family lived in wood and tin shacks on Guam until I was fifteen (when we moved into a government housing project).

I've read of people investing thousands of hours and millions of dollars creating something notbody wants or needs. That would be me.

In business advice there's so much pressure to "take massive action" before you even know if you can create something people want or will pay for.

Thanks for you opinion piece Derek. It put things in perspective and in the range of doable for an insecure person like me.
Juanita (2018-01-12) #
I have lots of thoughts, they just need to be focused
John (2018-01-18) #
agree totally. I have a small business too, its not growing or doing anything, its just standing idle.

Here is some info for other who might wanna do business in other countries. This link has info on Romania, but you can find other countries too.
http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/romania/business/company-formation/
Sean Crawford (2018-09-26) #
On a related note, I am baffled by people and parents who want themselves and their children to be leaders. What does that even mean?

I say: Don't start leading until you have a task that is asking to be done, by more than just your hands alone.

And then: If your need to lead is greater than your need to serve the task and people, then be careful—in China they call such leaders "corrupt officials."
Benny (2019-01-30) #
Great thought Derek. Most people think starting a business is as easy as getting a business name and announcing it to people. If you don't have an audience interested in your product, then your business is as good as dead. The idea of not starting one until people are asking you to is indeed a fantastic one. Thanks once again.

_________________________________
Benny
https://studentmarketing.agency
Vincenzo Iaciofano (2019-06-12) #
Derek, your advice came at a great time today. I am off to bake some ideas for a new business. I will see if i can get a demand.
vinnychoff
Nigel (2020-07-28) #
Great book Derek, many thanks. This single piece of advice alone is worth do much. You have a genius for simplifiying things.

Get customers first. Why didn't I think of that!

Many thanks for your generosity.

Don’t start a business until people are asking you to | Derek Sivers

Don’t start a business until people are asking you to

Copy & share: sive.rs/asking

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