My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Industry expertise can be a disadvantage when creating breakthrough customer experiences
Evidence
Outsiders like Jesse Cole and Steve Jobs created breakthrough experiences in industries they didn't come from, while industry veterans often defend status quo
Implication
Beginner's mind and customer empathy may be more valuable than industry knowledge for innovation
Counter Belief
Industry expertise prevents costly mistakes and provides knowledge of what really works
Example Application
Former customer service rep with no restaurant experience opens restaurant focused on eliminating common customer frustrations, outperforming chef-owned establishments
Related Knowledge
They Only Remember You're Weird
Customers give zero credit for meeting basic expectations but remember and talk about anything unusual or unexpected you
Hiring for 'Down'
Beyond traditional hiring criteria, prioritize team members who are enthusiastic about trying unproven ideas without ext
Daily Idea Muscle Training
A systematic practice of generating exactly 10 new ideas every single day to strengthen creative thinking capacity
Fan-First Experience Design
A systematic approach to designing every touchpoint of customer experience by prioritizing customer delight over traditi
Insanely Great Philosophy
A commitment to excellence that focuses on the 'insane' level of attention to detail rather than just achieving 'great'
Transform a failing traditional business into a differentiated entertainment experience
Waiting list demand exceeding capacity, premium pricing without price resistance, word-of-mouth marketing driving growth