My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Last Impression is Lasting Impression
People don't remember how interactions started or most of what happened - they remember the most intense moment and how it ended
Decision Rule
Always engineer the ending of important interactions to be positive, respectful, and supportive, regardless of what happened during the middle
How It Works
Based on brain science showing memory consolidation focuses on peak emotional moments and endings rather than duration or beginnings
Failure Modes
Doesn't work if the entire interaction was genuinely harmful
Can seem manipulative if the positive ending feels disconnected from the interaction
May not overcome truly traumatic or intense negative experiences
Example Decision
“After a difficult negotiation with some heated moments, end by saying: 'Regardless of where we land on this deal, I have tremendous respect for what you've built and will always be supportive of your success.' This becomes what they remember about you.”
Related Knowledge
Curiosity is a superpower
Investing in genuine curiosity about others creates massive advantages in negotiations and relationships
Tactical Empathy Framework
Demonstrating understanding of another person's emotions and perspective without agreeing, designed to build trust and e
Listening Hijack Prevention Framework
A system to resist the two main impulses that destroy active listening: the urge to correct and the urge to relate
Steel Negotiation Model
A framework that replaces 50/50 compromise with finding the optimal blend of ideas, like steel being 2% carbon and 98% i
Build trust and gather proprietary information before making any deal proposals
The other party voluntarily shares information they normally wouldn't reveal, both parties understand the real constrain
Apply hostage negotiation principles to business deals for better outcomes
The other party feels safe enough to share their real concerns, both parties work together to solve the underlying probl