My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Problem Across the Table Model
Visualize both parties sitting on the same side of the table with the problem/obstacle on the other side, rather than adversarial positioning
Decision Rule
When facing negotiation challenges, ask 'How can we work together to solve this problem?' instead of 'How can I win against them?'
How It Works
Shifts mindset from zero-sum competition to collaborative problem-solving, reducing defensiveness and increasing information sharing
Failure Modes
Only works when both parties genuinely want to solve the problem
Breaks down if one party is truly adversarial or deceptive
Can be exploited by someone pretending to collaborate while actually competing
Example Decision
“In a pricing negotiation, instead of 'I need to get them down to my target price,' think 'We both want this deal to work - what's preventing us from finding terms that make sense for both sides?'”
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