My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“I just sat there for eight hours straight and just watched what the hell is actually going on”
What It Means
Extended direct observation reveals operational problems that reports and meetings miss
Why It Matters
Most business problems are visible but hidden by layers of abstraction and distance
When It's True
When persistent operational issues resist conventional analysis and solutions
When It's Risky
When problems are clearly policy or structural rather than execution-based
How to Apply
Clear schedule for uninterrupted observation time
Position yourself where you can see entire process
Resist making immediate changes during observation
Example Scenario
“Restaurant owner spending full shifts watching kitchen operations to understand why food costs are high despite good purchasing”
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