My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Work for free initially to prove value, then negotiate percentage-based compensation
Why It Works
Removes risk for client, demonstrates confidence in your abilities, aligns incentives for long-term relationship
Prerequisites
How to Execute
Identify specific value you can provide
Offer 3-month free trial period
Set clear success metrics upfront
Document results meticulously
Negotiate ongoing percentage after proving value
When It Fails
When you don't have enough financial runway, when value is not clearly measurable, when client takes advantage without intent to pay later
Real Example
“Finance professional offers to do business development for asset manager for free for 3 months, raises $50M in capital, then negotiates ongoing percentage of future assets raised.”
Related Knowledge
Electronic Corporate Bond Trading Platform
Corporate bond trading requires calling multiple investment banks to find buyers/sellers, creating inefficiency and opac
All-In Commitment Framework
Complete dedication to one specific goal where you eliminate all competing priorities and commit 100% of your energy and focus.
Controlled Suffering Framework
Deliberately seeking difficult physical or mental challenges to build tolerance for discomfort and develop mental strength that transfers to other areas.
Optimal performance in high-stakes competitive events
Peak physical and mental performance on event day with no regrets about preparation
Successfully transition from employee to entrepreneur/independent operator
Financial independence through your own skills and relationships rather than employer dependence
The Coward-Hero Equivalence Model
Cowards and heroes feel identical emotions in dangerous situations - the only difference is their behavioral response to