MARKETINGDays to result

No Advertising

Don't advertise, instead focus on creating value

Problem it solves

weak market positioning

Best for

Entrepreneurs who want to create value for their customers

Not ideal for

Those who are not willing to focus on creating value for their customers

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework emphasizes the importance of not advertising and instead focusing on creating value for customers. It encourages entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems and meeting the needs of their customers, rather than trying to advertise their way to success.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Don't advertise, instead focus on creating value
  2. Focus on solving real problems and meeting the needs of your customers
  3. Create value for your customers, rather than trying to advertise your way to success

Steps

3 steps
  1. Focus on Creating Value
    Focus on creating value for your customers, rather than trying to advertise.
    Pro tipTalk to your customers and understand their needs
    WarningDon't try to advertise your way to success, instead focus on creating value
  2. Solve Real Problems
    Solve real problems and meet the needs of your customers.
    Pro tipFocus on solving real problems, rather than just trying to make a sale
    WarningDon't try to advertise your way to success, instead focus on creating value
  3. Create Value for Your Customers
    Create value for your customers, rather than trying to advertise.
    Pro tipFocus on creating value, rather than just trying to make a sale
    WarningDon't try to advertise your way to success, instead focus on creating value

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
CD Baby

The author's experience with CD Baby, where he focused on creating value for musicians and did not advertise.

OutcomeCD Baby became a successful business and helped many musicians sell their music directly to customers.
Dollar Shave Club

Dollar Shave Club's experience, where they focused on creating value for their customers and did not advertise.

OutcomeDollar Shave Club became a highly successful business and was acquired by Unilever.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Trying to Advertise Your Way to Success
Trying to advertise your way to success can lead to wasting time and resources on advertising, rather than creating value for customers.
Not Focusing on Creating Value
Not focusing on creating value can lead to not solving real problems and meeting the needs of customers.
Not Solving Real Problems
Not solving real problems can lead to not creating value for customers and missing out on opportunities.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author learned this lesson through his experience with CD Baby, where he focused on creating value for musicians and did not advertise.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur
Derek Sivers · 2011
Open source →

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