ENTREPRENEURSHIPMonths to result

No Funding Needed

Start small and focus on solving real problems

Problem it solves

business growth stalls

Best for

Entrepreneurs who want to start a business with minimal funding

Not ideal for

Those who require a lot of funding to start their business

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework emphasizes the importance of starting small and focusing on solving real problems, rather than trying to raise a lot of funding. It encourages entrepreneurs to start with a humble prototype version of their grand vision and to focus on solving real problems for real people.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Start small and focus on solving real problems
  2. Don't try to raise a lot of funding, instead focus on solving real problems
  3. Focus on solving real problems for real people, rather than trying to create a big business

Steps

3 steps
  1. Start Small
    Start with a humble prototype version of your grand vision and focus on solving real problems for real people.
    Pro tipFocus on solving real problems, rather than trying to create a big business
    WarningDon't try to raise a lot of funding, instead focus on solving real problems
  2. Focus on Solving Real Problems
    Focus on solving real problems for real people, rather than trying to create a big business.
    Pro tipTalk to potential customers and understand their needs
    WarningDon't try to create a solution that doesn't solve a real problem
  3. Iterate and Improve
    Iterate and improve your solution based on feedback from customers.
    Pro tipBe open to feedback and willing to make changes
    WarningDon't be afraid to pivot if something's not working

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

2 cases
CD Baby

The author's experience with CD Baby, where he started the business with minimal funding and focused on solving real problems for musicians.

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 started with a simple and affordable solution to a real problem and focused on solving real problems for their customers.

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

Common mistakes

3 traps
Trying to Raise Too Much Funding
Trying to raise too much funding can lead to waste and decreased productivity.
Not Focusing on Solving Real Problems
Not focusing on solving real problems can lead to creating a solution that doesn't solve a real problem.
Not Being Open to Feedback
Not being open to feedback can lead to not making necessary changes to improve the solution.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The author learned this lesson through his experience with CD Baby, where he started the business with minimal funding and focused on solving real problems for musicians.

Source

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