ENTREPRENEURSHIPMonths to result

Proudly Exclude People

Confidently exclude people who are not a good fit

Problem it solves

business growth stalls

Best for

Entrepreneurs who want to build a loyal customer base

Not ideal for

Those who are not willing to confidently exclude people who are not a good fit

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework emphasizes the importance of confidently excluding people who are not a good fit for your business. It encourages entrepreneurs to focus on serving customers who are a good fit and to exclude those who are not.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Confidently exclude people who are not a good fit
  2. Focus on serving customers who are a good fit
  3. Don't try to please everyone, instead focus on serving customers who are a good fit

Steps

3 steps
  1. Identify Your Target Market
    Identify your target market and focus on serving customers who are a good fit.
    Pro tipTalk to potential customers and understand their needs
    WarningDon't try to serve everyone, focus on your target market
  2. Confidently Exclude People Who Are Not a Good Fit
    Confidently exclude people who are not a good fit for your business.
    Pro tipFocus on serving customers who are a good fit, rather than trying to please everyone
    WarningDon't be afraid to say no to people who are not a good fit
  3. Focus on Serving Customers Who Are a Good Fit
    Focus on serving customers who are a good fit for your business.
    Pro tipCreate value for customers who are a good fit
    WarningDon't try to serve customers who are not a good fit, instead focus on serving customers who are a good fit

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
CD Baby

The author's experience with CD Baby, where he confidently excluded people who were not a good fit for his business.

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 confidently excluded people who were not a good fit for their business.

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

Common mistakes

3 traps
Trying to Please Everyone
Trying to please everyone can lead to not serving customers who are a good fit and missing out on opportunities.
Not Confidently Excluding People Who Are Not a Good Fit
Not confidently excluding people who are not a good fit can lead to wasting time and resources on customers who are not a good fit.
Not Focusing on Serving Customers Who Are a Good Fit
Not focusing on serving customers who are a good fit 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 confidently excluded people who were not a good fit for his business.

Source

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