From a struggling musician to selling a $22,000,000 company. Derek Sivers, of CD Baby, had that meteoric rise many dream of. More importantly, however, he kept his head straight. He says there are really only two important things to think about when creating something:
Do you enjoy doing it? Will it benefit other people?
Now of course, this is simplified, there are other questions you should probably ask, but these, I think, are two very good starting points.
Derek began wanting to cell his CDs online. But there was no place to sell music for independent musicians online.
What did he do? He solved his own problem. He made a website that sold his CD’s online.
He had no idea how to code or start a website. He learned.
He had no idea how to legally start a business or ship CDs. he learned.
He figured out how to fix a problem he had.
But how did he compete with other companies, like Apple, that were selling CDs online?
He put the customers first.
Never forget absolutely everything you do is for your customers […] If you’re ever unsure what to prioritize, just ask your customers the open-ended question, “how can I best help you now?” Then focus on satisfying those requests.
Derek Sivers
Derek also says to not forget why you go into what you are doing. Whenever I am at a crossroads, or stuck, I remember this quote, my favorite quote from the book,
pay close attention to what excites you and what drains you. Pay close attention to when you’re being the real you and when you’re trying to impress an invisible jury.”
Derek Sivers
Overall I loved this book. What I think Derek is trying to say is, do something that you enjoy doing. Do something that benefits people. The rest will come.
-Zach
