Would you pay $5 for that?

Hello,

We’re all busy

There’s lots of things that I need to get done.
I need someone to mow the grass and weed the veggie patch.
I have to buy a new stove top and get someone to install it.
My car needs a service and I have to find an electrician to add some outdoor lighting.

For my work I need some artwork designed for a banner and then get it printed for next week. I’ve got to finish writing and edit several articles and post them on the blog. More importantly I had better finish that presentation for next Tuesday or I will really be in big trouble (see below).

Not to mention, not neglecting my family and friends, health and fitness or my current clients.

Most of these are easy to solve, often a Google search away or someone’s word of mouth recommendation. For my work projects I generally engage a freelancer I’ve worked with before.

Problems, solutions and becoming an entrepreneur

Solutions to problems are often provided by an entrepreneur, someone who sets up a business, working for themselves or by a larger business.

Think about how you have helped somebody just recently - either at work or home.

What you did may provide you with an opportunity to start a business.

Would you pay $5 for that?

Ask yourself whether you would pay $5 for that help, exploring whether it has a value to someone, not just yourself. The idea comes from Seth Godin, an American author, entrepreneur, marketer, and public speaker on the topic of marketing.

A business requires three simple things: a product to sell, to be able to sell it, and to deliver it profitably (for more than it cost you to make or buy).

There’s actually a website called Fivver where they do just that. Freelancers sell a particular service for $5. It might be a logo, press release or other service. Lately it has got a lot more pricey, so it’s often way more than $5.

Mind you, if you had to make a living in Australia selling a product for $5 a pop you’d need to sell a lot. Most solutions will cost way more than $5 and I can tell you, most of the jobs that I pay for are often way more than $20-30 an hour.

Exploring entrepreneurial options

If you’re starting to explore working for yourself, and have a solution to a problem, or two, there maybe an opportunity for you to start a business; to become an entrepreneur.

It could come from an idea that you’ve been thinking about, or developing at work, or outside of work. And it may be an idea you’ve been mulling over for a few years or more.

Write down your ideas

The take-away from this is to start thinking about how you have helped others either at work or outside of work. If you haven't already done so, get a diary or journal and start writing down your ideas, keep a track of them, read, reach out, and explore the value that may be found in them.

Keep asking yourself the $5 question until it you find something that might just work for you.

cheers

Nigel Rawlins
wisepreneurs.com.au

PS. if you have any comments or would like to suggest future articles, please feel free to reply to this email

Please consider linking up with me on Facebook or twitter
https://www.facebook.com/wisepreneurs
https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs

Upcoming Seminar - last chance