What do you want? 7 e-mails. 7 ideas.

By Walt F.J. Goodridge

Special to the Saipan Tribune
Originally published: Wednesday, June 9, 2010


The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!

 

 In a previous article, I explained something called the Non-Existence Formula, which is a helpful and proven series of steps for any person or organization embarking on a new project, starting in a new job position or beginning any endeavor from a state of "non-existence" (i.e. did not exist before) and desiring to grow it to success. The formula states:

       1. Find the lines of communication

       2. Make yourself known.

       3. Find out what is needed or wanted.

       4. Do, produce and/or present it.

 

      So, based on step 3, I recently sent out an email asking my previous customers and list subscribers to respond to the question "What do You Want or Need?"

The essence of business is to find a need and fill it.  Therefore, as a potential entrepreneur, every point of communication you have with the world offers you insights into what people are looking for, and presumably what they would pay to have. With that in mind, and with your thinking cap on, here are 7 of those responses which might offer some ideas on products or services you might offer. (I've kept the respondents' full names anonymous.)

 

 

1. What R. Wants: "The papers are full of disaster stories - car crashes, domestic violence, war casualties, busses going into ravines, kids killing friends when guns go off unexpectedly, murder in the classroom, ad nauseum.

...I want stories that tell me that people DO overcome handicaps,

CAN make the system work, DO have ethics,  DO care about each other - positive stories that encourage me to go on fighting for whatever (worthy) cause it is I happen to believe in, that show me that there is hope, that there are others out there who are on my side, that one can work despite the system (or within the system), stories that reinforce the belief that man is not all bad (!); stories that are inspirational - not in a religious way, but that inspire one to do better, to continue to hang in there...........that motivate, set models....."

WALT'S THOUGHT: R’s full email itself was as inspiring as anything I've read! To me it says the people are indeed tired of the depressing world view that media has believed sells papers and sells advertising. An email like this should inspire and remind writers, organizers, politicians and entrepreneurs that people crave for more meaningful and inspiring content in their daily lives. What will you do to give it to them?

 

2. What E. wants: "Perhaps you can touch on how we can still survive despite tough economic times for some.  Also if you could share your predictions on where the next trends will be, that would be helpful."

WALT'S THOUGHT: This business owner realizes that a new strategy is necessary for business success. I think this points to an opportunity for “gurus” who can suggest sustainable solutions to the business community’s real and perceived economic situation. I would suggest that in crafting a response to E, that you start by questioning the very economic system that we are all engaged in. It’s being said more often these days that it is impossible to maintain infinite growth on a planet with finite resources. Capitalism, as it is currently practiced, is unsustainable. What are the alternatives?

       Also, whether you are intuitively gifted enough to see the future, or simply positioned with information that others don’t have, you can carve out a niche for yourself predicting what the future holds.

 

 

3. What K. WantsHave you ever considered doing a paid membership website?

WALT's THOUGHT: One good way to make your business more profitable is to offer a subscription service. Provided you can offer something of value to consumers or business owners on, say, a weekly or monthly basis, you can charge a weekly or monthly subscription fee, which creates, for you, a predictable stream of income each period.

 

 

4. What A. Wants: "I really liked your Customer Service article!"

WALT'S THOUGHT: Here on Saipan, it’s been over two months since that article appeared [Saipan Tribune March 31, 2010]. However, as late as Monday of this week, a fellow approached me in the supermarket to give his positive feedback. That says to me that the content has struck a chord. That might indicate an opportunity for people who can help business owners improve their customer service. At the very least, it shows that even if a competitor already exists in a potential market, that differentiating yourself by having good customer service could make you more successful—and that applies just about everywhere. Remember, competing on price alone is an unsustainable strategy for business success.

 

 

5. What R. (on Saipan) Wants“Hey Walt! I saw my review [that I wrote about your book] on your site! I felt so honored! I hope I could follow you [@whereiswalt] on twitter and facebook but I'm not so much good with computer... Thank you again!”

WALT'S THOUGHT: Now, R didn’t come right out and say it, but computer training and internet literacy is something that is always in demand. The challenge, of course, is the financial reward—often times, the people who could be most helped, don’t have the means to pay for such courses. Perhaps, there might be a federal grant of some sort that could finance the creation of a computer training project here on Saipan, or anywhere there happens to be a demand or need.

 

6. What K.A. Wants. What I have read a lot about the CNMI and would love to visit, hopefully within the next year. Maybe I'll be able to vacation there during the winter break. Anyway, I was wondering if you had any advice for me. I think, based on what I've seen online, that I would love to spend a year or two in Saipan once I'm finished up here in [country]. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (with a Marketing Concentration), and have had a variety of jobs over the years...my work experience is all across the board. If I were to try and get a job in Saipan, what type of job would I most likely get, and do you think it would be easy for me to get one?

WALT'S THOUGHT: Not only does this indicate an opportunity for those who provide information about Saipan, Tinian and Rota, but it also reminds those of us here, that there is always a pool of newcomers with new ideas and new skill sets that offer opportunities for the islands’ economy.

(p.s. If anyone wishes to respond to, or get in touch with KA, they can email me at walt@saipanliving.com)

 

and, finally….

 

7. What Z Wants: “All-expense 7 night, 8 day vacation to a spa resort in Tahiti during the best season to take a vacation! [My husband] is invited, of course. J “

WALT'S THOUGHT: Excuse me?? Tahiti? Ahem. Might I suggest you Discover Saipan!!

 

 

Again, as an aspiring entrepreneur, one of the secrets to success rests in hearing what is being said as well as not being said. Hidden in these little gems of correspondence are clues as to what people need or want. The key question is: How can you fulfill YOUR purpose by taking YOUR passion, using it to respond to people’s desires and create something of value that you can exchange with the world, and thereby give you what YOU want?

 

 Note: Ever wanted to direct your friends and family to a set of websites that revealed the best things about Saipan? Do what I do: send them to www.bestofsaipan.com!

 

Note: Fans and followers of the books, Chicken Feathers and Garlic Skin: Diary of a Chinese Garment Factory Girl on Saipan (saipanfactorygirl.com) or Jamaican on Saipan (jamaicanonsaipan.com), or Doing Business on Saipan (saipanliving.com) may place orders on those sites, or…..yes, AMAZON.COM!

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