I recently talked about running this business to a friend. She was interested in starting a business after getting her MBA. However, she told me that she didn’t feel she had the technical skills necessary to start an online business. I get this kind of feedback a lot, so I’ll make my point right now: […]
Average Doesn’t Mean Secure
Just because it’s common, that doesn’t mean it’s not risky. Many people fall into the misconception that if a lot of people are doing something, it must be the safest path. If you were born several decades ago, you would have thought smoking was safe because everyone was doing it. Is Having a Job Safer? […]
Should You Try to Make Money?
Almost everyone is an artist. If you create something original, you’re an artist. Whether that medium is music or software, it doesn’t matter. A big question for a creator of any kind is whether to keep a passion as a hobby, or try to use it to make an income. It didn’t used to be […]
How to Figure Out What People Want
The thinking process of most innovators is something like this: Get an idea for what you want to make. Create it. Find someone who wants it. I think any entrepreneur will immediately recognize this is a horrible strategy for starting a business (or making any decision). By making something before you see any opportunity, you […]
I'm a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, podcast host, computer programmer and an avid reader. Since 2006, I've published weekly essays on this website to help people like you learn and think better. My work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, TEDx, Pocket, Business Insider and more. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start.