Testing my digital product idea: Productivity boost

by emilsb
8 replies
Hello everyone,

I'm currently working on a personal productivity boost course.

Probably the only thing I still need to do now, is to test my idea; is it viable? is there any demand for a product like mine? Your answers could definitely help me at this stage.

What it is: A personal method that has changed my life into much better. I firmly believe into my method -- and therefore I know it is worth sharing. There is a ton of value in it; but of course I'm biased so my own opinion does not count in the scope of this post.

The point is: Probably the easiest and fastest way to make a lot of money and boost your income, is to become far better at what you're already doing, basically overnight. Let's take an example, you are a writer that creates e-books. This method could then help you write faster and better, like 2x, 4x or even way more. This means 200%, 400% or even more money for you. And more free time. But you could be anything else. In fact the method could help any person that does any kind of computer based work or office work (even if your office is at home).

Why: 99% of people never use a productivity method, and have NO IDEA about how life changing it can be.

My aim is - I want to do my work fast, precise and efficient, and gain as much time as possible for personal life. Some people often say to me "you probably don't have a personal life, by doing so much in a day"; and then they're quite amazed to find out that in fact, I have more time for myself than many other people today.

What the method contains (quick overview):

- Time management techniques. Needless to say how important these are. Saving time and making your work more efficient is one of the main factors of improvement.

- My own precise organizing techniques - tested over 2 decades of doing business, including working with super efficient task lists

- Mind control. About the mind gaps and default behaviors we all have, that drag us down

- Mindset. Sometimes we need to make small changes to our mindset to make things work. It's not a psychology course by any means, but just a few very logical ideas pointing at very simple common mindset and behaviour problems that really block us from being productive.

- Several other miscellaneous stuff, like delegating tasks and how to do this properly

- Everything structured in such way so it is easy to learn, apply, and to continue doing it with no mental effort.

Basically once you understand the logic, it's no going back to old inefficient style of work because it's all pretty obvious now.

So in a way it is a mix of very different directions to look at this from, and to optimize your productivity. Put together, the effect is seriously multiplied. And you don't need to implement everything in order to work - just pick a few chapters that better fit your own personality.

Now here's my own experience with my own method. When I've realized this potential and started doing it in my own work, I have measured an approximate 800% increase in productivity almost overnight, just by applying precisely 3 chapters in my method (everything else is on top, and there are a few tens of different chapters to pick from). Whatever I needed to do over 2 days previously, I do in 3 hours now and take the rest of the day off (and perhaps even the next one as well). That's how well it works for me. I also never lose track of what i need to do. When I started with it, I did a 6-months estimated software project in 2 weeks. That's how well it worked.

My question is: What do you think about my idea? Would you be interested in such product, if you ever came across it? Would you buy it?

Your thoughts at this stage could really help me decide whether to go ahead with this product or not.
(besides it's already getting in shape, like 43 full pages written already).

Thank you in advance, for your feedback!

(Edit: Any other tips for how to present and promote the product would be greatly appreciated)
#boost #digital #idea #income #product #productivity
  • Profile picture of the author helisell
    If 94% of IMers are making no money (or close to no money if what I read recently is in any way correct) then all you'll be doing is showing them how to make no money....but quicker.

    I don't think that would excite a rookie IMer.

    The people who are already making good money online have probably learned most of what you have to offer already. Real success isn't just always about being able to do more, in fact it rarely is that.

    I don't mean to throw a spanner into the works but I think you'll struggle to monetise what you have described.

    You should do a bit of test marketing now with a live purchase link in order to see if the idea is a keeper or not.

    Most gurus would say.....test the market first then create the product.

    It is a big mistake to work on the product first and usually leads to big disappointment. I assume this is the kind of feedback you were looking for and since no one else seems willing to answer I hope this doesn't neg you out too much.

    Good luck either way.
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    • Profile picture of the author emilsb
      Originally Posted by helisell View Post

      If 94% of IMers are making no money (or close to no money if what I read recently is in any way correct) then all you'll be doing is showing them how to make no money....but quicker.

      I don't think that would excite a rookie IMer.

      The people who are already making good money online have probably learned most of what you have to offer already. Real success isn't just always about being able to do more, in fact it rarely is that.

      I don't mean to throw a spanner into the works but I think you'll struggle to monetise what you have described.

      You should do a bit of test marketing now with a live purchase link in order to see if the idea is a keeper or not.

      Most gurus would say.....test the market first then create the product.

      It is a big mistake to work on the product first and usually leads to big disappointment. I assume this is the kind of feedback you were looking for and since no one else seems willing to answer I hope this doesn't neg you out too much.

      Good luck either way.
      No it does not neg me out too much... no worries. In fact, what you said is pretty much within the line of my thoughts so far. But I'm still waiting for more feedback.

      Indeed this is not a product aiming at IMers, and it never was intended as such. The situation you are describing (94% making no money) is pretty accurate. I think my target would be busy people, entrepreneurs or freelancers, busy employees looking for promotion or more money etc. It's not a "make some money" product; it's a "multiply your income" product for the ones having an income. And one big positive side effect is gaining a lot of personal time, and improving quality of life.

      I do however think of possible customers, among the ones that do make some money, in the above mentioned categories. If you're just barely breaking even, this product can mean the difference between breaking even and living a life of abundance.

      Test marketing with live purchase link - GOOD idea. Thank you for that.

      Indeed I intend on skipping work on the product as much as possible at this stage, and figuring out the market first of all. The current writing didn't take too much time, it was all flowing fast, but then I realized I need to test waters first.

      One last moment observation: This product could actually be very interesting for a corporate environment... they invest in time management and productivity on behalf of their employees; but that's a different and tougher sell. I mean I don't have the needed experience for selling this to corporate clients.

      Side note: no one else is willing to answer because the post is quite new. You actually replied quite fast, in my opinion. Thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author nmwf
    As long as you focus on the most applicable target market(s), you should see some success. I don't know how "big" you want your project to be, but from what I've read, specific products for specific needs bomb in big markets.

    Example: attempting to sell custom guitar picks to anyone who has an email address.

    That wastes a lot of time, resources, and money. And it can negatively skew sales projections, company worth, etc.. So I think if you start small - target small - then expand when needed (i.e. based on that small target's feedback), you'll grow, you'll learn, and you'll succeed.

    That's what I'm doing.
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    • Profile picture of the author emilsb
      Originally Posted by nmwf View Post

      As long as you focus on the most applicable target market(s), you should see some success. I don't know how "big" you want your project to be, but from what I've read, specific products for specific needs bomb in big markets.

      Example: attempting to sell custom guitar picks to anyone who has an email address.

      That wastes a lot of time, resources, and money. And it can negatively skew sales projections, company worth, etc.. So I think if you start small - target small - then expand when needed (i.e. based on that small target's feedback), you'll grow, you'll learn, and you'll succeed.

      That's what I'm doing.
      I agree. However it is wiser to start testing waters before you have a product. Then building the product. I've learned this hard, at some point in the past.

      Big = I don't have "big" or small plans. I plan to be useful. If it's going to be tremendously useful, even if starting small, it'll grow big. This is not my only business, but one that I will enjoy -- more than anything else. So there's experience, passion, and belief in the idea. Of course this has to be matched with a demanding market niche.

      Indeed, my customer (whoever he/she is going to be) will be very specific. This means big money but also narrowing to that specific customer first.

      This is probably that kind of product that could, in theory, help a whole array of people on different verticals. But instead, only a narrow niche of very specific customers are actively seeking for it. I believe that only those very specific customers will actually buy it. And that it could be sold for a decent amount of money, as the ROI for those people would be significant, and rather immediate.

      Despite these thoughts, further feedback received here could still be very helpful in pointing me at the right direction. I still feel I'm at the beginning of a series of crossroads, before finally taking on the right road to the right customer at the end of this sequence. And I'm not yet sure if there's enough demand for it, and how to tap into that demand. Like who's my customer and where he is.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Rosa
    I think it could do well. That would be something I'd buy if the copy was right. Take a look at Jason Fladlien's Double your productivity.

    The angle is what will help sell. It's hard to sell self improvement. Many folks just want something new, but if you can highlight a serious and common problem and twist your copy to that specific need. You might have something.

    A lot of IMer's know they could be using their time better. Whether it be an intermediate guy or someone who is overwhelmed.

    Tons of folks wander around aimlessly on forums and read for hours, never getting anything done. Also they don't have much discipline to make short deadlines making a 2 hour task take 7 hours.

    Then beat themselves up at night because of the time wasted, wishing things could have gone better. When they don't even know they have a problem with management.

    they believe it's all just "the way the game is"

    There is a market for your idea, but it will be difficult to find them. Usually they don't come out the gate with it.

    They'll wait and show their list the goods and true secrets later.

    Test out a sales page with a buy button. If folks buy, give the money back and tell them it's not ready yet.
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    • Profile picture of the author emilsb
      Originally Posted by David Rosa View Post

      I think it could do well. That would be something I'd buy if the copy was right. Take a look at Jason Fladlien's Double your productivity.

      The angle is what will help sell. It's hard to sell self improvement. Many folks just want something new, but if you can highlight a serious and common problem and twist your copy to that specific need. You might have something.

      A lot of IMer's know they could be using their time better. Whether it be an intermediate guy or someone who is overwhelmed.

      Tons of folks wander around aimlessly on forums and read for hours, never getting anything done. Also they don't have much discipline to make short deadlines making a 2 hour task take 7 hours.

      Then beat themselves up at night because of the time wasted, wishing things could have gone better. When they don't even know they have a problem with management.

      they believe it's all just "the way the game is"

      There is a market for your idea, but it will be difficult to find them. Usually they don't come out the gate with it.

      They'll wait and show their list the goods and true secrets later.

      Test out a sales page with a buy button. If folks buy, give the money back and tell them it's not ready yet.
      David, thanks for the nice feedback and for the tip with the buy-then-refund idea. Not bad!

      I think you are one example of person that understands the true nature of the benefit within such product. This is quite motivating for me right now; finding out that there might be other people out there, sensing the true benefits behind such a product. Unlike most hype "make money" products, I intend to deliver true value via an easy to replicate and follow model.

      Meanwhile I received a quite interesting tip by PM from a guy on another forum, which leads to a kind of a funnel draft but helps with the process (this is a crude draft):

      - Start by blogging some amazing stuff (hell yes, I do have a bunch of great ideas for killer business articles; and not the usual yada yada but things that come from my longtime experience in the field)
      - Refine ideas, find the exact niche by interacting with blog followers (find where the gold is)
      - Feed interested users to a mailing list, by giving them an amazing business growth freebie (have one designed already) - interact, offer free stuff, and later sell
      - Create a strong personal brand in this way
      - Sell them the actual product, but also (important) consulting services.

      This is not a fast money sequence, besides I'm not looking for that, but looks solid. And it fits perfectly my skillset and style.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by emilsb View Post

    My aim is - I want to do my work fast, precise and efficient, and gain as much time as possible for personal life. Some people often say to me "you probably don't have a personal life, by doing so much in a day"; and then they're quite amazed to find out that in fact, I have more time for myself than many other people today.
    Most people want to make money by posting one affiliate link in a Craigslist ad. No matter how you present lazy people a "better way"... they will revert back to their old habits. They will call your process "slow" (no matter how fast it is). Your products will be perceived as "not fast enough".

    For entrepreneurs, they feel like their way is the best way. For folks in the self-improvement niche.... your offer will probably carry some weight there.
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    • Profile picture of the author emilsb
      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      Most people want to make money by posting one affiliate link in a Craigslist ad. No matter how you present lazy people a "better way"... they will revert back to their old habits. They will call your process "slow" (no matter how fast it is). Your products will be perceived as "not fast enough".
      They aren't my customers; it is clear that the product is not suitable for the average "make money fast" crowd.

      Originally Posted by Randall Magwood View Post

      For entrepreneurs, they feel like their way is the best way. For folks in the self-improvement niche.... your offer will probably carry some weight there.
      Not all entrepreneurs feel that their way is the best way. I never had this feeling for most of my life -- and have some friends that also feel the same way. Today my way is better because of the method. Is it still room for improvement? Yes - a lot. Always is.

      Over time, I have met entrepreneurs with open minds as to whatever way possible to improve their work.

      But in some way, you defintely touch base here. It is possible that the product is actually suitable for entrepreneurs and busy people who are also interested in the self-improvement niche. So it's a dual condition. In fact, I am interested in both fields, so I'm actually one of these folks.
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