Built For Humans
A Three Question Guide On Starting and Running A Business
--
“Literature starts by being personal, but the deeper we go inside the more we become everybody’ ― Donald Hall
One of the best ways to share your insights with people is to make it a story that touches them on a personal level. I am very aware that some of what I write below maybe a great oversimplification. However, that is a trade off I chose to make so that the world of business becomes more accessible to everyone. In my humble opinion, the two things we undervalue in life are common sense and empathy. A lot of business rests on these two fundamental principles. It is that simple.
If you want another testimonial, listen to Charlie Munger. Munger, the 95 year old billionaire and Warren Buffet’s partner in business and in life has this to say: “You don’t have a lot of envy. “You don’t have a lot of resentment.“You don’t overspend your income. “You stay cheerful in spite of your troubles. “You deal with reliable people. “And you do what you’re supposed to do.“And all these simple rules work so well to make your life better. And they’re so trite.”
While the world of business is incredibly complex and this complexity is only exaggerated by technology, the core principles of business remain the same. This article tries to distill the world of business in three simple questions any aspiring entrepreneur, student of business or an established businessman can consider while dreaming about, learning about or while running a business.
1. Would I Buy My Own Product?
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this question. In fact, most simple questions are also the most profound. Let me explain some of the deeper layers that underlie this simple question.
First, in order to answer this question, you have to consider how does a product change your life. Does it save time? Does it give you pleasure? Does it make…
