Thanks Tori - joy

I think if you read KK article closely, it's '1000 true fans'. Not 1000 free newsletter subscribers, not 1000 people who pop onto your webpage once a month. No, 1000 people who LOVE you! Who will travel to see you, pay to hear you, buy your stuff, tell their friends, and live your content! How many things would you fit into this definition of a 'true fan?' I would pay money ($100/year? more?) For Bill Simmons content. Ben Casnocha, Scott Adams, Trent Hamm. Josh Kaufmann. I have bought their books, internet programs, etc. Are there others? Who are you a true fan of? The tradeoff is numbers vs revenue. Think Stock market newsletters. There are some really good ones (I guess) that people pay a lot of money for...but I don't know what they are because I don't pay for that info. But some people do, gladly, and the content creator is happy to mean something to a smaller circle of valued clients who value them and what they give. So how could you find out who your true fans are? Hint: start small.

I think if you read KK article closely, it's '1000 true fans'. Not 1000 free newsletter subscribers, not 1000 people who pop onto your webpage once a month. No, 1000 people who LOVE you! Who will travel to see you, pay to hear you, buy your stuff, tell their friends, and live your content! How many things would you fit into this definition of a 'true fan?' I would pay money ($100/year? more?) For Bill Simmons content. Ben Casnocha, Scott Adams, Trent Hamm. Josh Kaufmann. I have bought their books, internet programs, etc. Are there others? Who are you a true fan of? The tradeoff is numbers vs revenue. Think Stock market newsletters. There are some really good ones (I guess) that people pay a lot of money for...but I don't know what they are because I don't pay for that info. But some people do, gladly, and the content creator is happy to mean something to a smaller circle of valued clients who value them and what they give. So how could you find out who your true fans are? Hint: start small.

All companies are simply areas where complementarianism is needed. Comparative advantage, after all. We are slowly adding complementary pieces to my company, and my clients, my partners, and my life are all better for it, even when it means less cash in the short term for me (always). It is dangerous to sit around waiting for the winning lottery ticket to float down into your lap like Forrest Gump's feather. I don't think Colin is doing that, but there seem to be a lot of artists here who have dreamed about it. Just like beginning business-people dreaming of VC millions. That isn't the way it works. You have to 37signals it and scale your way up. Could Colin start with arranging some personal appearances to discuss topics, stated or otherwise? Would he be able to charge $5 for people to get together with him? Maybe, maybe not, but if folks like Ben think that Colin is that good, it seems like at some level he could do that. No doubt, finding the right partner will be tricky. Probably you'll go through some that won't work. But you can start with very specific skill sets around things you do want to monetize, whether the website, limited edition products (ex: Hugh McLeod), discussion meetings, webinars, etc. I'd recommend checking out Josh Kaufmann's Personal MBA Crash Course if it is still open. Lots of great ideas about all the different types of businesses that might stir your mind around where you want to monetize, then you can search for a (perhaps temporary) person to help you do that. Hell, bring in the big guns. RAMIT!! I'm sure Colin has run across KK's 1000 fans? Thoughts? Make this a one semester non-paid internship for someone to prove they do have these skills to others. Poach Godin's private MBA grads. The theme of Ben's book and blog? - Try Something (No disrespect Colin, I know you are and have. Enjoy the roller coaster we all ride on our way to success.) no man is an island. at least, not a large one!

I think it's fascinating that someone with the background you (Ben) have would see the solution as a foundation. Why shouldn't Colin partner with a twenty-something who does know how to monetize and start a company and while Colin is doing his art, the partner works the business? It seems there are lots of people who think they are great at business and just need the idea, or the talent, or whatever. Apparently Colin doesn't have too much to lose in finding someone he likes, trusts, and who may be able to help him. I'm sure you could help Colin filter the applicants, no? Maybe there could be a website that exists to match artists with business people for the purpose of creating companies. My understanding is that many artists don't want to be bothered by learning about the business background. It's a lot of work, and it isn't their passion or skill set. Build your strengths, partner with a complementarian.