My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Disadvantage to Advantage Conversion
Strategic mindset of immediately looking for ways to turn setbacks, attacks, or disadvantages into competitive advantages or growth opportunities
Decision Rule
When facing any setback, immediately ask 'How can we use this to our advantage?' and 'What story could this become?'
How It Works
Prevents victim mentality, forces creative problem-solving, often creates more compelling narratives than smooth success stories
Failure Modes
Ignoring genuine problems that need direct solutions
Toxic positivity that dismisses real harm or unfairness
Spending too much energy on reframing vs addressing root issues
Example Decision
“When Pillsbury tries to force stores to stop carrying Ben & Jerry's, instead of just fighting legally, they create 'What's the Doughboy afraid of?' campaign that gets massive media attention and new customers.”