My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“Don't accept a qualitative answer to a quantitative question”
What It Means
When something is measurable, demand actual numbers and data rather than accepting vague qualitative claims or narratives
Why It Matters
Most people make claims about measurable things without actually measuring, leading to wrong conclusions and missed opportunities
When It's True
For any business decision involving costs, time, performance, or customer behavior that can be quantified
When It's Risky
When perfect data is unavailable and qualitative judgment from experienced people is the best available input
How to Apply
Challenge vague claims with requests for specific data
Do the math yourself when others haven't
Build databases and spreadsheets to quantify assumptions
Example Scenario
“Instead of accepting that 'supersonic flight costs too much', Blake calculated specific fare requirements and market size to determine actual feasibility”