Quote:
Originally Posted by Manomanman  2. "I didn't see any mention about turning them into value for others." I left out specifics about how to extract $$$ in exchange for value, because I assumed that it's general knowledge (I referred to it as the Michael Masterson rockband plan). I've actually laid out the specifics, but I didn't want to make the video too long. |
I probably should have explained this part better. I wasn't looking for specifics of a financial action plan. I wouldn't expect to see that level of detail in a video like this.
What I was looking for was an emphasis on providing value for others as an
integral part of your future vision.
Where do other human beings -- and the world at large -- fit into your plan? What's the larger vision that other people can get inspired by? When you talk about your goals, what is going to draw other people to care about them and want to help you?
I didn't see much there in this area. I think this is a really critical element that's missing from your plan. By itself it's enough to prevent the dream from becoming reality.
A lot of people miss the importance of this. If you tell everyone about your dreams, and they say, "Cool idea. Go for it," you're missing something key. A powerful vision is
inclusive. It draws people in. When people hear it, they're often compelled to say, "Hey, I know someone who might be able to help you with that. Let me give you her contact info." At the very least, people will be more actively encouraging and less passive.
Among people who are very empowered, this sort of interaction happens all the time. I saw it endlessly at TLC in Bermuda. For example, after I introduced myself for about 90 seconds in front of the group during one of the dinners, people started coming up to me and offering ideas and resources that could help me. When another woman talked about her work with prisoners, people started pledging tens of thousands of dollars to help her make a documentary about it. They were
eager to help raise awareness of her work. Why? Because the work was about much more than the woman behind it. It was about making the world better for others. That kind of vision makes people want to dive in and assist.
Notice that even now, with doing this video thing, you've been encouraging me to do more with it. Why?
Think about why this idea -- and its potential for expansion -- draws you in. Is it because it includes you? It's not just about me and my success. Other people are invited to share in the value. And this was just something I came up with spontaneously, not part of some grand cohesive vision. But if I really wanted to pursue it, it seems promising that it could become a sustainable pursuit all on its own.
When you imagine yourself as a rockstar, where are the fans? What do they gain from it? What's their role in all of this? How does listening to your music change their lives?
When you think about creating amazing AI breakthroughs, what effect will it have on humanity? It's not just about the technology. You'll be changing the world, won't you? Talk about how that will affect us. How will it make our lives better or different? You got close to this when you talked about walking side by side with robots. Go deeper with that. What will this do for us?
Notice that when Steve Jobs talks about Apple's newest gadgets, he includes YOU in the vision. He does discuss the technology and what Apple had to do to make it real, but then it's about what the tech will do for people and why anyone should care. And people do care because they're included. They pay a premium for Apple's gadgets because they believe Steve Jobs cares.
The specific details aren't that important. You don't need to have them all worked out. What matters most is that you're including the rest of the world in your vision. WE have to be in there somewhere. If you don't include us, it suggests to everyone that your vision is just about you, and people will withhold their help and assistance from you. Making your vision real will be a difficult uphill climb. It will feel like you're struggling against the current.
I know because that was one of the big mistakes I made during my first few years in business. I didn't understand how important it was to include other people in my goals. Initially it was all about having an outlet for my creative expression, and the customers were a necessary evil. It was only when I started including the customers in my vision that the business began to thrive. On a practical level that began with the decision to create a game where the emphasis was on intelligent problem solving instead of violence. That game was released less than 2 months after the Columbine shooting; customers loved it, it won some awards, and it sold very well. Design-wise the game also included a level editor, so players could make their own levels and share them. Some of those customers made amazing levels, which helped the game sell better. I also added a fan art section to the website, where players of all ages could share their artistic creations with others. Other people were an integral part of the business' success from then on.
Can you create a space in your vision for other people to be included? Can people suggest lyrics for your songs? Can we interact with your AI experiments online, if only for entertainment purposes?
Where are WE in your vision?