In Formulating Solutions, the author shares a candid and unconventional entrepreneurial journey—one that didn’t follow a linear or textbook path. The book emphasizes that true entrepreneurial success often arises from unexpected problems, trial-and-error, and adaptability rather than perfect planning. Through real-world lessons, the author guides you through how to recognize meaningful challenges, iterate solutions, build resilience, and create value even when the roadmap is unclear.
🔑 Key Concepts
🧠 Starting with the Right Problem
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Find a real, felt problem — Instead of pursuing a flashy idea, the journey begins by identifying an authentic pain point or gap.
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Be willing to pivot early — As the author learned, the first idea rarely ends up being the right one. Flexibility to change is vital.
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Use the “corridor principle” — Progress comes from moving forward, exploring possibilities, and discovering doors you didn’t see at the start.
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Affordable-Loss Principle — Define upfront what you’re willing to risk (time, money, reputation) so you can experiment with less fear.
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Lemonade Principle — Unexpected failures or setbacks can be reframed as opportunities. What looks like a mistake might become the core of your success.
⚙️ Iteration & Adaptation
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Prototype continuously — Solutions are rarely perfect first time; treat each version as a learning step.
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Measure often, improve quickly — Feedback loops from customers or market results guide the next move.
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Resourcefulness over resources — With limited means, creative thinking and persistence matter more than capital.
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Adaptation is survival — Markets shift, technologies evolve, so you must stay nimble and responsive.
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Avoid escalation of commitment — Just because you invested in one direction doesn’t mean you have to continue—knowing when to quit is a strength.
💡 Value & Solution-Driven Mindset
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Focus on outcome, not just offering — The value you deliver (solving a problem) matters more than the feature of your product/service.
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Customer-centric discovery — Engage with your market to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and what they truly need.
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Quantify your value — Being able to show the impact of your solution strengthens credibility and growth potential.
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Build credibility through trust and repeatability — Delivering consistent value builds relationships and long-term momentum.
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Scalability from simplicity — Start small, but design with the future in mind: ensure your solution can grow when it gains traction.
🚀 Leadership, Culture & Resilience
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Lead by doing — The unexpected entrepreneur shows you don’t need perfect credentials—just action, perseverance, and integrity.
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Cultivate a growth mindset — View challenges as learning opportunities, not defeats.
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Surround yourself with support — Mentors, peers, networks help you navigate uncertainty and bounce back faster.
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Resilience is a muscle — The journey includes setbacks, pivots, and failures; surviving them sharpens you.
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Storytelling matters — Your journey and how you communicate it attract collaborators, investors, and customers.
✨ Final Thought
Formulating Solutions reminds us that entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. It's messy, unpredictable, and loaded with detours—but those detours often hold the richest lessons. By focusing on solving meaningful problems, iterating with curiosity, and building relationships of trust and value, you can turn unexpected paths into meaningful success. This book isn’t about glamour—it’s about process, perseverance, and solving real problems.
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