Hey Friend, it’s Paul.
A couple weeks ago, Nintendo released a new game called Super Mario Maker 2 and this game is oozing with ideas you can use to grow your writing business.
One idea is the power of optimization.
If you’re not familiar with Super Mario Maker 2 the gist is that the game lets you create your own Super Mario levels. And as you can tell from the “2” in the game’s title Super Mario Maker 2 is a sequel.
When the first Super Mario Maker released it was amazingly innovative.
For the first time ever, people with no game design background could quickly and easily create Super Mario levels and share those levels online.
The game was a massive hit.
And for the sequel, Nintendo chose optimization over innovation.
Instead of reinventing the wheel with Super Mario Maker 2, Nintendo took everything about the first game and made it better… while removing the things people said they didn’t like.
Result?
Super Mario Maker 2 is a critical and commercial smash.
So what does this have to do with your writing business?
Lots.
Let’s say you’re embarking on a working relationship with a new client.
You’ve been brought on to help your client get more leads/customers, deepen the client’s relationship with their market, and make this relationship more valuable for both your client and their market.
In other words, it’s your job to help grow your client’s business.
Rather than suggest a bunch of new ways to do this: Facebook ads, a blog, lifecycle emails, etc. (assuming your client isn’t doing any of those things)...
Why not start by looking at something the client is already doing -- a welcome email sequence, for instance -- and optimizing it?
In my experience, optimization generates quicker and more consistent wins than innovation -- and quick wins are a great way to kick off a relationship with a new client.
Am I saying you should avoid innovation?
Of course not!
Innovation is what helps businesses stay competitive.
Going back to our earlier example: the first Super Mario Maker was a huge innovation. And without it, Nintendo wouldn’t have had anything to optimize for the sequel.
So yes, you should always be brainstorming innovative ideas for the clients and companies with whom your partner.
But, I suggest you start by OPTIMIZING existing assets, practices, platforms, and profit centers before you start innovating new ones.
It’s a wonderful way to deliver meaningful value -- quickly and with low risk -- to your clients.
What do you think?
Have you had any big optimization wins either in your own business or a client’s business?
Reply to this email and let me know. I’d love to hear your story.
Stay hungry and keep hustling,
-Paul
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