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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Voltage Effect summary
How to Make Good Ideas Great and Great Ideas Scale
17 mins
Brief summary
The Voltage Effect by John A. List explores the principles of scaling ideas and innovations. It delves into the factors that determine whether an idea can achieve widespread success and offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and decision-makers.
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The Voltage Effect
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The three-part foundation of scalability
As you're gearing up to take your idea or business to the next level, it's crucial to know and master the three-step foundation of scalability.
First, beware of the voltage drop, which happens when an idea that works well on a small scale loses its profitability as it expands. An infamous example of this concept is Theranos, the health-tech company led by Elizabeth Holmes, which raised over $700 million from investors. Theranos was valued at $9 billion due to its supposedly revolutionary portable blood-testing technology that didn’t even exist. Holmes resorted to faking results using other companies' machines to save face. Eventually, her inability to scale this nonexistent technology was exposed and her company’s downfall became one of history's most notorious tales of business collapse.
Second, you need to know your audience well. Success in scaling depends on knowing what your target audience needs. Kmart's Blue Light Special sales gimmick exemplifies the perils of misunderstanding the audience. The initiative floundered when Kmart’s corporate team standardized discounted items without considering their regional customers’ preferences.
Third, avoid the cost trap in scaling. Ideally, you should achieve economies of scale using fixed costs better as you scale. The principle means achieving greater efficiency and cost reduction as the size of the operation increases. An idea that becomes more expensive as it grows is a major red flag. So it’s important to see if your budget constraints can hamper replicating your early successes on a larger scale. Don’t be afraid to ask: Will scaling compromise any nonnegotiables?
Here’s another cautionary tale: Arivale. Despite raising $50 million in capital funds, becoming Startup of the Year in 2016, and ticking all the boxes for successful scaling, Arivale fell into the cost trap. Its highly personalized services, backed by complex scientific processes, became more expensive as it expanded, defying the principle of economies of scale.
To recap, successful scaling is a delicate balancing act. Take time to identify the right parts of your business to amplify. By taking underperforming products out of the equation, understanding your audience better, and keeping costs under control along the way, it’s easier to play the scaling game.
With these foundations laid, you can now delve into the four secrets to unlock your idea's scalability potential.
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What is The Voltage Effect about?
The Voltage Effect (2023) will show you help how to thrive in the rapidly changing business landscape through the hidden power behind scaling. Unlock the four secrets that are your key to scalability success.
The Voltage Effect Review
The Voltage Effect (2022) sheds light on the hidden forces that drive our purchasing decisions and explores the most effective ways to influence consumer behavior. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It reveals the psychological tricks used by marketers and advertisers to manipulate our choices, empowering readers to make more informed decisions.
- With its engaging case studies and practical examples, the book offers valuable insights into the world of consumer psychology, making it a fascinating read.
- By uncovering the secrets of persuasion and decoding the mysteries behind consumer behavior, this book will forever change the way you perceive advertising and marketing strategies.
Who should read The Voltage Effect?
- Ambitious entrepreneurs seeking exponential growth
- Seasoned business leaders navigating scaling challenges
- Curious minds exploring organizational dynamics
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The Voltage Effect FAQs
What is the main message of The Voltage Effect?
The main message of The Voltage Effect is the electric connection between our behaviors and economic decisions.
How long does it take to read The Voltage Effect?
The reading time for The Voltage Effect varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Voltage Effect a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Voltage Effect is worth reading because it reveals the fascinating relationship between electricity and our economic choices.
Who is the author of The Voltage Effect?
The author of The Voltage Effect is John A. List.
What to read after The Voltage Effect?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Voltage Effect, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Disruptive Thinking by T. D. Jakes
- The Science of Getting Started by Patrick King
- How to Tell a Story by The Moth
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
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