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#699November 4, 202455:12

3 Killer Businesses Hidden in Plain Sight

About This Episode

Shaan and Sam explore 'hidden in plain sight' businesses that monetize free information, such as water quality reports, labor law posters, and barcodes. They discuss how marketing legends like Craig Clemens use 'human hijacks' and 'tradition hijacking' to shift culture and create massive industries like diamonds for engagement or business casual attire.

Episode Description

Episode 645: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) talk about cash-printing businesses that are around us every day and how to spot them.

Show Notes

  • 0:00$1M dollar product: Water quality testing
  • 8:26$10M dollar product: EZ Labor Law Posters
  • 15:22$100M dollar product: Barcodes
  • 22:55Idea: Casual Friday
  • 28:44Marketing campaigns that altered culture
  • 36:00Shaan reads his intro
  • 40:06"Torches of freedom"
  • (44:42( Sam tours Yale campus
  • 50:59Idea: YC campus

Key Takeaways

1

Identify 'information arbitrage' opportunities by aggregating, structuring, and simplifying free but difficult-to-access government or regulatory data for consumers and businesses.

2

Use 'tradition hijacking' to create or lean into social rituals that drive product demand, such as how Macy's created the wedding registry to ensure gift sales.

3

Utilize 'spectacle' and 'powerful demonstrations' to overcome consumer skepticism, as demonstrated by the Otis elevator safety brake exhibition at the World Fair.

Business Ideas Mentioned

Friendsgiving Brand and Celebration Kits

E-commerce

Graduation Season Life Transition Platform

Content & Media

Founder Micro-Campus Investment Model

Real Estate

View all ideas

Featuring

Hosts

SP

Sam Parr

Host

SP

Shaan Puri

Host

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Quick Stats

Duration55:12
Guests0
Ideas Discussed3
Topics0