Focus on the Problem... Not the Product

Pregame to 7 Day Mini Book Sprint

When you’re writing a book, creating a course, or building a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your product.

You start thinking about structure, features, titles—everything you’re going to build. But here’s the hard truth: none of that matters if it doesn’t solve a real, pressing problem for your audience.

The key to a successful mini book, or any valuable offer, is to start and end with the problem your customer is facing. Focusing on the problem, not the product, is what truly connects, engages, and changes lives.

Start with a Problem, Not a Product Idea

A successful book idea doesn’t start with, “I want to write a book on productivity” or “I want to teach people about mindset.” It starts with questions like:

• What specific struggle does my reader face?

• What keeps them stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed?

• What solution would genuinely change things for them?

The best ideas, whether it’s a book, a framework, or a service, come from identifying the right problem. Your book isn’t a collection of interesting thoughts or tips; it’s a focused solution to a real challenge your reader needs solved.

The Power of a Clear Problem Statement

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re thinking about writing a mini book. Instead of starting with a broad topic like “productivity,” zero in on a specific issue: “How can overwhelmed new managers organize their day effectively to avoid burnout?” Suddenly, you’re not just writing a generic book on productivity; you’re offering a solution to a very real, very specific problem.

How This Ties into the 7-Day Mini Book Sprint

If you’re joining the 7-Day Mini Book Sprint starting Monday, the first thing we’re going to tackle is exactly this: defining the specific problem your mini book will solve. We call it the Power Promise, a clear, focused statement that addresses your reader’s pain point and shows them exactly what they’ll gain from your book.

By focusing on the problem from Day 1, you’re setting up your mini book to be something people want to read because it’s designed to help them overcome a real challenge. And that’s not just how you write a better book; it’s how you create something impactful and successful.

Why Problem-First Thinking Leads to Better Books

When you focus on solving a problem, you’ll find the rest of the process becomes simpler and more powerful:

1. Your book gains clarity: Every chapter, example, and point ties back to solving the problem. It becomes cohesive and easy to follow.

2. Readers connect with your message: When your book speaks directly to a struggle they’re facing, readers pay attention. They’re far more likely to engage with you further.

3. You stand out: There’s no shortage of information out there, but targeted solutions to specific problems are far more valuable.

Ready to Solve a Problem and Write Your Mini Book?

If you’re tired of ideas that don’t seem to connect or books that don’t get the traction you want, join us on Monday. In the 7-Day Mini Book Sprint, you’ll start by identifying a clear problem to solve, and by the end of the week, you’ll have a complete draft that’s built around delivering a solution that matters.

So ask yourself now: what problem does my reader need solved? That’s where you’ll find your best ideas and where true impact begins. Let’s get ready to build something that changes lives, one real solution at a time.