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- Ideas are cheap. Here’s what actually builds a business.
Ideas are cheap. Here’s what actually builds a business.
Growth Tactics Newsletter #131
Let’s talk about something every business owner hears (and maybe secretly believes):
“I’ve got a million-dollar idea.”
Here’s the thing: ideas are everywhere. They’re free. They’re exciting. They make us feel like geniuses on a morning run or during a late-night brainstorm.
But the truth?
Ideas don’t build businesses. Execution does.
We just listened to a powerful interview with Dave Ramsey, and he laid it out perfectly. After 35+ years and building a company with 14 profit centers and a $600 million campus (paid in cash), he said this:
“90% of the ideas we’ve had sucked. But we tested them fast, learned fast, and moved on.”

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Here are 5 principles from that talk that every business owner should pin to their wall:
1. 💡 Ideas are cheap. Execution is everything.
Don’t get stuck in the “thinking” phase. Test your idea. Build something small. Get real feedback. Then iterate or kill it. The speed at which you do is what separates the dreamers from the builders.
2. 🎯 Stay mission-driven, not trend-driven.
Chasing trends might get you a few likes, but chasing your mission will build something that lasts. Use new platforms and tactics, sure. But always filter them through your mission.
3. 🏗 Build a business you love, and that outlives you.
Think long-term. What if your business could become your legacy? Something your kids (or community) would be proud of? That shift changes how you make decisions.
4. 🧭 Culture, trust, and leadership matter more than tactics.
You can teach marketing. You can teach systems. But you can’t fake trust. And without it, your team won’t follow. Build people. Build leaders. Build trust, it’s the only way to move fast and stay sane.
5. 🔥 Make mistakes, but learn fast and cut losses faster.
Don’t fall in love with the wrong idea. Dave said they once lost millions on a debit card project because they didn’t know what they didn’t know. The lesson? Be bold enough to try, but wise enough to quit.
Whatever stage you’re in, just starting out or years into the game, these principles hold true. They’re not shiny. They’re not sexy. But they work.
If you’re building something real, remember:
Execution beats everything…
🔥 New brand shoutout
DandRx™ is a physician-developed brand specializing in advanced anti-dandruff hair care solutions. Founded by Dr. Deepak Khanna, the brand’s flagship product is a 1% ketoconazole shampoo designed to effectively combat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. The formulation combines clinical-grade antifungal treatment with natural soothing agents like tea tree oil and aloe vera, offering a triple-action approach that targets scalp irritation without drying the hair. Free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, DandRx™ emphasizes both efficacy and scalp health, making it a trusted choice for those seeking relief from persistent scalp issues.
🔥 Influencer shoutout
Juvahn Victoria is an Australian-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and entrepreneur known for her soulful blend of R&B and alternative pop. Drawing inspiration from her Palestinian heritage and early exposure to Motown and Arabic music, she crafts emotionally rich songs that explore themes of love, resilience, and personal transformation. As the founder of her independent label, JV Inc., Juvahn has collaborated with artists like Famous Dex and Bobby Raps, and has performed at high-profile events, including for the Egyptian ambassador. Her music often incorporates orchestral and Middle Eastern influences, reflecting her multicultural background and commitment to authentic storytelling.
See you next time!
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