Who is saying No to you? For example, selling merch online

I'm always amazed how often individuals come up with self-imposed reasons not to pursue opportunities, which are largely driven by fear of negative outcomes.

... let's delve into real-story based on a recent conversation I had ....

Take the example of a band contemplating selling merchandise but hesitating due to perceived hurdles. They think they needed to bulk-buy inventory before making any sales, not realising the potential of print-on-demand services. This model eliminates the upfront costs and risks associated with traditional merchandising, echoing the serverless concept in technology where you incur zero running, production, and distribution costs. It's a seamless addition to your cash flow and scales with your sales without the headache of inventory management.

The shift to print-on-demand not only simplifies operations but also refocuses efforts on what truly matters—creating and iterating. It demolishes the notion that you must get everything perfect from the start. The most successful products evolve through continuous iteration. This principle applies to merch design as well. The question isn't whether you should create merch but how often you're experimenting with new designs. With no cost to publish, why not release a new hoodie or T-shirt design weekly or even daily? What's critical is connecting with your audience through unique and personalised designs that resonate.

It is also key to focus on the human connection and emotional value that music and lyrics have. My advise is not to create merch about the band's name or logo, but to create all sorts of sellable items that are based on song titles or lyrics.

Consider the broader implications. Even if your current project doesn't achieve the success you hoped for, the experience gained is invaluable for future endeavours. This approach has guided my own ventures, including publishing drafts books on Amazon to refine ideas and engage with readers (like Gen Z Developers: Key concepts and ideas for the next generation of developers and Hacking Portugal: Making Portugal a global player in Software Development). It's about breaking down mental barriers and realising that the real challenge isn't external but within our own perceptions and fears.

Selling merchandise isn't just about the products themselves but the emotional connection they foster with your audience. People aren't buying a piece of apparel; they're buying into an emotion, a memory, or a piece of your creative expression. This understanding is crucial in designing merch that truly engages and sells.

So, who's saying no to you? If you're hesitating to launch your merch, it's time to reconsider the self-imposed limitations holding you back and explore the possibilities that print-on-demand and a mindset of iteration can unlock for your brand or band.