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I never thought I would make a living as a…

“I never thought I would make a living as a pencil-sharpener. The first goal was: I don't want to lose money. And then the goal was: I want to see if 100 people buy my pencils. I just kept upping the benchmarks.” quote by David Rees
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“I never thought I would make a living as a pencil-sharpener. The first goal was: I don't want to lose money. And then the goal was: I want to see if 100 people buy my pencils. I just kept upping the benchmarks.”

David Rees

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He describes setting incremental financial and sales targets to grow a modest business despite initial doubts.

In simple terms: He set small goals to build a business.

Key Takeaway

Set measurable milestones and keep raising them.

Themes

entrepreneurship goal setting perseverance

Mood

determined optimistic

Type

motivational practical

When to use this quote

  • starting a side hustle
  • selling products
  • tracking revenue
  • scaling a small business

Key Concepts

incremental growth benchmarking risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small benchmark can you set today?
  • How do you balance profit and growth?
A Different Perspective

Success depends on market demand, not just personal ambition.

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