I’m thrilled to share some profound insights from a recent conversation I had with the incredibly insightful Steven Greene. Steven is not just a veteran podcaster himself, hosting “Make the Great Experience” and “Make the Great,” but also a career educator with a doctorate in education. His approach to business success is rooted in his teaching background, and it’s something I think many of us can truly resonate with.
The Triangle of Success: Product, System, Mentor
Steven’s core philosophy for entrepreneurial success boils down to what he calls the “triangle of success.” It’s a simple yet powerful framework consisting of three interconnected pillars:
1. Your Product: Solving a Real Problem
First and foremost, you need a product or service. But not just any product. It needs to be something your ideal target audience genuinely wants to buy, something that solves a problem for them, and ideally, something you can sell at a profit. Steven emphasized that many entrepreneurs might have a fantastic idea, but if it doesn’t meet a market need, it’s a non-starter.
He shared a compelling example of a friend, a passionate tennis player, who developed a gadget to improve racket grip. It solved a real problem for casual players struggling with their technique. This highlights a critical point: understanding your niche. It’s not just about “people who play tennis”; it’s about identifying who specifically faces the problem your product solves. For the tennis gadget, it was recreational players, often women between 40 and 60, playing in leagues, who wanted to improve their game but weren’t professionals. Knowing your ideal client’s demographics, where they “hang out” (like Facebook or Instagram for this demographic), and where they get their information is paramount.
My own take on this is simple: actions speak louder than words. While market research is great, the ultimate proof of concept is sales. If people are willing to open their wallets, you have something valuable. Even if a product is “just good enough” and sells, it provides the foundation to reinvest and make it even better.
2. Your System: Reaching and Retaining Clients
Having an amazing product means nothing if nobody knows about it. This is where Stephen’s second pillar comes in: a robust system. This isn’t just about getting the word out; it’s about creating a repeatable process to attract, engage, and convert potential clients. Think about automation here. Do you want to spend hours making videos, or do you want a system that works for you?
Stephen offered a contrasting example: one individual with a great product but no system to get it out there, and another who was a social media influencer with a large following but struggled to package their offering into a marketable product. Both scenarios illustrate the critical need for all three pillars.
Beyond initial client acquisition, a truly effective system also focuses on client retention. As Warren Buffett famously said, “delight your customer.” Stephen echoed this, stressing that there’s a significant time and cost associated with acquiring new clients. It’s far easier and more profitable to sell more to an existing, happy client. If you deliver a product that delights them, they’ll be eager for your next offering and even refer others. Nurturing your existing client base and making them feel appreciated is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for sustainable growth.
3. Your Mentor: Accelerating Your Growth
Finally, and perhaps most crucially, is the pillar of mentorship or coaching. Stephen, a career educator, sees this as an accelerant. Why spend years making mistakes and figuring things out on your own when you can learn from someone who’s already been there and done that? A mentor provides an objective, step-back perspective that’s invaluable when you’re deeply immersed in your business.
The entrepreneurial journey is dynamic. What works today might not work tomorrow, as evidenced by the rapid rise of AI and its impact on digital products. You need to be flexible and constantly re-evaluate your product, client targeting, systems, and even your pricing. A mentor can help you navigate these changes, offering guidance when you hit a wall or need to pivot.
My Personal Reflection & Your Next Step
Steven’s points truly resonated with me, especially the emphasis on providing value and building strong relationships. His approach isn’t just theory; it’s deeply ingrained in his own interactions. The genuine follow-up and support he extended, even before our official recording, showcased his commitment to helping others. It’s a powerful reminder that generosity and a “help-first” mindset can lead to incredible connections and opportunities.
For all you aspiring and current coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs out there, I strongly encourage you to reflect on Steven’s “triangle of success.” Do you have a product that solves a real problem? Is your system effective at reaching and retaining clients? And are you leveraging the power of mentorship to accelerate your journey?
If you’re particularly interested in creating digital products, Steven has a fantastic free resource: a seven-step process to help you create a viable, marketable book or digital product. I’ll make sure to include the link in the show notes for this episode. And if you’re looking for a supportive community, Steven offers both free and VIP levels. Reach out to him directly via email or social media—it’s an invitation-only community, so take that first step!
Connect with Steven Greene:
- Write your book in 7 steps (free): https://make-the-grade.aweb.page/p/94630ca0-ab21-486c-9a40-bd79ab299b0f
- Steven’s Podcast on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@DrStevenGreene/podcasts
- Steven Greene on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrStevenGreene