The Key Ponderer

Thinkering Minds

Notes

Seeing

Look. See. Observe. Gaze. Watch.

How does it matter if you are looking, but are not taking ‘in’ the information, that ‘needs’ to be taken in?

Regardless of the situation that we put ourselves in, if we learn to ‘see’ without labeling things, or events, or situation, or people as something, that our first hunch says, more information tends to flow in.

We tend to let that come in, without sticking a post-it note on ‘that’. So it could reveal what it has to – without our effort.

Next time, I need to understand something better, I will have to see, forgetting the name of the thing I see.

 

Meditation

To each, his own.

Meditation is observation.

It’s to liberate oneself from mind, intellect, and ego.

Body, if left alone, either sleeps (if we possess consciousness) or dies (cells die) where we no longer are conscious within the realms of the body.

Having worked with taxation for quite a number of years, I have worked with States and Forms, but little did I realize that Meditation too is to work with states and forms, but in this case, it’s to go beyond forms, and states. Sorry, this pun was an intended one.

Some say to focus on the breath. That’s correct although that is not all. It’s the gate through which one passes to the formless state.

It’s to shun the senses (mind). Discard any knowledge (intellect). Not to get into friction with anyone (even the thoughts (ego)).

The vital thing to realize is we don’t pass or go into some far away plane. The journey is inward.

The worst thing is that all these words above are said and used by people whose count is in billions for so many years and have been passed on as routine; the words can convey only so much leaving the rest to an individual to travel on his own.

The experience is unique to everyone just like the fingerprint.

meditationTo each, his own.

How to Build a Billion Dollar App – Book Notes

Buy the book from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rCAjqX (opens in a new tab)

 

Disclaimer: this article is more personal in nature that is more relevant to me. And not a review that you can rely on to buy, though I strongly recommend getting this book if you want to address some key points while developing your mobile app – yes the book is particular in saying that ‘mobile’ app is the way to go compared to other platforms.

Also, the above link to the book is an affiliate link, just so you know.

Notes: There are many sentences and phrases that I would love quoting from this book written by George Berkowski. It is not possible to give them all in here.

It addresses a lot of key issues with sufficient examples on how other entrepreneurs did it.

Overall, it motivates, assures, and provides some guidance on how to build a billion dollar app ourselves.

That being said, although I don’t have any deep interest in publishing an app immediately, this book is definitely a reference that I am shelving today to come back later.

Highlights: As I said above, I am not giving complete highlights here, just a few, for example, these are all basic and common words but they are solid advice:

Creating a robust name and brand from the very beginning is critical. But it’s damn hard. And it can take quite a bit of time to find something that feels just right. From the onset I would recommend a couple of strategies. First, don’t let the name hold you up from designing your app or even beginning the software development – you can refine the name in parallel. Second, don’t settle for an OK name. A great name is 10 times better than a good name. So invest the time now, because down the line there will be a million reasons why it’s close to impossible to change it.

There are five types of metrics to remember (they are quite pirate-like – AARRR):

ACQUISITION: users downloading your app from a variety of channels; • ACTIVATION: users enjoying their first ‘happy’ experience on your app; • RETENTION: users coming back and using your app multiple times; • REFERRAL: users loving your app so much they refer others to download it; • REVENUE: users completing actions on your app that you’re able to monetise.

Even if you’re an app, you need a website. If people Google you, they should be able to find you easily. Ideally, you want your site to focus on helping people download your app – i.e. a crisp, snappy description – and then a clear download button that links directly to the app stores you’re on.

George Berkowski. How to Build a Billion Dollar App: Discover the Secrets of the Most Successful Entrepreneurs of Our Time (Kindle Locations 2058-2060). Little, Brown Book Group. Kindle Edition.

important factors that you need to consider when coming up with a name: • Is your name short, catchy and memorable? Hailo is about hailing a taxi. Snapchat is about chatting, rapidly. Waze is about finding the best ways through traffic. • Is your name distinctive? Uber meant little until it became your on-demand chauffeur. If you can’t cut through the noise with a clear name, make one up. Etsy was a nonsense word, but is now synonymous with ‘marketplace for handmade goods’. • Is your name clever? Does it make people smile? The Square app allows you to ‘square up’ your bill. Pinterest allows me to ‘pin’ all the things I find interesting. • Can your name become a verb? Hailo me a taxi, Google that word. This is one of the most powerful characteristics – and one you can’t force. But you can ensure that your name is conducive to this usage.

George Berkowski. How to Build a Billion Dollar App: Discover the Secrets of the Most Successful Entrepreneurs of Our Time (Kindle Locations 1532-1539). Little, Brown Book Group. Kindle Edition.