The most valuable part of this framework is the complete reversal of how most PMs approach side hustles! Starting with distribution rather than customer challenges the conventional product wisdom we've all internalized, but it makes perfect sense for resource-constrained creators.
I've experienced this exact sequence in my own digital experiments. When I built my QR code generator (for literally $4.25!), I started with understanding where people would find it, not by building the perfect solution first. This distribution-first thinking completely changed my success rate with side projects.
What resonates most is the emotional needs point - people rarely buy purely for practical reasons. I've seen this repeatedly in e-commerce where seemingly "irrational" purchasing decisions are actually deeply rational when viewed through an emotional lens. The most successful products I've built don't just solve problems - they transform how people feel about those problems.
For PMs specifically, I think the "unique solution" section is critical. Too many of us try to build generic solutions rather than leveraging our specific backgrounds. I wrote about this exact challenge when discussing how product owners should become their own technical co-founders: https://thoughts.jock.pl/p/product-owners-technical-founders-building-mvps-2025
The framework gives PMs a practical roadmap for those "I should build something" impulses we all have - ensuring we don't waste months building something nobody wants, can find, or values enough to pay for!
Colin! I love this article. Very curious - how many of your projects/ hustles happened concurrenly? I have so many interest and ideas... Definitely have to narrow it down but I'm thinking of attempting lightweight experiments for more than just one 'hustle' at a time. What are your thoughts?
this is excellent (DREAM - Distribution, Rules, Everything, Around, Me)
Love the 'distro' focus. My challenge is how to get the answers to the Customer and Solution questions.
Good insight 😌 Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?
Great post!
The most valuable part of this framework is the complete reversal of how most PMs approach side hustles! Starting with distribution rather than customer challenges the conventional product wisdom we've all internalized, but it makes perfect sense for resource-constrained creators.
I've experienced this exact sequence in my own digital experiments. When I built my QR code generator (for literally $4.25!), I started with understanding where people would find it, not by building the perfect solution first. This distribution-first thinking completely changed my success rate with side projects.
What resonates most is the emotional needs point - people rarely buy purely for practical reasons. I've seen this repeatedly in e-commerce where seemingly "irrational" purchasing decisions are actually deeply rational when viewed through an emotional lens. The most successful products I've built don't just solve problems - they transform how people feel about those problems.
For PMs specifically, I think the "unique solution" section is critical. Too many of us try to build generic solutions rather than leveraging our specific backgrounds. I wrote about this exact challenge when discussing how product owners should become their own technical co-founders: https://thoughts.jock.pl/p/product-owners-technical-founders-building-mvps-2025
The framework gives PMs a practical roadmap for those "I should build something" impulses we all have - ensuring we don't waste months building something nobody wants, can find, or values enough to pay for!
thid is a great post, thanks for the thoughts 👌🏻
I’d love to take the MicroSaaS course!
This is a fantastic post. Thank you for sharing.
Colin! I love this article. Very curious - how many of your projects/ hustles happened concurrenly? I have so many interest and ideas... Definitely have to narrow it down but I'm thinking of attempting lightweight experiments for more than just one 'hustle' at a time. What are your thoughts?
Usually one at a time! I've improved over time at prioritizing the best opportunities instead of trying every idea I have.
I would try to disqualify your ideas based on distribution first