Business advice via a 9-year-old

My little nine-year-old actress and singer decided to set up a spot in the house for autographs. You see, she's been short on funds, so she figured this would be a quick way to score some cash. She found a bin, put one of her favorite blankets on it as the tablecloth, and put up a sign that said, "Autographs: $1." And she sat. And waited. And waited. Her dad was busy taking down the outdoor Christmas lights, and her brothers breezed past her, laughing. Feeling sorry for her, I asked for an autograph.

With youthful optimism, she said, "Maybe another day I'll get more business."

"Awww, sweetie," I said. "It looks like you've learned a business lesson here. You need to create a product or service that there's demand for."

"Huh?" she said.

"Like remember when you and your friend painted me and her mom's nails? Every mom around wants pretty nails. You filled the need, and you made some money, if I recall."

VOILA. You know how many times our own answers to questions are right inside of us? This advice I gave my daughter was exactly the words I needed to hear, as I'm plotting 2012 business strategy.

Find the need. Find what editors really want for their publications. And then provide them your service.

Simple enough?