16 Lessons on Selling (and Life) from My 5-Year-Old

Happy Sunday, friends! Earlier this week, X announced a $1 million article prize. I don't typically write the kind of content that could win an X Article Contest—listy things filled with life lessons and advice. But then, wouldn't you know it, my son Dev learned how to sell yesterday morning, and he has been dropping wisdom bombs for me to write down. We ended up with sixteen of them. Now, they're on X (go like, comment, and share—we need the $1 million, Dev has a world to build). I really liked how it came out, so I wanted to share it with you all too. It's kind of a co-written essay with a 5-year-old, who I hope becomes a more frequent contributor. I think I'll write more short things and share them in the paid, not boring world, so join us if you want the full spectrum of not boring, means to meaning. Subscribe now.

This morning, my five-year-old son made his first two-dollar sale and dropped sixteen lessons on selling and life that are more practical than any of the slop you'll find on LinkedIn. I'll share them with you, but first, I need to tell you about Dev, about his Donut Hats, and about his world.

One day when Dev was three, he told me that he wanted to build worlds. Real ones. Big ones. Planets. Like, actual, physical planets. "Then you're going to have to study buddy," I replied. "What do I need to learn?" he asked. Math, physics, engineering, business. No one's ever built a world before, so you're going to have to study really hard. And then he did. He asked me for math problems, then harder ones, then harder ones. The kid does 90 minutes of Russian Math every Sunday and loves it. Physics, he always liked. Gravity was one of his first words, and one of the first concepts he grokked. "Why did the cup drop, bud?" "Gravity," I explained.

Fast forward to yesterday morning. Dev, ever the entrepreneur, decided to start a Donut Hat business. He gathered some old cardboard, colored markers, and a box of donuts. His first customer was his sister, who bought two Donut Hats for $2. Dev's business acumen was on full display. Here are the sixteen lessons on selling (and life) that Dev shared with me:

1. **Know Your Product:** Dev's Donut Hats were simple cardboard circles with colorful markers. But he knew exactly what he was selling—style and fun.

2. **Set a Price You Believe In:** Dev priced his Donut Hats at $2 each. He knew it was a fair price because he had seen similar items online.

3. **Be Prepared to Negotiate:** When his sister hesitated, Dev offered a discount. "One dollar each?" he suggested. She agreed, and they both felt satisfied.

4. **Focus on the Customer:** Dev's main goal was to make his sister happy. He wanted her to have fun with her Donut Hats.

5. **Be Flexible:** Dev adjusted his pricing strategy based on his sister's reaction. He was willing to compromise to make the sale.

6. **Deliver Value:** The Donut Hats weren't just cardboard—they were a creative way to add fun to a day. Dev's sister enjoyed using them, and that's what mattered.

7. **Build Trust:** Dev's honesty and transparency made his sister confident in his business. She knew she wasn't being tricked.

8. **Stay Positive:** Even when his sister hesitated, Dev remained cheerful and focused on making the sale.

9. **Learn from Each Interaction:** Dev will likely reflect on this experience and improve his sales approach in the future.

10. **Embrace Failure:** If his sister hadn't bought the Donut Hats, Dev would have handled it gracefully. He'd have learned from the experience.

11. **Stay Curious:** Dev's world-building passion drives him to explore new ideas and solutions.

12. **Be Patient:** Dev knew that building a business takes time. He's just getting started.

13. **Value Hard Work:** Dev's dedication to studying math and physics shows that he understands the value of hard work.

14. **Stay Inspired:** Dev's passion for building worlds keeps him motivated to learn and grow.

15. **Adapt to Changes:** Dev's ability to adjust his pricing strategy demonstrates his adaptability.

16. **Believe in Yourself:** Dev's confidence in his business and his abilities is contagious.

These lessons aren't just about selling Donut Hats—they apply to life, work, and relationships. Dev's approach to selling is a reminder that authenticity, flexibility, and a focus on customer satisfaction are key to success in any endeavor.

As Dev continues to build his worlds and his business, I'll be watching with pride. His first sale was a small step, but it's one that will inspire him to dream bigger and achieve more. And who knows? Maybe one day, Dev will build a world that changes the way we see business and selling forever.

Join Dev and me on X (link provided) to read the full article and share your thoughts. Let's keep the conversation going and support a young entrepreneur on his journey to build something extraordinary. Subscribe now to stay updated on Dev's world-building adventures and more.