He Got Tired of Waiting. So He Built the Product Himself.

What happens when the product you want doesn't exist, or the version that does exist isn't good enough? -------------Doc Rock, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Ecamm and creator of Doc Popps, decided to stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem. He found a manufacturer, spent a year refining the product, and pre-sold it directly to his own audience.Doc shares what creators should know before turning an idea into a physical product, from testing demand and negotiating minimum orders to pricing, prototypes, shipping, and unexpected manufacturing costs. We also explore why creators should build more things they own, what he learned rebuilding The Flow in public, and why publishing content is only the beginning of getting it seen.Key PointsStart by solving a problem you already understand or something that continually frustrates your audience.Ask your audience what they want before investing heavily in a product idea.Pre-selling can validate demand before you commit to a full production run.Manufacturer minimum order quantities may be more negotiable than they initially appear.Expect manufacturing problems, delays, shipping costs, tariffs, and other expenses you didn't anticipate.Don't rush prototypes. Doc spent a year refining materials, colors, molds, and acoustics before he was satisfied.Think beyond courses and sponsorships. Physical products can give creators something tangible that they actually own.Building in public gives your community a chance to participate in what you're creating.Don't “post and ghost.” Promote your work, build relationships with your audience, and give people more to discover when they find you.ResourcesDoc Rock:Doc Rock Merch: https://docmerch.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/docrockThe Flow: https://www.youtube.com/@EcammLivePaul Gowder:Paul Gowder: https://www.paulgowder.com/Facebook Challenge: https://www.paulgowder.com/facebookchallengeTools & Resources Mentioned:Fourthwall: https://fourthwall.com/Amazon KDP: https://kdp.amazon.com/Canva: https://www.canva.com/Power EQ: https://docrock.live/power----------------------It's almost time for Ecamm's Creator Camp: https://ecamm.com/camp----------------------Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15SocialMediaNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.----------------------JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.