EP 523 Sell It Before You Make It

🧭 Episode Overview What if you could know before you build whether people would actually buy? In this episode, Tracy Brinkmann dismantles the myth of "build it and they will come" and reveals the new model smart parent entrepreneurs are using — sell it before you make it. Learn how to test side hustle ideas using AI-generated prototypes, gather real proof of demand, and protect your most valuable resource: time with your family. You'll discover: Why "build first" is the biggest lie holding parents back. How one mom sold 42 planners she hadn't even made yet — thanks to AI. The 5-step "Sell It Before You Make It" framework for testing ideas in days, not months. The mental shift that turns uncertainty into freedom. 🧩 Key Takeaways 1. Build Blind vs. Build Smart "Build it and they will come" is outdated. Testing before you build lets you see demand before you pour in your time, money, or sanity. 2. AI Is Your New Business Partner AI tools like Canva AI, Midjourney, and ChatGPT make it easy to generate mockups, visuals, and landing page copy in a few hours — not weeks. 3. The 5-Step Framework Generate your prototype with AI. Make mockups, visuals, or previews. Build a simple landing page. Use Carrd, Gumroad, or Leadpages. Put it in front of real people. Run small ads or share in parent groups. Measure reactions. Track clicks, signups, and pre-orders. Deliver or pivot. Build what works. Scrap what doesn't. 4. Proof Beats Perfection Validation matters more than polish. A single $20 test can save you hundreds of wasted hours. 5. Your Ideas Aren't the Risk — Wasted Time Is Every hour saved from guesswork is an hour you can give back to your family, health, and peace of mind. 🧠 Quotes from the Episode "They told you to 'build it and they will come.' That's a lie. The winners test demand before they ever build it." "Your ideas aren't the risk — wasted time is." "Freedom doesn't come from perfection. Freedom comes from testing, learning, and moving fast." "You don't need a finished product. You need proof." 🛠 Tools Mentioned Canva AI – for creating digital product mockups Midjourney / Leonardo AI – for generating visuals ChatGPT (Custom GPTs) – for writing sales copy and descriptions Carrd, Leadpages, or Gumroad – for building simple pre-order or waitlist pages 🧭 Why This Episode Matters This episode isn't just about saving time. It's about reclaiming control. AI has flipped the old business model — now, one parent at the kitchen table can test a side hustle idea in a weekend instead of spending months guessing. Selling before you make it isn't cutting corners; it's cutting waste. 🎧 Listen Now Ready to test your next idea the smart way? 👉 Listen to the full episode: https://DarkHorseSchooling.com/EP523 👉 Subscribe to the AI Escape Plan Newsletter: https://DarkHorseSchooling.com/Newsletter Get weekly (and often twice-weekly) strategies on how to start, grow, and streamline your AI-powered side hustle — all while protecting your family time. 📣 Episode Hashtags #SellBeforeYouBuild #AIEscapePlan #ParentEntrepreneur #SideHustleFreedom #AIPrototyping #FamilyFirstHustle #MomsWithAI #MakeMoneyWithAI #NoFluffSideHustle #ThinkSuccessfullyTakeAction