Cool vs Useful Products

Sam describes a research-focused website called Sam's List that helps people find vetted accountants. The site emerged from noticing high engagement on social media posts about accountant recommendations.

Key Points:

• Origin:

  • Started from a viral tweet asking for accountant recommendations
  • Got 300 replies and many bookmarks from people saving for later use
  • Identified clear demand for vetted accountant recommendations

• Research Process:

  • Called every accountant mentioned in the responses
  • Gathered detailed information:
    • Pricing
    • Services offered and not offered
    • Ideal client profiles
    • Service limitations

• Website Development:

  • Created Sam's List (sams-list.co)
  • Compiled research into structured reviews
  • Used playful branding (calculator logo inspired by Microsoft's Clippy)

• Results:

  • 8,000 visitors in first week
  • Generated $20,000 in first month
  • Proved viable business model from simple social media insight

• Key Success Factor:

  • Transformed casual social media interaction into structured, useful information
  • Solved real problem of finding vetted accountants
  • Built with minimal investment and simple execution