Here's how to implement them:

• Map each razor to specific customer behaviors
• Test with real data, not assumptions
• Combine razors to multiply their power

Sharpen these razors against real customer needs.

Cut through the noise with precision, not force.

The Proximity Razor:

Physical presence beats digital convenience.

Being there matters more than being everywhere.

Example: 62% of quick purchases happen at the closest store.

Make yourself easy to reach, not just easy to find.

The Simplicity Razor:

Less choice leads to more action.

Clear paths convert better than mazes.

Example: Google's clean search page captured 92% market share.

Three options beat ten every time.

The Reciprocity Razor:

Give first to receive later.

Strategic generosity creates loyal customers.

Example: Free trials boost retention by 28% over paid starts.

Make your giving feel genuine, not transactional.

The Halo Razor:

Excel at one thing to lift everything.

Mastery in one area brightens your whole brand.

Example: Apple's iPhone excellence doubled Mac sales.

Pick your spotlight and shine bright enough to illuminate all.

The Ecosystem Razor:

Hook them with hardware, profit from software (or use complements like this).

Build walls around your garden to keep customers in.

Example: Keurig's protected K-Cups capture 84% of coffee profits.

The Scarcity Razor:

Limited availability amplifies desire.

Scarcity triggers faster buying decisions.

Example: Supreme's weekly drops sell out instantly through controlled supply.

Time pressure ("3 hours left!") drives more clicks than quantity limits.

The Social Proof Razor:

People follow the crowd's lead.

Our brains light up when we see others' choices.

Example: Airbnb shows "Recently Viewed" counts to boost bookings by 22%.

User content outperforms brand content because we trust peers.

The Anchoring Razor:

Set high reference points early to shape value perception.

First impressions anchor all future price judgments.

Example: Rolex displays $100,000 watches to make $10,000 models feel accessible.

Smart anchoring drives conversions up by a third.

Remember: these are mental models that sharpen decision-making.

Use them to cut through confusion and find clarity.

Each one is a tool for seeing the world more clearly and acting more decisively.

The Rare Opportunity Razor:

Seize life-changing chances.

These rare moments can redefine your path.

That startup job, move abroad, or unexpected partnership—these asymmetric bets transform lives.

Don't let fear block extraordinary outcomes.

The Feynman Razor:

Complex jargon often hides shallow understanding.

If you can't explain quantum physics to a child, you don't truly get it.

Clear explanation flows from deep comprehension.

When someone drowns you in buzzwords, they're probably swimming in the shallow end.

The Serendipity Razor:

Invite luck by taking action—attend events, learn something new, start conversations.

Increase opportunities by putting yourself out there.

While you can't control luck, you can enhance your chances.

Open more doors, and something amazing might enter.

The Sagan Standard:

Big claims need big proof.

If someone promises to double your money overnight, ask for evidence.

The more extraordinary the claim, the more rigorous the proof should be.

Let skepticism be your guide through a world of bold promises.

The Rooms Razor:

If you're the smartest person in the room, find a new room.

Growth happens at the edges of your comfort zone.

Seek out people who make you feel slightly intimidated - they're your best teachers.

The moment you stop feeling challenged is the moment you stop growing.

The Uphill Decision Razor:

Take the harder path today for an easier tomorrow.

It's like choosing to exercise - it hurts now but makes you stronger.

The best choices often feel uncomfortable at first.

When everyone runs from the challenge, run toward it.

Your future self will thank you.

Hanlon's Razor:

Assume mistakes over malice.

A missed deadline is likely due to overwhelm, not sabotage.

This approach fosters empathy, strengthens teams, and resolves conflicts by trusting intentions.

Occam's Razor:

Start with simpler explanations when theories compete.

Complexity often hides confusion.

Example: Check if your computer's plugged in before suspecting a fried motherboard.

Simple solutions uncover truths.