How “productized” are you? Climbing that industry ladder
How "productizied" are you?
Recently, I have read The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. The one thing that struck me is the idea of making yourself as a product. I am interested to know how productized I am. So I went to grok to create a quiz for me on the matter. I hope you would also benefit from this quiz.
Productization Self-Assessment Quiz
Instructions
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Answer each question honestly based on your current situation.
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Choose one option per question (options are weighted: 0–3 points).
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Tally your score at the end (max 45 points) to see how “productized” you are.
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Use the results to identify actionable steps for improvement.
Section 1: Specific Knowledge
This section evaluates how well you’ve developed unique, hard-to-replicate expertise in your field or area of interest, a key principle from Naval Ravikant.
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How specialized is your expertise in your field or passion?
A) I’m a generalist with broad knowledge but no deep niche. (0 points)
B) I have some specialized skills but haven’t fully honed them. (1 point)
C) I’m known for a specific skill or niche in my field. (2 points)
D) I’m a recognized expert in a unique, high-demand area. (3 points) -
How often do you pursue learning driven by curiosity (e.g., exploring new tools, trends, or ideas in your field)?
A) Rarely; I stick to what I already know. (0 points)
B) Occasionally, when required for work or projects. (1 point)
C) Frequently, I explore topics that interest me. (2 points)
D) Constantly, I’m obsessed with staying ahead in my field. (3 points) -
Do you have a unique perspective or approach in your work that sets you apart?
A) Not really, I follow standard methods or approaches. (0 points)
B) I have some unique ideas but haven’t applied them. (1 point)
C) I’ve applied a unique approach in small projects. (2 points)
D) My unique approach is recognized by peers or clients. (3 points) -
How often do others seek your advice or expertise in your field?
A) Rarely or never. (0 points)
B) Sometimes, but only within my immediate circle. (1 point)
C) Often, by colleagues or local networks. (2 points)
D) Regularly, by a broader audience (e.g., online or industry-wide). (3 points) -
Have you created or contributed to something tangible that showcases your expertise (e.g., a project, article, tool, or creative work)?
A) No, I haven’t created anything yet. (0 points)
B) I’ve started but haven’t shared or completed it. (1 point)
C) Yes, I’ve created something and shared it locally or online. (2 points)
D) Yes, my work is widely recognized or used in my field. (3 points)
Section 2: Leverage
This section assesses how well you use tools, media, or networks to amplify your impact, as Naval emphasizes the importance of leverage.
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Are you using technology or automation to scale your work (e.g., software, scripts, or systems)?
A) No, I rely on manual work or others’ tools. (0 points)
B) I use basic tools but haven’t created my own. (1 point)
C) I’ve built or contributed to a tool or system to scale my work. (2 points)
D) I’ve created a scalable tech product or system used by others. (3 points) -
Do you use media (e.g., social media posts, blogs, videos) to share your expertise or build a personal brand?
A) No, I don’t share my work publicly. (0 points)
B) I’ve shared a few posts or content but not consistently. (1 point)
C) I regularly share insights on platforms like X, LinkedIn, or blogs. (2 points)
D) I have a strong online presence with a growing audience. (3 points) -
How strong is your professional or creative network in your field?
A) I have few or no professional connections. (0 points)
B) I know a few people but don’t actively network. (1 point)
C) I have a solid network and engage with it regularly. (2 points)
D) I have a wide, influential network that brings opportunities. (3 points) -
Do you collaborate with others to amplify your impact (e.g., partnering with peers, creators, or professionals)?
A) No, I mostly work alone. (0 points)
B) I’ve collaborated on small projects but not strategically. (1 point)
C) I regularly collaborate with others to scale my work. (2 points)
D) My collaborations have led to significant outcomes (e.g., projects, revenue). (3 points) -
Are you leveraging existing platforms or tools to reach a wider audience (e.g., social media, content platforms, or open-source communities)?
A) No, I don’t use platforms to share my work. (0 points)
B) I use platforms occasionally but not effectively. (1 point)
C) I actively use platforms to share and gain visibility. (2 points)
D) My platform presence drives consistent opportunities or income. (3 points)
Section 3: Scalability
This section measures how well your work is structured to generate scalable, repeatable value, aligning with Naval’s “productize yourself” concept.
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Have you created a product or service based on your expertise (e.g., a course, app, consulting service)?
A) No, I haven’t thought about this. (0 points)
B) I have an idea but haven’t started. (1 point)
C) I’ve created a prototype or small service. (2 points)
D) I have a scalable product or service generating income. (3 points) -
Is your income tied to your time (e.g., hourly work) or to scalable systems (e.g., royalties, subscriptions)?
A) Fully tied to my time (e.g., job or freelance gigs). (0 points)
B) Mostly time-based, with some passive income potential. (1 point)
C) A mix of time-based and scalable income sources. (2 points)
D) Mostly or fully from scalable systems. (3 points) -
How repeatable is your value creation process (e.g., can you deliver your expertise without constant reinvention)?
A) I start from scratch each time. (0 points)
B) I have some reusable processes but still rely on custom work. (1 point)
C) I’ve standardized parts of my work for efficiency. (2 points)
D) My work is highly repeatable with minimal effort. (3 points) -
Are you building something that compounds over time (e.g., a brand, audience, or product that grows)?
A) No, my work doesn’t compound. (0 points)
B) I’m starting to build something with potential to compound. (1 point)
C) I have a project or brand that’s steadily growing. (2 points)
D) My work compounds significantly (e.g., growing revenue, audience). (3 points) -
Do you own equity or a stake in something scalable (e.g., a business, startup, or investment)?
A) No, I don’t own any equity. (0 points)
B) I’m exploring equity opportunities but don’t own any yet. (1 point)
C) I own equity in a small project or venture. (2 points)
D) I own significant equity in a scalable venture. (3 points)
Scoring and Interpretation
Add up your points (0–45) to see how productized you are and get actionable advice.
0–15: Beginner (Not Yet Productized)
You’re likely early in your journey, relying on time-based work or lacking a clear niche. This is a normal starting point, and small steps can lead to big changes.
You’re likely early in your journey, relying on time-based work or lacking a clear niche. This is a normal starting point, and small steps can lead to big changes.
Next Steps:
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Define Your Niche: Identify a specific skill or passion you can develop further (e.g., a unique angle in your industry). Start a small project to test it, like a blog post or side hustle.
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Start Sharing: Post one insight about your field or interests on a platform like X or LinkedIn to build confidence and attract feedback.
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Build Connections: Attend a local or virtual event related to your field to meet like-minded people and learn about opportunities.
16–30: Intermediate (Partially Productized)
You have some specialized skills or leverage but haven’t fully scaled them. You’re on the right path but need to systematize and amplify your efforts.
You have some specialized skills or leverage but haven’t fully scaled them. You’re on the right path but need to systematize and amplify your efforts.
Next Steps:
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Build a Prototype: Create a small product or service based on your expertise (e.g., a digital guide, tool, or freelance offering) and share it on relevant platforms.
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Grow Your Brand: Commit to posting weekly about your field or projects on platforms like X or a blog to build a following.
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Seek Scalable Opportunities: Explore partnerships or ventures where you can gain equity or create passive income streams, like a side project with a collaborator.
31–45: Advanced (Highly Productized)
You’re leveraging unique expertise, tools, and systems to create scalable value. You’re close to Naval’s ideal of “productizing yourself” with compounding returns.
You’re leveraging unique expertise, tools, and systems to create scalable value. You’re close to Naval’s ideal of “productizing yourself” with compounding returns.
Next Steps:
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Scale Up: Expand your product or service (e.g., turn your freelance work into a subscription model or license your creation).
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Deepen Leverage: Partner with others in your industry or invest in tools to amplify your reach and impact.
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Mentor Others: Share your process through content, talks, or mentorship to attract high-value opportunities and solidify your reputation.
