How to Validate Problems Worth Solving

Don’t Jump to Problem Conclusions As a software developer, you want to solve problems. The code you are writing would be meaningless if it didn’t. However, if you aren’t the target market you are serving, you may assume a solution is needed before the problem is defined. Before you try to solve a problem, make… Continue reading How to Validate Problems Worth Solving

The Secret Weapon To Sizing Up Your Target Market

Pivoting your product to better meet the needs of you target customer is key, but before you do this, shouldn’t you know whether that target customer’s market is the most attractive one to serve? Gaining traction in the right target market is critical to ensure your efforts are rewarded. I’ve talked about market sizing before and… Continue reading The Secret Weapon To Sizing Up Your Target Market

SMART Metrics

When dealing with data, be smart. Apply a SMART dashboard to your metrics and data analysis efforts. Much like SMART goals, SMART metrics ensure you measure the right data and that it is actionable. When looking at web analytics and marketing campaigns I define my SMART metrics as: Specific – To be useful, data needs… Continue reading SMART Metrics

Five SMART Goal Setting Tips

Many of us know and practice SMART goals.  I really like SMART goals. For one, they provide structure for getting things done.  Second, they conjure up a fun quote from The Army of Darkness that reminds us to “think smart, think ‘S’ MART.”  What more could a guy ask for? Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and… Continue reading Five SMART Goal Setting Tips

Avoid Enemies of Change

Companies that spot trends early on and transform their business focus at the right time are in the minority. Why do some companies have blinders on when assessing trends? A company’s very success is often what holds them back from seizing opportunities.  The mindset of leaders is crucial to combating this enemy of change. We tend… Continue reading Avoid Enemies of Change

Why Executives Resist Social Media

There are many trends executives resist while plodding along successfully following the status quo.  While it’s understandable for some hesitation in jumping in on “next big thing,” understanding the motivation for that resistance is crucial to making better decisions. The most recent trend is social media.  Social Media is big.  Millions of people communicate on… Continue reading Why Executives Resist Social Media