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
Category: Strategy
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
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
Curse of Knowledge
As an entrepreneur, you live, breath, eat, and dream your business. You know your industry better than anyone else and are an expert in your field. Knowledge is power, but it can also be a curse. It can be a curse because knowing something so intimately makes it difficult for you to put yourself in… Continue reading Curse of Knowledge
Super Bowl Event Marketing
It’s Super Bowl Sunday!! A time when advertising comes into focus. This year, however, I’m thinking less about the commercials and more about event marketing around Super Bowl XLIV. There are opportunities for your business to piggyback on the excitement of a big event. DirectTV has implemented a well-timed marketing tactic by setting up tables… Continue reading Super Bowl Event Marketing
Transparency in Your Business
P&G’s recent backlash for shipping a “new and improved” version of Pampers diapers in old packaging is a lesson proving the value in coporate transparency. Social media has amplified customer’s voice, which can spread rapidly over social networks. In this case, upset Pamper customers have put P&G’s new brand in jeopardy before it has… Continue reading Transparency in Your Business
Differentiating With Customer Service
As more products essentially become commodities, service has become a viable means for increasing revenue and profit margins for companies in these industries. Use a service strategy to your advantage. Big companies often struggle to develop great relationships with their customers. Too many levels of authority, employees unauthorized to make decisions, arbitrary policies preventing customer-facing… Continue reading Differentiating With Customer Service
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
Dream Big, Narrow Your Focus
Narrow your focus, deliver a solution that meet paying customer needs and parlay your success to expand your offerings into complimentary solutions.
Problem Solving With Monet
Solve problems like you would appreciate a painting by Monet.