At the most fundamental level, new products or services succeed because they solve problems in customers’ minds. PCs helped eliminate tedious, time-consuming paperwork. Smartphones gave people an internet connection anywhere in the world. Entrepreneurs are natural problem solvers – you started your company because you recognized a problem worth solving. You were fed up with the way things were done, and so you created a solution that would make peoples’ lives easier. A common fatal startup pitfall to avoid is to focus exclusively on your proposed solution after launching. You must maintain your focus on the problem, not your current solution, because your solution will undoubtedly change in the coming months. As good as your idea may be, there are hundreds of reasons why it will change. You have to be adaptive, and the best way to do this is to focus on the problem rather than the solution. Write the problem down. Explore it with potential customers and partners. Resolve never to lose sight of the fact that you’re focused on solving a problem, not forcing your solution on the market. By maintaining this focus it will be only natural that you adapt and pivot toward the solution that has the best chance of being accepted by the market.
The Agile Startup is an inspiring compilation of the most important lessons of innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s easier than ever to start a new business, and the potential rewards are enormous. But even with all of the available advantages and resources, the likelihood of any one business succeeding is slim. That’s why you need the simple, clear, actionable lessons found in The Agile Startup.
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Author Matt Sand
Passionate about making a difference through innovation and entrepreneurship.