Do you have a big idea that you want to launch into the world but have no idea where or how to get started?  Many people have dreams about starting their own companies, and today’s guest has insights for anyone who is trying to figure out where to get started. Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome Stoke Ventures founder Andrew Lees, a successful entrepreneur who helps people develop products and launch them into the market.  Andrew knows what works and what doesn’t work, and has joined the podcast to share valuable advice and simple tips to help get you started. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

How to put the audience before the product

• Too many entrepreneurs focus solely on the product and forget about the people who are going to use it. 
• It’s much easier to launch a product into an existing market. 
• A captive audience is already much more interested in your product. 
• Entrepreneurs need to at least start building their audience before they finish developing the product. 

 

Simplifying the complex aspects of your product

• Focus on the customer experience to ensure product adaptation. 
• ‘Two clicks away’ and ‘closing the rings’ demonstrate the simplicity that makes a successful product. 
• A great customer experience results in an easily expandable market. 
• Simple marketing research will help guide your work. 

 

Focus your efforts where you will get results 

• Identify where you can best place your time and effort. 
• Avoid the ‘shiny object syndrome’ that keeps you bouncing from idea to idea. 
• Don’t overreach- pick one area that you can focus on and work to perfect. 
• Learn how to more effectively manage your time. 

 

Avoid these common mistakes

• Lack of strategy and lack of understanding of the entire process is the number one mistake entrepreneurs and inventors make. 
• Misunderstanding costs associated with developing a product can be overcome by increasing research before you get started. 
• Customer service has to be the number one focus for start-up companies- and it isn’t difficult to get it right. 
• Form partnerships with people who are on the same page as you and start on a trial basis. 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

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