YOU NEED TO HAVE A REASON FOR BUILDING
Building is hard. When you are faced with socio-economic circumstances that seem to overwhelm you it is even harder. It is easy to give up, look for things that seem easy to do and go do that, but sometimes having a reason to keep holding on to that dream might be the courage you need to get to the progress you seek.
It is easy to lose sight of something when you are not sure why you started in the first place. Creating a reason (validated by you alone) is enough to keep you focused on days things become super had. I have the habit of asking clients questions when they approach me to help come up with a strategy for a product, I’m usually curious about that product enough to ask why they want to build it or are building it?
Some people already figured out their WHY, WHEN & HOW. Others are still are the early stage where they feel their product idea must mean something but they don’t necessarily have full clarity on why they are pursuing that product goal.
I usually end up breaking my questions into tiny bits to help them have something to think over and also reflect on the purpose of their product; Some of these questions are
- What problem is your product trying to solve?
2. Why do you think people will want your product and not someone else’s?
3. Why are you doing this? Do you want to provide solutions to a need? Do you want a profitable business? Do you want both?
4. What is your worst-case scenario for this idea that you have? (This helps me know what their fears are and how my expertise can help reduce those fears).
The questions above seem so simple until it is asked, especially when you haven’t thought too deeply about them. These questions usually help the clients understand the why behind their excitement, the why behind their innovation goals.
I go as far as helping them document their answers, send them via email and always try to remind them that some days would be hard, when those days come, they should remember to go through that document to see their initial reasons for starting. If you have an idea you currently are building, you also can document answers to the above question for yourself. It helps you with strategizing your growth plan, your development plan and overall product experience. Follow me on LinkedIn for more posts on product development & management.
The times are hard for most founders, innovators & business owners right now, you need a reason to hold on or move on.
What is your WHY?
