Do you know everything there is to know about your product and its market? Those under that impression may want to consider the following questions:
- What are competitors doing differently that is working?
- How are customers actually using your product?
- What is the future application of your product(s)?
- Will customers’ needs evolve with time?
- What is the future market for this product?
- If there is no future market, what product would bemost appropriate to take its place?
Founders of start-up companies often have to work long hours and wear many different hats, such as CEO, manager, accountant and social media expert. Although a substantial amount of research usually goes on during the early phases of a new business, it can taper off at a significant pace once success hits. Understandably, it can sometimes feel as though the time for research simply is not there.
Research does not have to be a daily or even weekly event. Try setting aside time once or twice a month to review the most up-to-date information on certain topics. If you do not know where to start, try revisiting some of the questions above.
The world is far from stagnant, and changing business practices and customer needs and wants can evolve at a surprising rate in an online arena. Those who are under the impression that they already know everything that is necessary to keep a business up and running could most likely benefit from following the lead of other individuals who acknowledge that there is almost always something new to be learned in order to truly thrive in a competitive, online world.