Most individuals become entrepreneurs because they have a vision for change. They want to change the established way of doing business. This change may be to create a better experience for customers. Many however become stuck in technicalities. Marketers are often bought in after initial product development and told: we’ve built something great, figure out how to make people come. If you are doing this you may have noticed how frustrating this cycle can be. Your teammates might have tried to tell you that while they believe in you and the product, from a consumer perspective all the technical stuff you are doing is using time and money for something that is not bringing in customers. They try to push you to think beyond the confines of your to do list and think strategically, but this is hard for you.

Why?

It never occurs to you

No one else around you is looking at the bigger pie. Technically focused networking groups are a space where others reinforce this practice. You may run into some strategic questioners but most people you run into are caught up in the big, bold, beautiful and in technology innovative. In contrast few people you talk to draw your attention to increasing metrics like visitors, unique visitors, revenue etc.

Its convenient

Its more fun to find new unique features than make sure earlier efforts had the desired impact. Like it or not many startups are notorious for this. Some people say its because of the rah rah positivity. I say its because facing the truth can unbearably tortuous, mainly because you may be very hard on themselves. If this describes you try letting go of those feelings and focus on the learning. You’ll be surprised at how much better you will feel, especially when you see the improvement in results.

You are too full of yourself

You assume you know how others think but never ask them. Asking them involves the possibly of them honesty telling you the truth and you fear this. Or you may be uncomfortable with the idea of having to change and do the hard work. Try asking, answering, and learning in all areas of your life. Your success rate will be higher for it.

If you are working hard but metrics aren’t following

If you find yourself spending a lot of time and money on your products but not getting much return ask yourself the following:

• What are customers looking for?
• What problems do they encounter?
• What is making news in the sector?
• What new trends are emerging?
• What will the future be like?
• What benefits do your products bring?

Having a clear answer will help you reconnect with your vision and live it. Good luck and do comment and let me know how it goes.

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