{"id":7649,"date":"2019-06-13T09:14:21","date_gmt":"2019-06-13T16:14:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-prod.qad.com\/blog\/?p=7649"},"modified":"2019-06-19T09:31:58","modified_gmt":"2019-06-19T16:31:58","slug":"focused-innovation-for-market-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qad.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/focused-innovation-for-market-success","title":{"rendered":"Focused Innovation for Market Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7650″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]People are often confounded about innovation, claiming that you can\u2019t program ideas. The reality is that you can, by applying focused innovation techniques, and it all starts with understanding your customers\u2019 needs. You have competitors\u2014everybody does. So, what makes customers buy from you instead of them? Answering that question is the first step to focused innovation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Are You?<\/span><\/h2>\n

This isn\u2019t an existential question\u2014it\u2019s the core of successful <\/span>innovation<\/span><\/a>. What is the problem you are solving for your customer? It\u2019s not technology, and it\u2019s not bringing a new paradigm to the market. Don\u2019t bog yourself down in buzzwords and marketing speak. That\u2019s the sure path to conformity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Use the Mom Test<\/span><\/h2>\n

Try the \u201cMom test.\u201d If your mother wouldn\u2019t understand what you do, you aren\u2019t there yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a fundamental issue that you address, and you should be able to state it in plain language and in fewer than 25 words. This isn\u2019t an easy task. It may take days or weeks before you are able to do it. If it doesn\u2019t, you are either very good or fooling yourself. This statement should become your \u201cNorth Star.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Create a Map<\/span><\/h2>\n

Companies usually believe they know how customers use their products or the problem they solve. Some companies believe this without ever having listened to a customer or watched them use the product in the real world. It\u2019s even more eye-opening to watch your competitors\u2019 customers use their products.<\/span><\/p>\n

After talking and watching people using the product, you should be able to identify the role your product plays in a process. You should also be able to map the process from beginning to end and understand the customers\u2019 goals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Develop a Strategy<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several ways to create an innovation strategy for your product once you understand it from the customer\u2019s point of view.<\/span><\/p>\n