Falling in love with the problem.
I like problems.
I like finding problems.
I like losing myself in problems.
I like wrestling with problems.
I like messy, complicated problems that make my head hurt.
I love problems.
Most startup founders fall in love with the product they are building. Products are exciting. Products feel like progress. Products are demo-able. Products feel like visible, tangible evidence of the startup’s existence. Products feel like positive, weighty contributions to the world. Products feel like validation. Products feel important. Products are what buyers buy.
Problems feel like, well, problems. The word, “problem,” itself sounds negative, right out of the gate. Who wants to be associated with a problem?
Here’s the thing, though.
Products solve problems.
No problem, no product.
Getting the problem right is half the battle.
Chasing the right problem matters.
Chasing a problem of the right size, matters.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Stating the problem in a clear way to yourself, matters.
Stating the problem in a clear way to others, matters.
Stating the problem in a way that solutions present themselves, matters.
Stating the problem in a way that a market can be found, matters.
Falling in love with the problem, matters.
Tell me your problems.
Most startup pitch decks focus on the product. When I see a startup pitch deck, I want to hear about the problem.
I want to know:
Problems are what matter. In academia, in industry, in any profession.
Whoever articulates the problem, whoever shows that the problem is a problem (and why), whoever shows that there is a large-enough market for solving the problem—that startup has the upper hand.
Problems before products. That’s what startups ought to chase.
Prioritizing problem-solving ensures that startups are on the right path, ultimately leading to effective and successful products.
We understand the importance of problem-solving and how crucial it is to focus on the problem before developing a solution. Many startup founders tend to get carried away with their product idea and neglect the problem they are trying to solve. This can lead to wasted time, resources, and even failure. Identifying the problem and understanding it thoroughly allows for a better and more effective solution to be developed. Falling in love with the problem is key as it motivates and ensures that the solution is tailored to fit the needs of the target audience.
Right on! “A problem well stated is half solved” - Charles Kettering
Sound advice, Priya. The question I always like to ask founders I meet is, what problem do you solve? And I am always surprised on how many answer with product feature functionality.
So true Priya Narasimhan - we are trying to solve the problem of enabling Athletes from Africa🌍