Two months have flown by since embarking on this exhilarating journey as a business owner. The path has been anything but straight, but the twists and turns have led to invaluable lessons and surprising discoveries. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Adaptability is key. Operating lean has forced us to be ruthlessly efficient, seeking profit and potential profitability at every turn. This mindset led us to pivot our company’s direction a few times, most notably a month ago. Although daunting, this pivot has aligned our offerings closer to our customer’s needs and the broader construction tech industry's demands.
- Listening to customers is crucial. Despite the initial love for our original product, feedback from potential customers highlighted a significant gap between our planned delivery and their expectations. This insight drove us to an unlikely yet fulfilling direction that has garnered the support of two customers already integrating our pivoted product, while we continue to develop our original idea at a measured pace.
- Embracing change. Deciding on a major software pivot meant partially letting go of my initial vision to embrace an updated one. This process wasn't easy, but it was necessary for staying relevant and competitive. It has involved navigating new business terrains, embracing new technologies, and learning rapidly to make informed decisions.
- Building relationships. Engaging with 20-30 industry experts has been a cornerstone of our strategy, offering us unparalleled insights and knowledge. This network has not only accelerated our learning curve but also helped us avoid common pitfalls, even though we’ve faced our share of missteps with some costly investments.
- Gratitude and teamwork. A special shoutout to Stanford Cline whose perspective and encouragement have been pivotal. His leadership and ownership in driving this new focus have allowed me to concentrate on selling our products and further developing our original app.
As we continue on this journey, armed with heed, diligence, and determination, I am proud of the progress we’ve made. The road ahead is packed with learning and growth, and we are here for it, every step of the way.
#StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPivot #CustomerFeedback #Adaptability #Teamwork