Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
🛠 Innovate with Design Thinking
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Hi Reader, How do you create something that truly resonates with your customers? Think like a designer. Design thinking blends three key elements:
The sweet spot is where these elements overlap. For example, let’s say your ideal customer/client (see last week's email) is a busy parent. You might design a meal delivery service.
It’s also useful to embrace tension of opposing ideas. Maybe your client values convenience but also wants home-cooked meals. That tension could inspire an innovation, like DIY meal kits with pre-measured ingredients. The key? Keep your ideal customer/client at the center of the process. Understanding them deeply allows you to create solutions they love. Until next time, Michael
Michael Schefman | 321 Liftoff Copyright © 2024 by 321 Liftoff LLC |
Michel Schefman, 321 Liftoff
Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
Hi Reader, Summer is the perfect time to set work aside and recharge. Yes, I know there’s a lot going on in the world these days – that’s all the more reason to hit pause and savor a small moment or two. Step away from your laptop, turn off notifications, and let yourself unplug completely. A true pause allows you to reset your perspective. Here are 3 ideas to help you make the most of it: 1. Soak in the outdoors. Take a hike, visit a park, or enjoy your morning coffee outside. Sunlight and...
Hi Reader, What if constraints weren’t barriers, but tools for innovation? Think of NASA designing rocket boosters – they used gravity constraints to reach escape velocity. Or Apple asking, “What if a computer could fit in your pocket?” They used size and mobility as key constraints. Your business has constraints too (so does your life): time, budget, energy, etc. Instead of seeing them as problems, embrace them. Constraints force focus and spark creative solutions. For example, if you only...
Hi Reader, Customers rarely decide to buy something on a whim – they go through a process. Understanding this process can help you build better sales and marketing strategies. The 5 stages of the Purchase Decision Process are: Problem Recognition: What’s their pain point? Information Search: How are they looking for solutions? Evaluation of Alternatives: What makes you stand out? Purchase Decision: How easy is it to choose you? Post-Purchase Behavior: Do they feel good about their choice?...