The statement written above is one of the golden rules in marketing. If you recognize a problem, provide a solution and translate it into a smart business model, then success is in your hands.

People think in problems

How can this be so simple, you might think. I would say, look and listen around you; you will find a few people with the capability of great and creative problem solving. In other words, people often think in problems. Many people even find negative elements in products and services witch are good. It’s perhaps basic human behaviour. And that’s great for you as an entrepreneur. Because when you offer a solution to a problem, then you are in business.

 A tip: listen also carefully to your own grumbling, because in there you maybe find a golden idea!

Market research

Do a market research among your target audience. It does not have to be so great group, to know where consumers complain about. Translate their grumbling into a solution and create an interesting offer. Many companies have grown that way. In that way, entrepreneur Richard Branson, started years ago his successful airline company Virgin Atlantic, because of his own unhappiness and that of other passengers about the lack of service and flexibility of the major airline companies.

Nespresso

The coffee concept Nespresso is another good example. This success also shows that it is often not about that consumers want to have a financial benefit. Admit, a coffee cup of 35 eurocents where there is only 5 grams of coffee in it, is quite pricey. But the problem that consumers experienced was that they did not had good coffee at home or in their office, without having to make a huge investment in a costly espresso machine, witch also need frequently maintenance.

Make business of grumbling

Whether you have a large company, a store or a restaurant, go on the streets and get your marketing knowledge from your customers. Just ask what they are missing. Where do they complain about? I’m sure, you will have soon a sheet full of complains that you can translate in business opportunities.

So make business of your consumer problems. A tip: listen also carefully to your own grumbling, because in there you maybe find also a golden idea!

With hospitable regards,
Robert Bosma

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