The Root Cause

Have you ever been in a meeting where developers were talking about what frustrates them? That's a tough meeting to go to. You often hear similar types of complaints:

• The requirements changed at the last minute?
  
• A developer would like to make sure the work he is doing is the right work?

What is the source of all of these "bad smells"? I typically try to dig down to the root of the problem by always asking "Why?" 3 times. So let's give it a shot:

• Why did the requirements change at the last minute? - Some executive swooped in to give their two cents?
• Why did the executive swoop in? Because they thought they knew better
• Why did they think they know better? Because they don't trust the folks they hired to do the right job

Next time you think something smells a bit funny, just ask why 3 times :)

Product Marketing 101

Often times I've seen product marketing material and positioning focus on features of the product. This is the easy first step for technical product managers or engineers to jump right into. You ask an engineer "Why should the customer buy this product?" and the answer you get is "It does A, B, and C"...Let me propose another way

Focus on the customer's problems and needs. Make the marketing about solving their needs, making their pain points disappear. Also keep in mind the audience. Is your buyer or the person you are trying to reach with this content very technical? Do they want to hear detailed specifications or how you are going to make their lives easier?

Here is a good article that I like. Click here.