A real customer problem is not enough if people refuse to change

A case started with an idea three months ago, followed by quick talks with a few possible customers and a decision to pursue it. The market problem was real, and the need existed. After speaking with about 70% of the , the same pattern appeared: customers did not want to change how they already worked.

Their current process was manual, awkward, and costing them money, but they still did not care enough to switch. A tool that handled for them made them feel less in control. Lower pricing, polished messages from larger , and feature claims did not change their minds.

The idea was dropped, and moved to the next opportunity.

Key points

  • The idea was tested for three months and then stopped.
  • About 70% of the was contacted.
  • Customers had a real, money-losing manual process but still resisted change.
  • The proposed made customers feel like they were losing control.
  • A real problem only becomes a business if customers are ready to switch.
Read original