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"I’m doing some research into software used by ________. Just curious, is there any software you’ve been looking for?..." I think you would be surprised at how

"I’m doing some research into software used by ________. Just curious, is there any software you’ve been looking for?..." I think you would be surprised at how many people get confused by "software." I've received answers like "Safari" to this same exact question. Just a thought, but instead of focusing on providing another piece of software (and phrasing it that way), look to provide business value. I know that's your end result, but I would present it that way from the first interaction. Also, when you've picked the market/client base you want, I highly recommend seeing if you can visit the business for a day or two (if you can find time.) There's nothing better than immersing yourself...it will lead to better insight.

ErrantX 14y ago
Reading through, Nathan wasn't expecting any realistic answers to this question. It was just an ice breaker to establish contact for the follow up call. As to your last paragraph; this is solid advice. I've picked up a few software ideas by viewing businesses "in action" and observing the pain points.
babblingdweeb 14y ago
RE: visit and/or getting a chance to sit in Ditto on the added insight. It also produces a setting where you can ask different questions, on my mind right now are the ones that might have a historical reference. Meaning: was there some reason in the past that made you do things this way now? Personally, I have seen interesting habits when people switch software and technologies, so they do things a "legacy" way that complicate their process. Not that I want to advocate for NOT selling a final product, but I find people are sometimes just as happy if you can show them an alternate way of using their current tools. And other times, they end up giving you better feedback on what they really want vs what they think they want.

ErrantX 14y ago

Reading through, Nathan wasn't expecting any realistic answers to this question. It was just an ice breaker to establish contact for the follow up call. As to your last paragraph; this is solid advice. I've picked up a few software ideas by viewing businesses "in action" and observing the pain points.

babblingdweeb 14y ago

RE: visit and/or getting a chance to sit in Ditto on the added insight. It also produces a setting where you can ask different questions, on my mind right now are the ones that might have a historical reference. Meaning: was there some reason in the past that made you do things this way now? Personally, I have seen interesting habits when people switch software and technologies, so they do things a "legacy" way that complicate their process. Not that I want to advocate for NOT selling a final product, but I find people are sometimes just as happy if you can show them an alternate way of using their current tools. And other times, they end up giving you better feedback on what they really want vs what they think they want.