Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
How to Make Sure Your Business Solves a Problem
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How to Make Sure Your Business Solves a Problem

The difference between a great idea and a thriving business is that a business solves a problem that people will pay for, aka its value proposition. In this episode, learn how to create a value proposition for your company, including using methods like Build-Measure-Learn and the Ugly Baby Test to help you define the value your company provides your customers.

“Be a constant virtuous cycle of building something and asking ourselves what the smallest thing we can build in the lowest risk way is to get the insight we need.”

The Build Measure Learn feedback loop begins with you building the fastest, most straightforward product you can to get feedback from potential customers. Then, you measure that feedback quantitatively by looking at numbers and data and qualitatively by looking at personal anecdotes. Those measurements go back into the cycle when you take all that information you learned and use it to build a better product iteration.

“Understand what about your company will make people choose you.”

To succeed, you must understand what you have to offer that people will value.

Push to define your value proposition,  aka why people will want to buy your specific product or service, as soon as possible. What differentiates you from the competition? 

“Look for something that people will keep coming back to repeatedly.”

Does your product/solution solve a repeatable problem? If you can’t get repeat customers because people only need to buy your product once, it will be hard to grow the business and make it scalable.

Guests

Tessa Flippin: https://www.capitalizevc.com/tessa-flippin  ​​

Citi Medina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/medinaciti/ 

Denise Hamilton: DeniseHamilton.co 

Elisa Camahort Page: https://www.elisacp.com/  

Ellie Bahrmasel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliebahrmasel/ 

Discussion about this podcast

Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
No more excuses. No more procrastination. If you’re ready to take your business, side hustle or idea to the next level, then this is the podcast for you! The podcast is hosted by Kathryn Finney, one of the most influential women in tech (INC Magazine), one of the first Black women to sell her startup, and Managing General Partner at the Chicago-based venture firm, Genius Guild.
Based on Kathryn’s bestselling book “Build the Damn Thing: How to Build a Successful Business if You’re NOT a Rich White Guy”, Build the Damn Thing is part storytelling, part mix tape and designed to teach you how to bring your business to the next level. The podcast features lessons and tips from leaders and entrepreneurs who have “Built the Damn Thing” themselves. From serial entrepreneurs to those who take risks to solve problems both abroad and locally — it's all here on the show!