The way I see it, most big companies have two problems. The first is the problem itself – poor customer service, me-too products and services, uninspired marketing, miserable employees, and layers of bureaucracy.
The second problem is that they solve the wrong problems.
More often than not, companies focus their energy on improving the current situation. This is a natural response. And if things seem to get better as a result of their actions, they feel as though something has been accomplished.
Unfortunately, doing what you’ve done before – only better – doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. At best, it keeps you on par with your competition. But it certainly won’t do anything to help you grow.
A better route is to solve a different problem. ING Direct solves a different problem than Wells Fargo. Freshbooks solves a different problem than QuickBooks, Word, or Excel. Zipcar solves a different problem than Hertz.
Solving a different problem often leads to an industry revolution. What problem are you solving?
