What Problems Do Your Products and Services Solve?

Jobs to be Done: Theory to PracticeYou heard me correctly – what problems do your products and services solve?

It is always gratifying to learn about a concept that is brand-new to me. Two summers ago, a friend went to a conference and learned about the Jobs to be Done framework. When she mentioned it to me, I was intrigued and wanted to learn more. I found it fascinating to think about what problems my products and services solve.

I did some research and found an article in Harvard Business Review. I subsequently bought the book, Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice by Anthony Ulwick, because the article whet my appetite.

I pulled some interesting information from Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice that I would like to share with you to get you thinking in a different way. In another blog post, I will write a review and summary of Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice. Let me know what you think about this concept that may be new to you.

The premise behind the Jobs to be Done Framework is that people hire products to get a job done. Therefore, people buy products and services to get a job done. If a customer has a job that she has to get done, she will switch products if it makes sense for her. In the book Zero to One, which I seem to be referring to a lot now, if you are starting a new business or creating a new product, it has to be at least 10 times better than what’s available. In terms of the jobs to be done framework, your new product could win in the marketplace if it gets a customer’s job done better – at least 10 times better.

Have you read?

Zero to One by Peter Thiel, Book Review

Summary: The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone

Jobs to be Done: Who Are You Trying to Serve?

In the book, Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice, the author, Anthony Ulwick provides a list of questions that the innovation process will answer. I have pulled out three questions for you that I think are important. As I mentioned that this may be a new concept to you, answer the questions and see what you come up with.

1. Who is the customer? Whom are you trying to serve?
2. What job is the customer trying to get done?
3. What new products must you create to better serve your customers?

What do you think of the above questions? I love them and I will answer them using two key products and services that I offer. I am not trying to sell you anything, I am trying to bring some clarity so you and I can better understand the jobs to be done framework.

MoreReads Success Blueprint Accelerator program

Whom is the MoreReads Success Blueprint trying to serve? The leadership development program is trying to serve entrepreneurs and small business owners. They want solutions to urgent problems.

What job is the customer trying to get done? Busy professionals know that they need to read more and are looking for a structured process to do so. They want to learn how to read selectively and strategically, so that they do not spend hours reading a book cover-to-cover. Wasting time reading information that will not help them in their career. They want to learn about new business models and to acquire in-demand skills to remain relevant in the workplace. They recognize that there are many people from different cultures in their workplace and want to learn how to get along with those who are different from them.

What new products must you create to better serve your customers? Now that I am spending time answering the questions, I recognize that if I want to get more people participating in the leadership development program,  I need to write an e-book on how to read selectively and strategically. I have written a blog post, but it may not be enough. A big barrier to reading books is the time commitment, so I have to address it.

Crafting Success Stories

Whom is Crafting Success Stories trying to serve? Crafting Success Stories is trying to serve business owners, associations, and trade organization. These clients want prospects to know about the effectiveness of their products and services. Associations and trade organizations are non-profits and may want to use the success stories to secure funding.

What job is the customer trying to get done? The customer wants to get more customers and they realize it is better if others tell how good they are. Getting someone to talk about how you helped them achieve their goals is a credibility booster.

Now that you have seen my examples, what would your answers look like? In what ways can you use the jobs to be done framework?

Action Steps to Take: What Problems Do Your Products and Services Solve?

1. Buy and read Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice by Anthony Ulwick.
2. Figure out what problems your products and services solve.
3. If any of my products or services can solve your problems, you are welcome to hire them.

Jobs to be Done: Theory to PracticeJobs to Be Done: A Roadmap for Customer-Centered InnovationThe Jobs-to-be-Done Handbook: Practical techniques for improving your application of Jobs-to-be-Done

This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and buy any of the books from Amazon, the company will pay me a small commission. First published January 2019

Source Referenced: Jobs to be Done: Theory to Practice by Anthony Ulwick