For those that have been involved with creating and launching a new product, you will know and appreciate all the work that goes into it. From the early brainstorming sessions to the thrill of seeing an idea transform into reality as a result of those countless hours of dedication, late nights, and endless iterations.
So, now that I have released my products to the market; Bigger, Better and Stronger than they were before, I want to share some thoughts that helped me succeed, in the hope that they inspire others.
Key to Success
When you launch a new product solo, you’re on the fast track of entrepreneurship, pushing yourself to extraordinary lengths to get it all done alone. (Read More)
You’re the visionary mastering new skills stretching beyond the comfort zone, whilst feeding your desire for accomplishment and growth. You don’t have the luxury of a team of: strategists, designers, engineers, marketers, and customer support and finance specialists to share the workload in delivering the product through; Ideation, Research, Design, Development, Testing, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, After Sales.
It was exactly 2 years ago, when I embarked on this recent journey that has led me to a place of extreme contentment, (with my determination to continue to stretch myself to higher levels of accomplishment), and pride, (in the obstacles I have overcome) to get to this point.
Looking back, the key to success was defying those moments of self-doubt that sometimes creep in when you are not at your most resolute (you know those fleeting and annoying moments).
To defy those feelings I recall something I said when interviewing with Flight Centre (in 2011), I was asked;
Those that know me personally, know that it is, YES!
So, when self-doubt tried to creep in, I remembered that question, and reminded myself;
“Whatever I don’t know at that time, I can learn quickly. I have the capability, determination and belief that empowers success”.
Looking at Things Differently, to Deliver Things Differently!
When you look at PowerBill™ you will see what that heading means (Read More)
To invent PowerBill™ fresh thinking was necessary to re-imagine the purpose of the processes, and challenge the conventional products, to create a novel solution that truly met the user’s needs.
I had never created an ‘app’ (in the popular sense) before. A number of relational databases in various software packages yes, but not a commercial ‘app’.
So it’s been a ride of highs and lows learning new skills (Product Development, Coding, Server Configuration, Marketing, Sales [at Exhibitions], Video Editing), all whilst developing fresh strategic perspectives to navigate the continual oncoming challenges, and integrate my existing qualifications and experiences in Project Management, IT, [28 Years and counting] and Accounting [post-grad tenures 2009 to 2016].
So if I were to say something to inspire anyone facing self-doubt and underestimation, I’d say,
“Flip it to be your source of motivation.
Steven Davis
We (far too) often shy away from successful situations because we are scared of embracing the unknown, because the unknown is deemed to be bad, when it is more likely good that simply hasn’t been realised yet!”
I embraced the unknown and created a strong example of what I can do.
There’s nothing stopping you from doing the same.
The story of my journey building PowerBill™, and the things learnt and experienced along the way, will be told through blogs on my personal website: mysaas.website. Please follow and share. Hopefully it will inspire discussion and ideas amongst a supportive collective.