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I've talked about how it is often more valuable to learn from Lead Users than Early Adopters when developing new products and services.  I've even talked about the role of the Laggard in this process.  At this point it would be unfair for me...

The Laggard is an interesting beast.  In marketing terms, the Laggard consumer is so far behind the adoption curve that it makes little sense to expend resources to attract them.  When we are developing new products and services, however, we may want to...

As consultants we are often faced with a dilemma.  Our clients hire us because they need a fresh perspective that is unencumbered by the internal constraints, politics, and metrics that guide the day to day activities.  We know, however, that our...

Most companies have methods to evaluate the potential success of a new product or service.  Sometimes they come in the form of a focus group, or an online or in-person panel of consumers, or even an internal group of people who are thought to be "in the...

This weekend, my husband and I decided to finally replace our very old washer and dryer.  After doing all the requisite research, shopping, reading reviews, etc, we decided that we should get one of the new machines that use very little water.  As we were...

In my opinion, one behavior with perhaps the greatest potential to kill to innovation is the aversion to using the phrase "I don't know."  Let's say you are leading a new project to develop a completely new offering for your company, the outcome is highly...

I've had a few discussions about my previous posts on the translation of consumer insight to guide the development of viable offerings.  Since then, a few people have asked me how exactly to translate what is learned into a better product specification, and who...

A few weeks ago, I reponded to a post on Jeff Jarvis' blog, asking his readers to help with the title of his upcoming book, "WWGD: What Would Google Do?"  Apparently Jeff's publisher wanted him to ditch the WWGD part of the title,...

Overlap 08 was an enriching experience.  It will take a few days for it all to sink in I'm sure.  Right now, my strongest feeling is that of appreciation and gratitude toward the people who started, and continue to organize this event.  It has been...

In many organizations, risk and uncertainty are synonymous concepts.  This is not true.  They are, in fact, very different.   Risk is determined by how detrimental the impact of a failed project or initiative will be to the company.  Will the...