As an Entrepreneur, what's one lesson you've learned about product development that you could share?

Question

Navigating product development can be complex; this article demystifies the process with practical lessons from seasoned experts. Gain a competitive edge by understanding how to transform challenges into innovative solutions and why starting with a focus on core functionality can make all the difference. Learn from those who've mastered the art of listening to client needs and adapting to ensure continuous improvement and success in product development.

Ramzy Humsi · Answer

The importance of actively listening to client feedback. Early on, when I launched my local SEO agency focused on helping businesses rank higher on Google Maps through optimizing their Google Business Profiles (GBP), I initially offered a standard set of services. These included regular posts, review management, and keyword optimization. While the services were effective, I noticed that some clients weren't achieving the results they expected.
Instead of assuming the solution was to push the same approach harder, I started having one-on-one calls with clients, asking them what they felt was missing and what they really valued. Through these conversations, I realized that many businesses wanted a more tailored approach that went beyond the basics. They needed strategies like hyperlocal content creation, optimizing for voice search, and integrating geo-targeted video content—things I hadn't initially included.
By adapting our offerings based on what clients actually needed rather than sticking to a fixed package, we saw an increase in client satisfaction and retention. Our clients started ranking higher faster, and our agency developed a reputation for being flexible and effective. This experience taught me that product development isn't just about building a service; it's about evolving it based on real client needs. Listening and adapting are the key components to creating something that truly works.

Michelle Ebbin · Answer

Subject: Turning Personal Challenges into Life-Changing Products: Lessons from a Mother and Entrepreneur
As the founder of JettProof, a company that manufactures calming sensory compression clothing, I've learned invaluable lessons about product development through my journey as a mother of a child with severe autism. Here's one key insight I'd like to share:
Necessity is the mother of invention: When my son Jett was experiencing up to 14 meltdowns a day, I couldn't find suitable sensory garments anywhere in the world. This pressing need drove me to develop my solution, starting in my garage in 2013. The lesson? Your challenges can be the catalyst for creating products that change lives.
What began as a mission to help my son has grown into a global business, selling into over 14 countries and employing 25 people at our factory in Australia. We've expanded our product line to include waterproof bedding, sensory sheets, and sand-free beach towels, all inspired by the real needs of our customers.
The impact has been profound for Jett, whose meltdowns reduced significantly, and countless other children and adults. Their heartfelt thanks fuel our passion to keep innovating.
So my advice to entrepreneurs is this: Look to your own life for problems that need solving. Your journey could hold the key to products that make a real difference.
If you include this quote in your story, please let me know when it's published, so I can promote it across our social media channels.
Best regards,Michelle EbbinFounderJettProofjettproof.com.au

Luisa Zhou · Answer

I've sold millions of dollars worth of courses, so here's what I recommend: When you're developing a product, like a course, start small. In other words, if you've never developed a product before, don't try to create the biggest product you can think of. Instead, think about a smaller problem your target audience has that you could solve. For example, my first course was about helping people land paying clients. Once I started selling that course and getting feedback, I eventually expanded it to create my signature course, Employee to Entrepreneur.
So, my advice: Create a simple product, test it on the market, and use the feedback you get to understand what people want before creating a bigger, more in-depth offer. That way, you can reduce risk and focus your energy on creating products that will sell.

Sam Bahreini · Answer

One crucial lesson I've learned in product development is the danger of feature creep. It's tempting to add "nice-to-have" features in an attempt to please everyone or match competitors, but this often results in bloated products that lose focus and don't excel at anything.
We've found success by ruthlessly prioritizing core functionality that addresses our target users' main pain points. Using the "jobs-to-be-done" framework, we identify these key needs and focus development efforts accordingly. This approach brings several benefits:
*It speeds up time-to-market, allowing us to gather real user feedback sooner.*It keeps the product intuitive, improving user adoption rates.*It helps control development costs and reduces technical debt.*It makes marketing and positioning clearer by reinforcing a distinct value proposition.
We've learned the importance of saying no to ideas that don't align with our core mission. Streamlining our product to do a few things exceptionally well, rather than being a jack-of-all-trades, has resonated better with users. While we maintain a backlog of potential features, we're strategic about when and how we implement them, ensuring they always tie back to our core value proposition.

Chase Mckee · Answer

One crucial lesson I've learned in product development is leveraging unconventional strategies to deeply understand customer needs. At Rocket Alumni Solutions, instead of pushing our product, we hosted free workshops with school administrators to discuss their alumni engagement challenges. This "reverse selling" approach provided invaluable insights that directly influenced our product features, leading to a 30% increase in lead conversion rates.
Another key insight is the importance of rapid iteration based on real-time data. For example, we built multiple SEO-oriented landing pages to test different search terms quickly. By achieving first-page rankings for these pages, we attracted inbound leads that converted into scheduled demos. This data-driven approach not only increased our web traffic but also emphasized the need for adaptability in product development.
Lastly, the power of a cohesive team cannot be overstated. Many of the people I started with as college friends are now full-time employees, and our collaborative environment has driven innovation. Building a dedicated team that shares a vision can lead to significant company milestones, like growing our ARR to over $2 million without outside investment.

Kunal Madan · Answer

In my entrepreneurial journey, the most valuable lesson I've learned about product development is that it's an iterative process, not a one-time event. Developing a product, like in my case of building Amarra, required multiple iterations based on customer feedback. When I founded USAPromDress.com, for instance, I saw the website evolve through continuous user interactions.
Another lesson I had was the significance of market research. Equipped with valuable data analytics skills, I used extensive market research before the development of our product at Amarra.
This helped us understand our user needs better, leading to a product that resonated well with our target market. Finally, preparing for scalability from the onset is crucial. With Amarra, we planned for a scalable architecture in the product development phase, allowing us to grow and manage high-value portfolios effectively.
Hence, continuous improvement, extensive market research, and scalability are key takeaways from my product development journey.

Amaury Ponce · Answer

One of the most valuable lessons I learned about product development is the importance of listening closely to customer feedback. Early in my career, when Ponce Tree Services was just starting out, we offered a very standard range of tree care services like trimming and removal. However, after several conversations with customers, I realized many were asking about tree health assessments, something not all companies provided at the time. This led me to pursue certification as a TRAQ arborist, enabling us to offer detailed tree evaluations that helped customers make more informed decisions about their trees' care and longevity. By addressing this need, we not only diversified our services but built stronger relationships with clients who appreciated the added expertise.
This shift did not happen overnight, but my years of hands-on experience with trees, combined with the knowledge I gained from my certification, allowed me to spot gaps in the market and fill them. By listening to customers and continuously improving the quality of service we provide, we were able to grow from a small family-run business into a trusted name in the DFW area. The lesson here is that product development doesn't always come from the boardroom. Often, it's the day-to-day conversations and a commitment to addressing real customer needs that lead to sustainable growth.

Damon Wu · Answer

One significant lesson I've learned in my entrepreneurial journey with Slipintosoft is the importance of understanding consumers' needs intimately. In product development, the consumer should always be at the heart of every decision. For instance, when we started developing our line of silk bedding, we conducted in-depth market research, identifying an untapped demand for luxurious, yet eco-friendly and skin-friendly products. 
Consequently, we oriented our product development toward creating sustainable, hypoallergenic, and thermoregulating silk bedding. The result was a range of products that not only fulfilled a market need but also stood out from common offerings, making a distinct mark for our brand. 
Currently, amid an increase in remote work, we noticed a heightened interest in home comfort. Capitalizing on this, we're innovating and expanding our product range to cater to this surge. In essence, always be in tune with your market. If you listen, it'll tell you what to create.

Katt Risen · Answer

Let me share a game-changing lesson I learned about product development: start with a demand-driven approach (this is what people really need) instead of a product-first approach (I think this is a cool product).
My first business attempt was classic first-time founder: I built something I thought was useful without validating if anyone actually wanted it. Spoiler alert: it flopped. But that failure taught me to flip my approach completely. Now, I start by digging into what people are already actively searching for and asking about. 
You look for patterns in:- Search data (Ahrefs, Build The Keyword)- Reddit threads (gold mine for real pain points!)- Quora questions- Facebook/LinkedIn groups- Amazon reviews in your potential niche
The key is looking for recurring problems and frustrations that people are willing to pay to solve. For example, if you see tons of Reddit threads asking "How do I X?" with hundreds of comments, or multiple Google searches around solving a specific problem - that's a signal of real demand.
Quick steps I recommend:Pick 2-3 niches you're interested inSpend 2 weeks just observing conversations and digging in search dataLook for problems mentioned repeatedlyValidate by engaging with potential customers BEFORE building anythingOnly then start developing your solution
Think of it like this: instead of pushing a product onto the market, you're letting the market tell you what it needs, then building exactly that. It's slower at first but saves so much time and money in the long run. The biggest mindset shift? You're not really starting with a product - you're starting with a problem that people are already actively trying to solve.

Josh Cremer · Answer

Cutting through the noise is crucial in product development. At Redfox Visual, we grew by crafting direct, clear messaging for clients rather than drowning them in jargon. For example, with The Idaho Lottery, we simplified their online presence to "win big" instead of overcomplicating the message, which helped them stand out.
Focusing on the customer's journey is another key lesson. When creating websites, we design them to effectively guide the user toward action, whether filling out a form or making a purchase. This focus on user experience makes the product not just visually appealing but a real sales tool, similar to how we created high-performing sites for Express Plumbing and City of Boise.
Lastly, I've learned to never underestimate the power of culturally aligned branding. We developed a brand package for Roe Painting that zeroed in on what made their service stand out. This approach resulted in strong customer loyalty from their target market. Understanding and integrating these unique qualities can drive a product's success in any competitive market.

Sabine Arslanian · Answer

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned in product development is the significance of listening closely to customer feedback. It's not just about hearing their words but truly understanding their needs and concerns. This insight drives innovation and helps refine the design to better fit user expectations. Every piece of feedback is a puzzle piece fitting into the bigger picture of creating a product that genuinely resonates with the audience. Trusting this process has been instrumental in crafting jewelry that not only looks beautiful but also meets our customers' real, functional needs.
The real value of listening to customer feedback lies in the deep understanding it provides. It allows us to bridge the gap between what we, as entrepreneurs, envision and what our customers truly desire. This approach has revolutionized our product development and overall brand philosophy. Furthermore, it has been crucial in building lasting relationships with our customers who feel heard and valued.

Trevor Bailey · Answer

The biggest game-changer for us at Taxfluence was realizing that product development isn't just about adding features - it's about removing friction. I remember spending weeks building this complex expense tracking system, but our contractor clients were actually struggling with basic stuff like knowing which receipts to keep. That taught me to always start super simple and only add complexity when users specifically ask for it.

Liga Rudzite · Answer

One key lesson I've learned in product development is the importance of validating ideas early and often with real customer feedback. It's tempting to invest heavily in creating a perfect product right away, but getting a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) into users' hands quickly provides invaluable insights. Often, customers reveal needs or pain points that weren't anticipated, allowing you to refine features and avoid costly adjustments later.
For example, during one project, we initially focused on a particular feature we thought was crucial; however, after MVP testing, we found that users prioritized a simpler design and faster onboarding. Adjusting based on this feedback not only saved resources but also led to higher user satisfaction. By grounding development in user feedback, you can better align with customer needs and create a product that truly resonates.

Shehar Yar · Answer

One crucial lesson I've learned about product development as an entrepreneur is the importance of iterative feedback loops. Early in my journey with Software House, I realized that launching a product without gathering input from potential users often led to misaligned expectations and costly revisions. Emphasizing the need for continuous feedback from stakeholders—whether they are customers, team members, or industry experts—has been transformative.
By employing methods like minimum viable products (MVPs) and beta testing, we can release versions of our software that allow users to test features and provide insights before the full-scale launch. This approach not only helps us identify and address pain points early on but also builds a sense of ownership and loyalty among our users, who feel their input is valued. Ultimately, embracing an iterative process fosters innovation and ensures that the final product aligns closely with market needs, leading to greater customer satisfaction and long-term success.

Ronan Ye · Answer

One key lesson I've learned about product development is the importance of early and continuous customer feedback. At 3ERP, we involve clients from the prototype phase, allowing us to make adjustments based on their needs and preferences. This approach not only ensures that the final product meets market demand but also builds trust and long-term relationships. My advice is to prioritize communication with your customers throughout the development process to create products that truly resonate with them.

Marouen Zelleg · Answer

One key lesson I've learned in product development is that user feedback should drive iteration, not initial design. Early in our journey at Crestal, we invested months building a feature we believed users would love, only to find that they wanted something different once they started using it. Now, instead of spending excessive time perfecting a feature upfront, we release a minimum viable version to get real user input as quickly as possible.
This approach allows us to adapt based on actual user needs, which has consistently led to a better product fit. My advice to other entrepreneurs is to involve users early, even if the product isn't polished. Real-world feedback is invaluable for shaping features that truly add value, and it saves time by ensuring you're building what people genuinely want, not just what you imagine they need.

Sahil Kakkar · Answer

One lesson I've learned about product development is to prioritize "scalability from the start." We launched a feature that gained traction faster than anticipated, but we hadn't designed it to handle high demand. This oversight led to system bottlenecks and required us to re-engineer the feature to support more users—time that could have been saved with scalable architecture.
Now, every new feature is built with future growth in mind, ensuring it can scale as usage grows. This lesson underscored the importance of thinking ahead in product development, especially in a data-heavy industry like SEO where rapid growth is possible. By focusing on scalability, we've been able to expand our offerings smoothly and support our clients' evolving needs.

Praveen Kumar · Answer

I learned the hard way that customers don't always want what we think they need when I spent months developing complex features that went unused. I now start with a basic version and get real feedback from 10-15 users before investing heavily in development - this saved me countless hours and resources on my latest digital tool launch. While it's tempting to add every feature possible, I've found that solving one core problem really well is much more valuable than doing many things in a mediocre way.

Abhi Madan · Answer

In the fashion industry, every product is an unspoken story, subtly aligning aesthetics, comfort, and pragmatism in a beautiful ballet. My key lesson from years of creating high-end attire is to listen to your customers and the whispers of the market, but never lose your unique creative voice. 
An insightful instance was when we noticed a growing market demand for environmentally conscious fashion. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, we incorporated sustainability in a quintessentially Amarra way, crafting handmade gowns with sustainably sourced materials that retained their enchanting appeal. 
The appreciation we received was enormous, reinforcing my belief that successful product development balances market trends and creative authenticity.

Sophie Marasco · Answer

One important lesson I've learned about product development is that customer feedback is invaluable. Early on in my entrepreneurial journey, I launched products based on what I thought would work, but quickly realized that the best products are those that align with actual customer needs. By actively seeking feedback from customers—whether through surveys, focus groups, or direct conversations—I was able to fine-tune my offerings and make sure they were addressing the problems my audience faced.
For example, when we first launched a new line of floral arrangements for weddings, the initial designs didn't resonate with our target market. After gathering feedback from brides-to-be, we learned that they wanted more customizable options and a broader range of colors. By adapting to their input, we were able to relaunch a more successful line, which quickly became a bestseller. The key takeaway is that product development should be a dynamic, customer-driven process.

Charlie Clark · Answer

As someone who's helped launch countless websites, I've discovered that getting real feedback early is worth more than months of planning in isolation. I once spent weeks perfecting a site's features, only to find out users couldn't figure out the navigation - now I test with just 5 users before making any major changes. What really works for me is sharing rough prototypes with trusted clients first, even if they're just sketches on paper, because their honest reactions always reveal blind spots I missed.

Shannon Beatty · Answer

After 20 years in real estate, I've learned that the best product improvements come from actually doing the work alongside your customers. Last year, I personally handled 50 house purchases to understand where sellers get stuck, which led us to develop our 24-hour initial offer system. I'd encourage any entrepreneur to regularly step into their customers' shoes - you'll find insights you'd never get from market research alone.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

One lesson I've learned in product development is to treat customer feedback as a compass, not a checkpoint. Early on, I launched a tech product that seemed perfect on paper. After gathering user feedback, I quickly realized it missed the mark. The features customers valued most weren't the ones we'd spent months perfecting.
We had to pivot. It wasn't about scrapping the vision; it was about refining it. We adjusted our roadmap and continuously iterated based on real user needs. The experience taught me that adaptation isn't a sign of failure—it's a strength. Listening closely and being ready to tweak the plan can mean the difference between a product that resonates and one that fades into the background.

Ketie Zhang · Answer

Product development taught me the importance of understanding our customers on a deeper level. Early in my journey with KetieStory, I realized the value of listening to feedback, knowing not just what our clients say, but why they say it. This approach allowed us to refine our products to meet specific needs, like the demand for eco-friendly materials. 
For instance, we introduced biodegradable options in our artificial bouquets, which resonated with environmentally conscious brides and expanded our market. Being willing to iterate based on real-world feedback and trends doesn't just enhance our offerings; it keeps us relevant. The insight here is simple: stay close to your audience, adapt swiftly, and never overlook the small details that might captivate your customers. This mindset has been a cornerstone of our growth and success.

Gabrielle Reese · Answer

One key lesson I've learned about product development is the power of creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to validate ideas and gather user feedback. When I started my educational company, I launched our initial course with just a few core lessons targeting common challenges international students face. This bare-bones approach not only saved resources but also provided early insights, leading to a 30% increase in enrolled students within the first six months.
Additionally, cash flow management is paramount in early product development. During my bootstrapping phase, I carefully tracked income and expenses, allowing us to reinvest profits into expanding course content. This disciplined approach helped maintain financial stability and facilitated a rapid scale-up. Prioritize spending on value-driving elements to ensure your product grows effectively and sustainably.

What Are Key Lessons in Product Development for a Business Development Manager?

What Are Key Lessons in Product Development for a Business Development Manager?

Listen and Adapt to Client Needs

Transform Challenges into Innovative Solutions

Start Small, Test, and Expand

Prioritize Core Functionality Over Features

Leverage Unconventional Customer Insight Strategies

Embrace Iterative Development and Research

Address Needs Through Continuous Improvement

Develop Products Based on Consumer Demand

Focus on Clear Messaging and Experience

Understand and Integrate Customer Feedback

Simplify by Removing Unnecessary Complexity

Validate Ideas with Minimum Viable Products

Implement Continuous Feedback in Development

Involve Clients from Prototype Phase

Design for Scalability from the Start

Balance Market Trends with Creative Authenticity

Align Products with Actual Customer Needs

Test Early with Real Users

Gain Insights by Working Alongside Customers

Treat Customer Feedback as a Compass

Understand Customers on a Deeper Level

Create MVP to Validate Ideas

Prioritize Scalability in Product Architecture

Build What Users Want, Not Assumptions

Listen Closely to Shape Valuable Features