Market Feedback
  By Debbie Cline

One of the biggest factors that will change the direction of a startup is market feedback. The market is the only true validator of any great idea. Even with investors throwing cash at you, all that means is that you’ve developed a convincing sales pitch. Many companies thought that their product or service was the home run idea and then listened to the data and pivoted. Here are just a few:
 
  • Nintendo tried their hand at vacuum cleaners, a “love hotel”, a taxi company and TV network before entering the gaming industry in 1974
  • Starbucks started off in 1971 selling espresso makers and coffee beans before they turned to fresh brewed coffee
  • Zume was founded and raised $375M as a robot made pizza company in 2015 but recently shuttered that business, pivoting to sustainable packaging
  • YouTube wanted you to “Tune In and Hook Up” in 2005 when it started as a video based dating service before it became the massive streaming service that it is today
Remember, you don’t have to be a day one success to be a long term success. You can do it!


Debbie is co-founder, chief of customer success at Buzzy Rocket and yellow lab lover. From LA to London, she is well known as an expert in creating that certain elusive magic that drives explosive growth at the intersection of companies, customers and mobile. She has proven strategic vision, and isn’t afraid to get in the trenches. In fact, she’s been doing this at companies big and small for 25+ years. Her background includes executive level positions at both public companies and startups where she has proven over and over again that her passion, drive and results oriented perspective get it done. She is tenacious, loves the game changer and loves to win.

Debbie is co-founder, chief of customer success at Buzzy Rocket and yellow lab lover. From LA to London, she is well known as an expert in creating that certain elusive magic that drives explosive growth at the intersection of companies, customers and mobile. She has proven strategic vision, and isn’t afraid to get in the trenches. In fact, she’s been doing this at companies big and small for 25+ years. Her background includes executive level positions at both public companies and startups where she has proven over and over again that her passion, drive and results oriented perspective get it done. She is tenacious, loves the game changer and loves to win.

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