Often, software, hardware, and Internet entrepreneurs pursue passion projects or come across one of those “great ideas”. Those ideas that are depicted in cartoons with a light bulb turning on above someone’s head. Passion and great ideas are important components of a great new product and company. But unfortunately, the list of key ingredients to […]
Balancing Strategy and Execution in Tech Companies
Most of us have heard some variation of the old axiom, “Don’t worry about strategy, it’s all in the execution.” Strategy vs execution is an ancient argument. I often say that I prefer an average strategy and great execution, rather than the opposite. However, the reality is that in most cases, a tech business’s success […]
Platforms, Applications and the Software Market Lifecycle
a In the early days of a software market segment, people building new software applications often try to be all things to all people. The idea of a “software platform” is usually not a consideration. The segment is typically growing fast, and the idea is to meet as many market needs as possible. But as […]
Corporate Constraints in Tech Product Strategy Development
It’s obviously important to have as good a product strategy as possible in any company, but especially in the dynamic, fast-moving markets that software and hardware companies often compete in. Corporate strategy development is critical for tech product companies. But I also subscribe to the old notion that it’s better to have an average strategy […]
The Tech Industry Balancing Act: Innovation vs. Process
The question of how to balance innovation and process is an age-old management argument in companies of many types, but is especially critical in software and hardware companies. Which is more effective: a “loose” work culture that allows experimentation and “constructive failure”, thereby fostering innovation. Or a more tightly-controlled environment that puts a premium on […]