The Intersection of Product/Market Fit and Internet Connectivity: Insights for Startups

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Hatched by Glasp

Jul 27, 2023

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The Intersection of Product/Market Fit and Internet Connectivity: Insights for Startups

Introduction:

Achieving product/market fit is a crucial milestone for startups, indicating that their offering resonates with customers. In this article, we will explore the framework shared by Rahul Vohra, CEO of Superhuman, to measure and improve product/market fit. Additionally, we will delve into the significance of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and its role in maintaining internet connectivity, using the recent incident involving Facebook as an example.

Understanding Product/Market Fit:

Product/market fit is evident when customers eagerly adopt a product, leading to rapid growth and positive financial outcomes. Vohra emphasizes the importance of measuring product/market fit by asking users a single question: "How would you feel if you could no longer use the product?" According to Vohra, the magic number for a strong product/market fit is 40%, with users answering "very disappointed."

Segmenting Users for Enhanced Insights:

To gain deeper insights into their users' preferences, Vohra suggests focusing on the "very disappointed" group and conducting surveys to understand their needs. By narrowing down the target market to those who love the product most, startups can uncover different markets where their product resonates strongly. Utilizing Julie Supan's high-expectation customer framework, which focuses on the most discerning individuals within the target demographic, can further refine the product offering.

Addressing User Feedback:

Once the key themes and preferences emerge from user surveys, it is essential to prioritize improvements that align with what users love about the product. Simultaneously, addressing the pain points and barriers that hold users back is crucial to prevent competition from overtaking the startup. Vohra recommends allocating equal time and effort to both aspects, doubling down on what users love and addressing their concerns.

Three Actionable Advice for Startups:

  • 1. Continuously Track Product/Market Fit: As a startup grows and encounters different user groups, it is crucial to monitor the product/market fit score. Early users may be more forgiving, while later users become more demanding. By tracking this metric, startups can identify areas for improvement and adapt their offerings accordingly.
  • 2. Prioritize Fit Over Premature Growth: Investors and advisors should avoid pushing for premature growth before achieving product/market fit. Rushing growth can lead to disaster. Startups need time and space to find their fit and launch their product in the right way.
  • 3. Avoid Surveying the Same User Multiple Times: To maintain the integrity of product/market fit measurements, it is essential not to survey the same user more than once. Repeated surveys can skew results and distort the understanding of user sentiments.

The Role of BGP in Internet Connectivity:

Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) serves as the backbone of internet connectivity, allowing networks to exchange routing information. Without BGP, the internet routers would not know how to direct traffic, rendering the internet non-functional. BGP enables networks to advertise their presence and routes to other networks, ensuring seamless communication.

The Facebook Incident:

The recent incident involving Facebook's disappearance from the internet highlights the criticality of BGP. Due to a withdrawal of route announcements, Facebook effectively disconnected itself from the internet, impacting its DNS servers and rendering them inaccessible to users. This incident serves as a reminder of the interdependence of networks and the importance of maintaining BGP protocols for uninterrupted connectivity.

Conclusion:

Achieving product/market fit is a significant milestone for startups, requiring a deep understanding of user preferences and pain points. By employing frameworks such as Vohra's and Supan's, startups can refine their offerings and enhance customer satisfaction. Simultaneously, maintaining robust BGP protocols ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity, as exemplified by the recent Facebook incident. By prioritizing product/market fit and internet connectivity, startups can lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth and success.

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