The power of problem statements

This is from the QSB Newsletter. They have good project management tips every month and this one seems fitting for a lot of us. Six Sigma or not!

A problem statement is a short but concise description of a problem. In just 2-3 sentences, a problem statement should describe, in simple language, what the problem is, how often it happens and how serious the problem is for the business.

Sounds easy? Well, in reality, project teams often find it quite difficult to reach agreement on what the problem is. Even when a team appears to share the same view on the problem, differences in opinion can surface when the team try to summarise the problem into a short statement of 2-3 sentences.

So, problem statements help to develop a shared vision within the project team. In addition, they also help to gain consensus between the project sponsor and the project team, since a problem statement is a critical part of a project charter - signed off at the end of the Define phase. In summary, the power of problem statements lies in the fact that they force the team to sit down, discuss and understand the problem, before everyone rushes off in different directions trying to solve it!

Why develop Information products

Why should you? Here is my list which I am doing in1 sitting off the top of my head. I think it could be endless.

1. For your own learning experience
2. Best advertising you have.
3. Creates opportunity to obtain customer information.
4. Build trust with our potential clients.
5. Can partner with others to gain more exposure.
6. Multiple products create a large product.
7. Able to re-purpose for other uses.
8. Direct mail piece.
9. Handout for salesperson.
10. Download
11. Basis for a speech or a talk
12. Magazine article
13. PR release
14. Test market an idea

Write Baby, Write!

Career Secrets converted to Your Marketing Machine

I have just finished reading "The Adventures of Johnny Bunko" by Dan Pink. It was written in comic book format and was actually an easy and fun read. But his six career secrets(in bold below) in the book are an excellent introduction to the development of a marketing system, here's why:

1. There is no plan: Developing a system requires action, the result is a plan and if you do it right, you will build a plan and no one will know it.


2. Think strengths, not weaknesses: Target market, Ideal client, do I need to say more?


3. It's not about you: Your customer probably does not care about a lot of the points you try to get across, he cares about who demonstrates best how they can make him more money or make his life easier.


4. Persistence trumps talent: People have a tendency to forget, the tortoise won!


5. Make excellent mistakes: Try doing things that others haven't done, be original!


6. Leave an imprint: Stand out from the crowd, tough for you to do, create a smaller crowd. Read item 2 again.

Dan Pink is also the author of A Whole New Mind and Free Agent Nation.

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