Your Problem Isn't Unique

By John Malmo

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkno/local-wkno-885914.mp3

02-17-2010: Your Problem Isn't Unique, by John Malmo.

Memphis, TN – Experienced marketing people know that most new products come first from recognizing a need or a problem, and then fulfilling that need or solving that problem What holds back most people who have a personal need or problem from figuring out how to fulfill or solve it is that they believe their problem is unique. It never occurs to them that millions of others may have that very same need or experience that same problem.

Jennifer Herskowitz spent years scouring supermarket aisles for clearly labeled allergy-free products for her kids. Finally, she realized millions of other parents must have the same problem. She then had the self-confidence to open The Allergy Free Shop.

Michael Zimon's teachers called him an auditory learner because he had trouble absorbing written information. When he grew up, he began ReadTheWords.com, a site where other auditory learns can get a pleasant voice reading text back to them. There are many other such examples, but you get the point.

If you have a particular personal problem or need that's out of the mainstream, you're not unique. There are probably millions more out there like you. You just need a little research and self-confidence. If you can dream-up a solution, you might be able to turn it into a business.

John Malmo is a Memphis marketing consultant with more than fifty years experience. He is former chairman of Archer Malmo Advertising and specializes today in helping small businesses grow. To reach Mr. Malmo - or to buy a copy of his book When on the Mountain There is no Tiger, Monkey Is King - go to http://www.johnmalmo.com.