Assumption is the mother of all …..

"Assumption is the mother of all ..... up"

“ Along the way, I have learnt never to assume anything ….. always test your idea to ensure the customer sees and wants what you see and feel.?Don’t ignore the feedback, however much you want to, because it will lead to failure not success.”

Source: Andy Hamer

As a seasoned technology professional, I've learned this lesson the hard way. Throughout my career, I've witnessed numerous examples of how assumptions can lead to wrong decisions that ultimately fail instead of succeed. In this post, I want to share some of my experiences and insights on avoiding assumptions and embracing feedback to achieve your goals.

One of my earliest experiences was working on a Lego-style computing system called N-Gen. The assumption was that everyone would want to buy it and that it would increase productivity. However, customer feedback showed that it was a risky investment because it was quite radical, and nothing else was like it. To de-risk its purchase, we took a whole office on the road to demonstrate the advantages of the connected office, but despite the roadshow's success, it failed to take off at the growth levels management wanted.

Another lesson I learned early in my career was the importance of speaking up. I once saw something in a promotion that no one else did, but I didn't say anything because I thought I needed to be more senior for anyone to take notice of my comments. The GM told me always to speak up because I would be taken seriously one day because of my experience. From that day on, I have always spoken up when I believe something is wrong or understood.

Over the years, I've seen management make assumptions about things they don't know enough about, such as the enabling technology needed to deliver their solution, the customer's services needed to procure complex solutions or the users' capabilities to use the software.

In every complex world of technology, very few new innovations don't need enabling technology to support delivery, and there is a critical need to understand the enabling technologies' capabilities and limitations fully. If you don't know, don't assume and seek advice to save you from wasting time and money and directly impacting the potential of your new solution.

My takeaways from these experiences are clear.

Always test assumptions and gather feedback before making decisions.

It's essential to understand how customers will buy and how much they're willing to pay; by doing so, you can avoid assumptions that may lead to failure and ensure the success of your products and solutions.

In the complex world of technology, there are very few new innovations which don't need enabling technology to support delivery. There is a critical need to fully understand the enabling technologies' capabilities and, importantly, its limitations. If you don't know, don't assume, and seek advice. It will save you wasting time and money and directly impact the potential of your new solution.

Pay attention to your staff when they are concerned, irrespective of their level or experience. They may just see things you can't, discuss their concerns, and do more research to produce a consensus. It's important to remember that challenging isn't the same as disagreeing, and constructive feedback can help you identify blind spots and enhance your perspective.

In conclusion, avoiding assumptions and embracing feedback is the key to success in technology. We must learn from our mistakes and use them as opportunities to grow and improve. By doing so, we can create products and solutions that meet the needs of our customers, enhance our capabilities, and drive innovation. So, take it from me; always question your assumptions, listen to feedback, and keep learning.

If you're reading this and nodding your head in agreement with the importance of avoiding assumptions and embracing feedback, then I would like you to take action. Don't let the same mistakes that others have made hold you back. Seek expert advice and guidance to help you navigate the complex world of technology and make informed decisions.

I understand the challenges that come with making assumptions and ignoring feedback, and I’m here to help support you in your journey.

To help you get started, I’m offering a 60-minute free call. During this call, I’ll listen to your challenges and concerns, provide feedback and advice, and help you develop a roadmap for success. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights into how to avoid assumptions and embrace feedback.

So, don't wait any longer. Take advantage of our free call and let us help you achieve your technology goals. Contact us today to schedule your call, and let's work together to build a brighter future for your business.

Book a call using this link: https://calendly.com/gorilla-revops/discovery-chat .

Author

Andy Hamer BA (Hons) Marketing Engineering FCIM

Building a business based on disruptive technologies can be a challenging task, I'm passionate about helping customers find solutions to improve their businesses and increase profitability while minimizing risk.

With a proven track record of delivering disruptive technologies to market in the UK and globally, my diverse portfolio of experience in commercial, sales, marketing, and operations allows me to offer consultancy services that align businesses for success.

Think of me as your personal “Google Maps” for business, processing and making sense of the overwhelming amount of information and variables in the business world to help you navigate your journey. I've worked with various medium-sized businesses and start-ups, including CodeBook, Xinaps, Invicara, XYZ Reality, and Archdesk, helping them to grow and scale.

I've also worked with major technology companies such as IBM, DEC, Apple, Toshiba, Panasonic, and global services businesses like ATT, BT, CSC, NTT, KDD, and Deutsche Telecom to understand the opportunities for new product and services based on new technologies.

My consultancy services are founded on commercially aligning businesses for success, and I offer them in-person, remotely, and in a hybrid format to clients in the UK and internationally.

Your business is my business, and I'm committed to working with you to help your business scale and grow through developing a clear commercial operational strategy.

Don't just take my word for it - let my clients speak to my expertise and approach:

"We discussed our business opportunities with him. He is among the few knowledgeable people about the AEC industry and its needs and is a great guy for marketing questions and processes."

"Andy brought great insight to my business with ideas on improving processes and the use of technology. We've also had several strategy sessions to examine how we can approach the market more dynamically by offering better solutions."

“Andy has worked for me on several projects and brought great insight to my business with ideas on improving the processes and use of technology. We have also had several strategy sessions to examine how we can approach the market more dynamically by offering better solutions.”

So let's get started with a 60-minute discovery session to discuss how I can help you meet your growth objectives. Book a call using this link: https://calendly.com/gorilla-revops/discovery-chat .

?

“Andy has worked for me on several projects and brought great insight to my business with ideas on improving the processes and use of technology. We have also had several strategy sessions to examine how we can approach the market more dynamically by offering better solutions.”

So let's get started with a 60-minute discovery session to discuss how I can help you meet your growth objectives. Book a call using this link: https://calendly.com/gorilla-revops/discovery-chat .