The Most Important Thing

As we delve dove head-first into Lever’s framework, it is evident that prioritization is key. Understandably so. As founders, it feels like our task list is more of a book, and time, resources, and mental bandwidth constantly constrain us.

But let’s face it, prioritizing is a tough gig. We typically lack sufficient data, everything screams urgency, and sometimes, the most prominent thing we realize is just how much remains unknown.

So, when we were probed this week to pinpoint the "most important thing" for our business, the task wasn't as straightforward as I thought.

Cancer, Fire, Knife

In our first week, we were introduced to the concept of "Cancer, Fire, Knife." Morbid? Perhaps. But it's become a terminology Harry Park and I have integrated into our daily discussions.

Imagine you've just been diagnosed with cancer – that becomes your priority...your most important thing. But let's say as you're processing this, the doctor's office catches fire...you have a new priority. Evading that imminent danger now tops your list. And in this chaotic scene, now someone threatens you with a knife! Your direct safety from this danger becomes the sole focus.

This analogy paints a vivid picture of fluctuating priorities in life and business. The core message: today's urgency might fade into insignificance tomorrow. The ability to adapt is key.

Mining for Empathy

In a previous post, I questioned the irony of helming a company focused on extracting insights from vast data sets, only to find myself drowning in my sea of feedback. Believe me, I see the humor.

What has this taught me? We have an immense amount of empathy for our customers.

This week, as I resumed a regular rhythm of customer discovery and sales calls, I've clocked countless hours engaging with clients and partners. Then it struck me – they're navigating their own "cancer, fire, knife" scenarios. Of course, they are.

Much like our journey, our customers are expected to make snap decisions with incomplete information. It's easy to question their methods from the sidelines - wondering, for instance, how one manages a business without knowing the margins across different aspects of their business. But in the thick of things, they might be tackling system malfunctions, managing unexpected staff shortages, or even dealing with a personal crisis, like a kid who thought jumping onto a mattress on the roof (not that I have any firsthand experience with that, mind you ??).

At Tromml, our perspective remains clear: These oversights or errors? They aren’t the fault of the seller. The real culprit is the overwhelming barrage of data they must juggle daily. Yet, ironically, this very data can be their secret weapon.

Vendors, We Need to Up Our Game

In today's dynamic business world, software vendors are central players. It doesn't matter if you're catering to budding e-commerce enterprises or a Fortune 100 league. Your real merit isn't just about providing tools or datasets. It's about aiding your clientele in filtering this avalanche of data to spotlight what's crucial and actionable.

There's a prevalent notion that amassing data translates to enhanced value. In truth? It can often translate to added chaos and ambiguity.

As we determine the notion of the "most important thing" for our clients, its important we ask ourselves, "are we amplifying the noise or cutting through it?"

Your offerings should not only be able to relay data but also illuminate actionable insights within it. It's hard, but it's important. Assist your clientele – be they fledgling e-commerce ventures or multinational giants – in recognizing their "most important thing." It’s less about inundating them and more about providing laser-focused guidance.

By doing so, you transition from being a mere supplier to a pivotal ally in their narrative. Let’s aspire to be the guiding light, not the storm that illuminates direction.