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What problem are you trying to solve?
Anyone can come up with a solution, whether you consider yourself creative or not. But a key without a lock is useless as is a lock without a key.
If ever there were a secret to business success and productivity, this would be it: state the problem you believe you’re trying to solve in the form of a question before you even consider looking for an answer/solution. It may take several, dozens, or hundreds of questions until you find the right one. At some point that question will replicate the sound of a light bulb being turned on.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s much easier to find something if you know what you’re looking for.
Whether your problem is finding the type of business you’d like to start or creating a healthier diet plan, the solutions to those problems must begin with questions.
Remember that annoying person at the end of the conference table in your meetings? Mike or Mary would continuously ask questions, some “stupid”, some straight-forward, some brilliant. Looking back at that meeting, the huge trap they referred to as their mouth was responsible for pushing everyone in new directions and really made us think before suggesting “let’s make a website for it” or “let’s put one of those giant inflatable gorillas on the roof”.
If your question was “how can we get the attention of passerbys?” a giant inflatable gorilla on the roof could be the answer. But chances are the initial question was something to the effect of “why are sales so low?”. Continuously rephrasing that initial question will eventually lead to the heart of the problem and the solutions will present themselves on a buffet platter.
12 Comments
Young Jeezy Music » What problem are you trying to solve? said on March 9, 2007
[…] post by Travis and plugin by Elliott […]
questions » Blog Archive » What problem are you trying to solve? said on March 9, 2007
[…] Original post by Travis […]
“Smart Questions” is a book that goes along these lines. I’d check it out.
Good advice and questions. I think more business people and entrepreneurs would benefit more if they thought like philosophers rather than managers.
Great advice, Travis!
Steli Efti said on March 9, 2007
The quality of your questions define the quality of your life! Great post Travis!
Great article! Indeed, you “must” have a clear objective or clear question in order to bring about a solution. Now, the solution may not always be right, but by starting with the right question…you’re bound to find the right path sooner or later.
Mat said on March 11, 2007
Great article.. thought provoking.
My problem is how to get shirts onto people’s backs.! I’ve found that it’s hard to convince people that a custom tailored shirt is worth it. Once they have one, they’re hooked. But how do I get that critical first shirt onto their back!
They are SO worth it too…
I’ve worn more dress shirts than most at my age. I’ve gone to church on Sundays since I was born, at one point wore a dress shirt everyday for 2 years, and worked at Nordstrom’s where I had to wear a dress shirt.
Tailored or Custom shirts are worth every penny. Just the comfort factor alone is worth the extra $20 you’ll pay let alone the fact that you’ll look 10x better.
Every collared shirt I buy goes to the tailor to be fitted. The main benefit is you don’t have all of that extra poofy fabric on sides after you tuck in a dress shirt that is made for someone 25 lbs heavier than you.
[…] Problems are like debts — everyone has them, but no one really wants to talk about them. But being specific about the problem you’re trying to solve can be a great way to get solutions to that problem. So before trying to list solutions, ask yourself: what problem am I trying to solve? […]
marxist said on March 13, 2007
i used to hate the mike’s and mary’s for wasting my time. maybe it’s time i listened….
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