Opinionated software products with a unique point of view are more likely to succeed in the market.
Focusing on the value that features deliver can create a clear point of view, even with minimal feature differentiation.
Deep dives
The Value of an Opinionated Product
Opinionated software products, often developed by founders with a unique point of view, are more likely to be successful. However, many companies fail to effectively communicate their point of view in their marketing and sales efforts due to focusing too much on features. A real-world example is given with Sampler, a company that revolutionized the traditional sampling program by using digital targeting and feedback to build relationships with customers.
Developing and Articulating a Point of View
Developing a point of view on the market can be reverse-engineered from a company's differentiated value and market insight. The example of Sampler's point of view is used to explain how they believe traditional sampling programs focus on quantity rather than impact. It is emphasized that an articulated point of view is crucial for effective commercial storytelling and contextualizing differentiation.
Translating Differentiation into Value
Even when products have minimal feature differentiation, companies can create a clear point of view by focusing on the value that their features deliver. An example is provided with IBM's database division, where the perceived similarities between databases were overshadowed by the value proposition of flexibility and innovation in a stack versus efficiency and integrated solutions. Ultimately, a well-articulated point of view can help customers understand the true impact and value of a differentiated product.