Comments on: It is satisfying, but rarely profitable, serving early adopters.

By: Richardvaf

Richardvaf — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 21:13:04 +0000

__123__It is satisfying, but rarely profitable, serving early adopters. | BERKONOMICS__123__

By: Dave Key

Dave Key — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:28:21 +0000

Depressing though insightful.

At FileNet we invented Business Process Management (we called WorkFlo) in 1985. While it facilitated the sale of Enterprise Content Management systems, we lost money on our BPM product for years while our ECM product paid the bills. Customers weren’t willing to pay much money for a new category of product.

So I agree that breakout product often don’t generated a lot of money early on, but they can provide a halo effect for your other products.

Great article!

By: Bob Bennett

Bob Bennett — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:36:20 +0000

I enjoy every one of your articles and appreciate the great insights.

But this was my favorite. Not only do I remember this implementation and all the buzz, I have a few of these stories myself.

By: John T

John T — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:23:41 +0000

I am surprised that you did not specifically point out that a missing in your one week challenge was a written agreement. In the mometary excitment of getting the verbal ‘win’, I make this same mistake over and over, leaving it verbal whereas a lawyer would say “if it isn’t in writing, it doesn’t exist”. On the other hand, the market result was more functionality in your mainline product, and you were able to serve more people at a lower cost. Reminds me of your Dark Fiber after the Bubble analysis.

By: Clarence

Clarence — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:32:24 +0000

Fabulous story!