Every time I moved home (of which I lost count), I spent days looking at properties. Figuring out if one fit my requirements was fairly straightforward. Location? Check. Size? Check. The real challenge was to imagine how each property would look once reorganised to suit my style and needs.
When I was developing apps or games, my clients had to face a similar challenge. They had to buy into the idea without seeing the final product.
Every time anyone starts a new venture, they have to prioritise. Do you go for functionality, or do you go for the eye-candy, the bells and whistles.
My message to entrepreneurs is this: polish your product. A website that looks like something out of the 90s (at best) isn’t appealing. It’s challenging to imagine how a final product would look.
To the investors I say: try to look beyond the cosmetics. Getting the cosmetics right is fairly straightforward. Is the engine solid? Is it innovative? Does it WORK? The prettiest product is useless if it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to.
There’s a gap between entrepreneurs and investors. One seeks functionality, the other focuses on market appeal. But really, these are two sides of the same coin. A beautiful cardboard car won’t win races. On the other hand, it would be a shame to miss out on the perfect home just because it needed a lick of paint.
So don’t judge the app by its cover, but don’t have an ugly cover, either. And let’s keep innovating together!
Optimising My Life 