Feed back and implementation #lessonslearntfromapracticalbrandimplementation!

Feed back and implementation

The minimum viable product

The ability of the entrepreneur to collect feedback and implement on the data collected cannot be over emphasized

In the previous post we dealt with the concept of the minimum viable product being; that version of a new product which allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning.

This provides the entrepreneur with a unique opportunity to involve the customer in the overall production process from the choice of the raw materials to be used and how it is sourced, to the colors to be used, to the shape and the size of the packaging material to be used to the quality and performance of the product.

An effective feedback system doesn’t have to be complex, it should be as simple as possible and void of unnecessary complex procedures and processes.

Feedback could be collected on social platforms, through retailers and wholesalers etc. the idea is to identify who the customers are talking to and where, then listen, collect, measure the information and then implement what has been learnt.  

For aloha,                                                                                                                         

When we sought to collect feedback, we looked at our sales network, wholesale gave us some great feedback, and the retailers had creative analogies for us.

With the wholesalers: they deal mostly directly with the retailers collecting for their various stores, this retailers gave their honest opinions about the products to the wholesalers, the colors aren’t bright enough, the bottle shapes are regular, etc most of the challenges they spotted were unique to their process of buying for their stores, and what they perceived would sell fast and be worth their shelve spaces. I.e. help them optimize shelve space for high returns and speed of sale. Their perspective was clear it was pertaining their ability to sell the products.

The retailers on the other hand have a direct relationship with the final consumer and from them we got very penetrating feedback, the scent is too strong, the wash quality could be better, the product could lather better, it latter’s better with soft water than with hard water, very real information from the final consumer which was and is vital to our success as a business

You’ll notice the feedback from both levels where critically important, one bothered on the ability of the wholesaler to make sales, and also on the ability of the retailer to make sales which controlled whether they made a purchase from the wholesaler or not, the next set of feedback on the retailers side which came directly from the end user which are integral to our overall bottom line. I.e.  Our ability to sell

Now the trick is to:

•         Build a relationship with everyone in the value chain .i.e. wholesalers, retailers and end users too.
•    Listen to them, sometimes when you arrive at their stores the first thing you hear is eheen (Nigerian vernacular for affirming a statement, a very informal prefix to sentences) this products ehn (ehn serves almost the same function as the first eheen except this time it’s used as a suffix ) people like them ooh! (ooh- Nigerian vernacular for exclamation) or they said (the consumers said) you guys should reduce the scent, improve this, do that, and this are all valuable information that when implemented go a long way to help improve sales.

Long and short of it is this, the consumer actually loves giving feedback on their experience using the/a product or service, they relate more closely to the platform that sells directly to them, whether it’s your website, blog, a BBM channel, WhatsApp group, Facebook page or its actual retail stores or malls. Creating a system that allows them do this and implementing on their suggestions where valid and possible goes a long way to show that you’re listening and you’re well on your way to building/creating brand loyalty

I trust this has been helpful, please let us know. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Aloha