If you are embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, where do you begin? coWORKer Brian has a lot of experience in the startup world and his first point to the group:  If you’re expecting to be a success, you’d better understand what problem you are solving.

It might be as simple as quelling boredom on the bus with a mobile game or making street-crossing safer with improved markings.  The key is understanding how your product will make your customer’s life better.  Only then can you make an effective offering to the appropriate audience.

Jason Teteak’s TEDx talk about engaging your audience when speaking falls right in line with this concept. “Tell them the why before the what” is his first point.  In other words: Why should they care? What’s in it for them? Jason asserts that all people want three things: to be happy, successful, and free.  If you can articulate at the onset how what you are about to present will help them achieve any or all of these goals, then they’ll pay attention.

This should be an easy one for WORK.  Let me take a shot…

What problem are we trying to solve? 

The three pitfalls of working independently: distraction, isolation, and lack of professionalism.

Why should you care?

If you currently work from home, having friendly coworkers will make you happy, being surrounded by productive professionals will make you more successful, and having a flexible contract will free you from the financial commitment of a traditional office.

If you currently commute, connecting with your local community will make you happy, having more time for work-life balance will improve your success, and spending less time in the car will set you free.

Did it work?  Did I get your attention?  Now you try.

Written and photographed by Natasha Juliana. Edited by Linda Jay. Curious about Coffee Social?  Join us Tuesdays at 10 AM.