The thinking, project work, content, and processes that are Worksody are now a part of the Cospace Builders Program. Cospace is launching a new website in April 2012 to accommodate the needs of its members and of the greater Austin community. Business and product building and the ‘Builders Program’ are a key focus. Stay tuned!
The Problem Interview in 30 Minutes or Less
Here’s a simple template we use at Cospace Builders to conduct Problem Interviews. You know, the get out of the building and start solving problems worth solving kind of problem interviews. Our approach is influenced by one of our favorite authors and lean builders, Ash Maurya, and his book “Running Lean“.
Good luck!
Problem Interview Template
Before You Get Started
Tools needed: Paper & Pen
Location: In person or over the phone
Time Requirement: 20-30 minutes (max)
Prep: Lean Canvas, C-P-S Hypotheses (at a minimum)
Goal: Confirm Problem(s), Confirm Magnitude of Problem(s), and Identify Current Solution:
- How do customers rank the top 3 problems?
- What is the pain-level caused by these problems?
- How do customers solve these problems today?
Bonus: Solution Interview Prospect and Problem Interview Referrals
Welcome (Set the stage) – 2 minutes
Briefly set that stage for how the interview works:
Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us today. I appreciate it and it’s an important of our process.
Before we start, I’d like to stress that we do not have a finished product yet and our objective is strictly to learn from you — we’re not selling or pitching anything to you.
We are currently working on a (tool / product / service / business) for (customer segment) that (UVP (unique value proposition)). The idea came about (tell the story of how and where the idea came from). [ e.g. Cospace - We started Cospace because we, as entrepreneurs, needed a place where we could gather resources to help us build our businesses.]
The point of this interview is to confirm with you that the problems we are trying to solve are real and are important enough to be solved.
The way the interview works is simple: I’ll describe the key problems we are tackling and ask you if they resonate with you as problems and how painful or important they are to you to have them solved. I’ll also ask you if you have identified problems we haven’t. Then, I’ll ask you to rank the problems in importance, relative to each other.
Does that sound good? Any questions?
Collect Demographics (Test Customer Segment) – 3 minutes
Ask some introductory questions to collect basic demographics about this interviewee.
Before we go on to the problems, I’d like to ask you little bit about you and your organization.
Can you give me a short 30 second bio of your background and your role in this organization?
[ Response ]
Thank you.
Confirming the Problem(s) (Test Problem Hypotheses) – 3 minutes
Illustrate the top problems with a story and confirm that it is/isn’t a problem for them.
Okay, let me give you a context of the problem(s) we’re tackling.
The first problem we encountered. (tell the story) [ Example: AlumniCharger: The first problem we encountered for alumni association leaders is managing contacts and communications with active members. With the advent of social media to go along with email, it has become very difficult for alumni association leaders to maintain accurate communication channels for their members. ]
Is this a problem for you? Yes or no.
[ Response ]
The second problem we encountered (tell the story…). Is this a problem for you? Yes or no.
[ Response ]
The third problem we encountered (tell the story…). Is this a problem for you? Yes or no.
[ Response ]
Are there other problems you are experiencing that we have not identified? Please describe.
[ Response ]
Ranking the Problem(s) – 2 minutes
Restate the problems and ask for their ranking of the problems.
Okay, let’s drill down a little bit. Of the problems we just confirmed, let’s discuss how much of a problem it is for you. Here is the scale we’ll use:
- Must-have problem; solving this problem is important, if not critical, to the success of your business
- Nice-to-have problem; solving this problem is important, but I have a work around for the time being
- Not-a-problem; I don’t see this as a problem at this time
The first problem was (headline of problem) [ Example: AlumniCharger: Accurate communication channels ]
How would you grade this problem — must-have, nice-to-have, not-a-problem? [ Response ]
Repeat for each of the confirmed problems.
Okay, great. Now, let’s rank these problems relative to each other. Which are the most important to solve first?
[ Response ]
Keep track of the problems as + (must have), 0 (nice-to-have) and – (not-a-problem) and use simple numbering 1, 2, 3…to rank the problem priorities.
Explore Current Situation (Test Competition & Solution Hypotheses) – 10-15 Minutes
This is the heart of the interview and the best part? There is no script.
Go through each of the top problems in turn. Ask them how they solve the problem today. Then sit back and listen.
Let them go into as much detail as they wish. Ask follow-up questions but don’t lead the witness or try to convince them of the merits of a problem.
In addition to their raw responses, judge their tone and body language (if you’re doing an in-person interview) to confirm the problem and how actively they are or would like to pursue a solution.
Wrap Up (The Ask) – 2 Minutes
Have you earned their interest and trust? If so, they’ll commit to a follow-up interview and refer you to others.
I want to thank you for your time and participation in this interview. It’s extremely beneficial to ensure we build a great product that solves problems worth solving. Can I ask two favors of you before we close?
1. Can I follow-up with you in [ N ] 2-3 weeks [ however much time it takes to have mockups or a prototype of your proposed solution ] to share our proposed solution? [ Set the appointment ]
2. Would you be willing to introduce me to other people you may know who may be experiencing this same set of problems? [ Jot down the names and let them know you'll follow-up to get their contact information ]
Again, thank you for you time today. Good-bye.
Follow-Up (Thank You / Next Steps) – 3 minutes
Send a follow-up email within 24 hours to say ‘thank you’ and confirm next steps (solution interview and referrals).
To: [Name]
Thank you for your time today/yesterday. I appreciate your support and feedback.
As we discussed in the interview, you mentioned you would be interested in participating in a solution interview to review our proposed solution. What day/time works for you?
Also, you mentioned [Names of Referrals] would be interested in participating in a problem interview. Could you please make a short email introduction? If it’s easier for you, I would be willing to make the connection directly. It’s your call.
Thank you and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
All the best,
[Your name]
Interview with Laser Focus Coach Jason Blackburn
Jason Blackburn is the founder of Laser Focus Training and has been a member of Cospace since July 2011. He is a professional trainer, speaker, and real estate expert.
What are you working on?
Right now I am working on a new startup with developers I met at Cospace. We are building web and mobile apps for real estate professionals, and it is the most exciting thing I have worked on in a long time.
What’s your favorite new tool/resource/app/gadget/widget?
I have so many favorite toys. Buffer (for timely Twitter posts), Asana (project and to-do manager), and of course Evernote. But I love Yesware for Gmail. As a salesperson, Yesware allows me to save templates for common emails, it also allows me to track open rates and add to my CRM automatically. It is the coolest thing since sliced bread.
Who has inspired your work?
I have been blessed to have many great mentors in my life. But the person that has inspired me the most has been my father. Everything I have learned has been because of him. He either taught me what I needed to know or pointed me in the right direction. I feel lucky that I have been able learn from him throughout my career.
What tips would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?
Each day we make two choices: Excellence or Mediocrity. “Intentional Excellence” automatically happens when you see a negative in your performance, and take immediate positive action to correct it. “Intentional Mediocrity” is the natural state when you see a negative in your performance… and do nothing.
To achieve “Intentional Excellence” you must have a “Big Why” that powers you to take daily action that allows you to keep moving forward. Success requires that you do the things you don’t like doing, but are necessary to achieve the results you desire.
What has helped you become successful?
Learning to trust others. When I was younger I felt a need to do everything myself, or to micromanage those I worked with. Once I started trusting those around me to do what they do best, and letting them do it, I started seeing the results I desired happen faster. You can’t do it all, and so it is important to develop a great team around you, and even more important to trust that team to do what they do best.
What lessons have you learned from being in business?
The hardest thing to do on a daily basis is convince someone to buy your product or service. Everything starts with sales. A great idea is worthless if someone is not willing to buy it. You must make sure that your product or service is of value to someone and that you are able to communicate that value on a daily basis.
Exhibition: Voces Desesperadas by Teresa J. Parker
“Voces Desesperadas” is an exhibition of prints and drawings by recognized Chicago artist/curator/writer Teresa J. Parker.
Parker’s work, which often deals with issues pertaining to women and children, will feature 16 new prints and drawings at Cospace, in Austin, Texas through March 15th.
Half of the exhibit deals with Parker’s interests in Latin American religious culture, where she uses Milagros ”little miracles” as a symbol of prayer for healing. The series is primarily concerned with breast cancer awareness and survival. The other half of the exhibit shows a new direction for Parker’s work to address the US’s growing epidemic of family domestic violence.
Recent events in 2011 have seen a growing number of family domestic violence incidents whereby whole families have been killed by another relative, often due to financial distress, illness and feeling out of control. The situation has been made worse in the last five years due to the general economic turndown, and the uncertainty and projected fallout of the world banking system.
Parker has shown her work throughout the US, Mexico and recently, Central America. She has successfully built artistic networks in a period when making art has often been maligned in favor of professions focusing on quick financial gain and sensationalized media monopoly. She teaches art and art history at Benedictine University and College of DuPage, in Chicago. She is also Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at Benedictine University and has curated nearly two hundred exhibits of contemporary art.
Other works by Parker may be seen at www.teresajparker.com, and she contributes articles on contemporary printmakers at www.thatsinkedup.blogspot.com. To contact her directly email her at teresajparker@gmail.com.
Member News: Taecho Group Launches Brand New Site for Circuit of the Americas
Cospace team members Taecho Group (aka Adam McCombs and Robert Banh) are excited to announce the launch of their latest site, circuitoftheamericas.com. The new Circuit of the Americas features news and progress of the under-construction facility, which will host the most prestigious racing events in the world, including the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
“Circuit of the Americas is going to be an amazing addition to the Austin community. We are excited to be able to contribute to the project and we’re proud of our work,” says Adam.
Future plans for the site include ticket sales, a trip-planning application and Spanish translation.
J. Hilburn Fitting at Cospace 1/26 12pm-7pm
MEN: Are you looking for clothes that actually fit?
“Cause every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man.” ~ ZZ Top
Custom, quality, affordable, bespoke menswear is coming to you @ Cospace! (Suite 203)
Thursday, January 26th, 2012
By appointment: noon – 7pm
Melinda Taylor Independent Style Consultant
832.721.0511 melindataylor.jhilburn.com
Book your appointment today and earn a $50 credit toward your first order
New to Austin? Part I: The Food
We get a lot of people through Cospace who are recent Austin transplants, so we thought we’d put together a Welcome-to-Austin series with the basics.
Since moving all of those boxes has probably made you hungry, let’s start with food. The first thing you should know is that Austinites shy away from chains and go for independently-owned restaurants and trailers. You can find all of the following on Yelp. Here are some of our local favorites, in no particular order:
- Tacodeli (tacos)
- Z’Tejas (southwestern)
- Franklin BBQ (best brisket)
- Hoover’s (comfort food, dinner portions are huge)
- Noble Pig (sandwiches)
- The Odd Duck Farm To Trailer (amazing pork belly sliders)
- Barley Swine (restaurant version of Odd Duck)
- Gourdough’s (gourmet donuts, open to 3AM on weekends!)
- Casa Columbia (love their weekend ceviche)
- Moonshine (American)
- Max’s Wine Dive (American, great burgers and appetizers)
- Buenas Aires Cafe (Argentinian Food)
- San Francisco Bakery (sandwiches/cafe, tasty pastries/cookies)
- Sunflower (Vietnamese food, not pho, nor banh mi)
- Tomo Dachi (sushi)
- Mighty Cone (trailer, chicken/avocado cone is where it’s at)
- Amy’s Ice Cream
- Tiff’s Treats (cookies)
- Hey Cupcake
- Your Mom’s (burger bar)
- Mandola’s (Italian, best gelato in town)
- Din Ho (Chinese)
- Chuy’s (Tex Mex)
- Hula Hut (Hawaiian fusion, owned by Chuy’s)
- Shady Grove (comfort food, also owned by Chuy’s)
- Trudy’s (go for weekend brunch or Mexican martinis)
- Torchy’s (tacos)
- Salt Lick (BBQ)
- P Terry’s (fast food burgers)
- Hut’s (better burgers)
- Dirty Martins (great greasy burger)
- Clay Pit (Indian food, great lunch buffet)
- Sarovar (Indian food)
- Homeslice (arguably the best pizza in town)
- Rounders (pizza, tasty garlic knots too)
- Little Deli (pizza and sandwiches)
- Chi’lantro (korean taco truck)
- Flip Happy Crepes (trailer)
- Whole Foods Cafeteria (downtown)
- Kerbey Lane (breakfast, very Austin-y)
- Magnolia Cafe (breakfast, also very Austin-y)
- South Congress Cafe (American)
- Cool Haus (custom gourmet ice cream sandwiches, pick your cookies and ice cream, food truck, hard to find)
- Roaring Fork (American, pricey chain restaurant, but great happy hours)
- Haddington’s (American)
- Sullivan’s (American, reverse happy hour)
- 34th Street Cafe
- Asia Cafe (Chinese)
- Shanghai (dim sum)
- Baguette House (Vietnamese sandwiches, banh mi)
- Ho Ho (Chinese BBQ)
- Coco’s (Taiwanese)
- Titaya (Thai)
- Thai Passion (open until 3AM)
- Houndstooth (coffee)
- Uchi or Uchiko (sushi, sister restaurants)
Thanks to Dan Lien for sharing his master list of restaurants!
If you have something to add, by all means, please comment.
Six Degrees of Cospace
Austin’s a pretty tight-knit community, and Cospace is a good reflection of that. A lot of developers know other developers, startup folks know startup folks and so on. Regularly, someone will come into Cospace for a tour and run into someone else they know from a meetup group around town or an old company.
But sometimes, it goes beyond that.
- A few months ago, when Ari Stiles joined Cospace, she ran into member Noah Masterson, whom she used to work with. In a different state. In the ’90s.
- Monday, a new artist, Negina Kolesar, installed an exhibition at Cospace. In her artist statement, she mentioned a painting set at her mom’s house in very small town in Illinois. It turns out, operations manager Sarah Cox’s mom was the real estate agent who sold that house to her mom.
Surely there are weirder ones to come…
Luscious Dew by Negina Kolesar Brightens the Walls at Cospace
Negina Kolesar has teamed up with Cospace in the Crestview neighborhood to exhibit her recent artwork. Luscious Dew runs through January 19, 2012. Primarily oil and watercolor paintings, but with a few other gems thrown in for flavor, Negina has infused this community work and meeting space with life, energy, and color to inspire creativity.
‘Cospace is a wonderful venue to display my work,’ says Kolesar. ‘Members can experience a variety of foci in which to lose their inhibitions and find elusive solutions to what stumps them during the work day.’ Sarah Cox, Operations Manager of Cospace, has already received rave reviews from members. Cospace, located at 911 W. Anderson Lane #203, is open weekdays 9:00-5:00. An artist reception will be held Thursday, December 15th from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Kolesar studied art at Cordovan Art School in Round Rock and through the Informal Program at U.T. Austin. She currently works out of her home studio in the Brentwood neighborhood of Austin, TX.
Cospace Winter Blood Drive Wednesday 12/14
Blood donors are sexy!
Our second Cospace blood drive is coming up on Wednesday, December 14 from 1:30-5:00pm.
Please follow the instructions below to make an appointment. Also please forward these on to anyone who might like to give blood – all are welcome!
Donor Appointment Instructions
(If you have any problems, sarah@cospaceatx.com is also able to register you.)
- Register online at https://www.inyourhandsonline.org/index.cfm?group=registration&function=appointment&opID=0.
- On the next page, click “Find a Drive.”
- Under Step 1, type “cospace” in the Code box and then click search.
- Under Step 2, click on 12/14/2011.
- Under Step 3, click on “Schedule” next to the time you want to come in.
- Then click OK and follow the directions from there.
Learn More
Find out what to do to prepare and find answers to any questions you might have at http://www.inyourhands.org/aboutblooddonation.php. Remember to drink lots of water before you donate blood and to eat lots of protein that day.
After You Donate
Come on up to Cospace! Blood donors are welcome to stay at Cospace for the rest of the day to work and hang out. We may even thank you properly with cobbler!
Thank You!