Back to Basics

In the past three months, our ability to “do things right” has been well proven. But upon reflection, are we “doing the right things”? Unfortunately or fortunately, we’ve decided to change direction. Today’s goal in communicating with investors was to convey that this new direction is the “right thing” and to hope they finalize their investment.

The product concept already exists as a complete model and use case in real life. The challenge is how to “move it online,” how to use the “internet” to allow users to achieve the greatest value at lower costs and higher efficiency. Honestly, I haven’t figured out this problem. A simple analysis and intuition tell me it’s a very promising direction, but it’s one that is challenging and costly to validate.

Perhaps to “avoid difficulties and challenges,” I’ve chosen a relatively easier path, a path differentiated by 45 or 60 degrees from others. Clearly, this path is relatively easier.

When I presented this direction to investors today, they questioned it and gave me a few suggestions:

• We must create differentiation. In what’s currently perceived as a mature market, without differentiation, there’s no way to carve out the most valuable path. Otherwise, survival is just struggling “within the big player’s pants.”
• Forget all the frameworks, like SNS relationships, Six Degrees theory, etc. Return to basics and use the “most suitable” forms and combinations to meet user needs.

These “mantras” are things I’ve long understood; yet today, I felt like I was “awakened from a dream.”

I sincerely accept their advice. I need to calm down and think deeply. Besides, the investor mentioned the “entrepreneur’s usual mindset,” which should be less restless, less eager for instant success or quick gains. This should help one go further. I agree and accept it.

Today’s negotiation wasn’t exactly a success, as no specific agreements were reached. The only thing confirmed is that operations will officially commence after the new year.

I’m okay with this outcome.

This is a challenge, a test of whether I really have the “diamond drill” to handle this “delicate porcelain work.”

Keep going, 2012.