Los Angeles Urban League’s Post

💡 Did you know? 🌐 Dropbox, a now indispensable tool in our digital lives, began its journey with a basic yet effective beta test. 🚀 This test was not just a trial run; it was a strategic move to gauge market interest. Dropbox's approach demonstrates the power of starting small to achieve big results. 📈 By releasing a simpler version of their product, they could gather critical feedback and insights. This step was vital in refining their service and ensuring it met user needs. 🧑💻👩💻 Their success story underscores the importance of testing and validating an idea before a full-scale launch. 🌟 It shows that even the most innovative ideas need market approval to thrive. Dropbox's methodical approach to growth is a testament to the value of listening to early users and adapting accordingly. 🔄 Today, Dropbox stands as a prime example of how a small beta test can lead to massive success in the tech world. 🌍✨ https://rfr.bz/l8yrcyp #Dropbox #BetaTesting #TechSuccess #StartupStrategy #Innovation #DigitalTools #MarketValidation #UserFeedback #TechGrowth 🚀📊👨💻🌟🔍💡🌐

Intuit's Journey: Pioneering FinTech Excellence Through Decades of Innovation. Chapter 3: Initial Struggles. While the launch of Quicken brought initial success, the early years of Intuit were not without challenges. From 1984 to 1991, the company faced financial difficulties that tested the resilience of its founders, Scott Cook and Tom Proulx. Despite Quicken's positive reception, the demand for financial software was not as widespread as anticipated in the initial stages. Intuit encountered difficulties in gaining traction, and the revenue generated from Quicken was not sufficient to cover the company's operating costs. Scott Cook, in a demonstration of unwavering commitment, mortgaged his own house to inject funds into Intuit, illustrating the personal sacrifices made to keep the company afloat. This period of struggle prompted Intuit to reassess its strategies and refine its approach. The company learned valuable lessons about market dynamics, customer needs, and the importance of financial stability in the competitive technology landscape. Scott Cook's leadership during this challenging phase was crucial. His dedication to understanding customer pain points and adapting to market feedback became instrumental in shaping Intuit's future direction. Rather than succumbing to adversity, Cook and the Intuit team used this time to refine their products and explore new opportunities within the financial software market. The perseverance displayed during these initial struggles laid the foundation for Intuit's long-term success. It instilled a culture of resilience and adaptability that would prove vital in navigating the dynamic landscape of the technology industry. As the company weathered these early challenges, it emerged stronger, more focused, and better equipped to tackle the opportunities and innovations that lay ahead. Chapter 3 stands as a testament to the founders' commitment and the enduring spirit that would define Intuit's journey. #startup #strategy #fintech #innovation

One thing that baffles me in tech is that we don’t stand together. The past few years have shown us how companies and high-up individuals are willing to treat us for profit. We’ve seen or read every messed up story you can think of out here. But we still work for these companies. We still support them. Still use all of their products. I know everyone has a life and needs an income. That’s all great until you’re the victim and lose everything you were clinging to despite your loyalty or willingness to stay complicit. I’m going to be honest. A little bad press isn’t going to change anything for Intuit or any other company. I’m not saying I have a “solution”. It’s not that easy, but if we don’t take real action none of this will ever change. The tech industry doesn’t exist outside of us. We make up the industry and it’s impacted a little by all of us, whether you take action or don’t. Whether you’re silent or speak on things, you have an impact. We desperately need a collective backbone. The “post about it and go about your business” cycle is posturing at best.

Thanks for your insights on Mint.com. This is a prime example of why the business model should also accurately describe the soft factors of a company such as the people and their actual, lived values. People make the difference, with their values lived in everyday life. I like to take the two companies Booking.com and AirBnB. Both book accommodations, but only one focuses on the beauty and experience of the trip, the other is just a marketplace with yield management. Why are they so different? Quite simply because the founders have completely different backgrounds and thus values that are important to them in life. Strategy and business values are not opposites, but the same coin, but each a different side of the coin. Humans are not just a core ressource as Alex puts them. They are the core building block of any business model and therefore must be part of your strategy. More on https://lnkd.in/ec_UV26T

One of the most meaningful business obituaries of late. Great insights on Intuit Mint by Matt Wallaert. Is your business model aligned with doing good? (And where did we mark that on our business model canvas again 🤔) Putting designers versus behavioral scientists is a false dichotomy IMHO. It’s about NOT deceiving your customers. It's about doing good for your customers, while doing good for your company. Easier said than done. I’m not sure if Matt realizes how much of his own creativity, business smart and moral compass it took to create another dimension to the Thrive/LendingTree business model. I - for one - absolutely love it. Great call to action if you ask me, let’s redefine desirability of a product to mean it’s genuinely (measurably?) good for our customers (and our world). 

Intuit's Journey: Pioneering FinTech Excellence Through Decades of Innovation. Chapter 2: Quicken's Debut. In 1984, Intuit made a significant leap forward with the launch of its flagship product, Quicken. This software marked a paradigm shift in personal finance management, introducing a user-friendly platform that enabled individuals to take control of their financial affairs with unprecedented ease. Quicken was designed to address the common challenges people faced in tracking expenses, balancing checkbooks, and managing budgets. The software's intuitive interface and innovative features made it a groundbreaking tool, empowering users to navigate the complexities of their finances with confidence. Scott Cook and Tom Proulx's commitment to simplicity and user-centric design became evident in Quicken's functionality. The product's early success can be attributed not only to its technical capabilities but also to Intuit's strategic approach to marketing. Scott Cook, leveraging his marketing background, played a pivotal role in promoting Quicken and effectively communicating its value proposition to potential users. As a result, Quicken gained rapid popularity, resonating with individuals who sought a streamlined and efficient way to handle their personal finances. Quicken's impact extended beyond its functionality; it laid the groundwork for Intuit's reputation as an innovator in the financial software industry. The software's success also provided the financial stability needed for Intuit to further invest in research and development, setting the stage for future product expansions. Chapter 2 is a pivotal moment in the Intuit story, as the launch of Quicken not only marked the company's entry into the market but also showcased its ability to address real-world problems with solutions that resonated with a broad audience. The success of Quicken would serve as a springboard for Intuit's evolution into a leading force in the financial technology sector. #startup #strategy #fintech #innovation

Have you ever noticed that some of the biggest tech companies in the world got their start in a garage? That's right, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon all began in humble garages, on a shoestring budget (let's forget the wealthy families behind them for a moment). It's left us wondering... what is it about these unassuming spaces that sparks creativity? Maybe it's the lack of distractions - no fancy office furniture or corporate politics to deal with. Or perhaps it's the freedom to be messy and experimental without worrying about ruining expensive equipment. Whatever the reason, there's something about the garage that seems to inspire innovation and creativity. So, for all wannabe business owners who are starting out on a tight budget, take heart - you're in good company. Maybe one day we'll look back on your garage with the same reverence as we do with the garages where the big firms got their start! But, wherever your business begins, and whatever point its at now, let's not forget that it takes more than just a garage to build a successful business. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. We'd love to hear about where your business started out. Leave us a comment below. And if we can help you pick the right tech to take your next big business step, get in touch. #BigTech #Creativity #itsupport

Intuit's Journey: Pioneering FinTech Excellence Through Decades of Innovation. Chapter 5: Going Public. The year 1993 marked a significant milestone in Intuit's journey as the company went public, offering its shares to the public for the first time. This decision had profound implications for the company's trajectory, providing both financial resources and increased visibility. The initial public offering (IPO) was a testament to Intuit's resilience and growing prominence in the financial software industry. Going public not only injected much-needed capital into the company but also allowed early investors, including founders Scott Cook and Tom Proulx, to realize the value of their hard work and vision. Intuit's IPO was well-received by the market, reflecting investor confidence in the company's products and its potential for future growth. The capital raised through the offering provided Intuit with the financial means to further invest in research and development, expand its product portfolio, and explore new markets. Scott Cook, who had played a pivotal role in steering Intuit through its formative years, continued to contribute as the company's chairman. The IPO marked a transition in leadership, signaling Intuit's readiness for the next phase of growth and development. The public offering also heightened awareness of Intuit's brand and products, attracting attention from a broader audience. This increased visibility facilitated strategic partnerships and collaborations, further enhancing Intuit's position in the competitive landscape of financial technology. Chapter 5 reflects a turning point in Intuit's history, symbolizing its evolution from a promising startup to a publicly traded company. The infusion of capital, coupled with heightened visibility, set the stage for Intuit's continued innovation and expansion into new frontiers within the financial software industry. #startup #strategy #fintech #innovation

Mint.com is shutting down - and we should celebrate. Here's why: * Mint promised to help people improve their financial behaviors. * What they actually did was make sure they stayed highly engaged. * That's why they got bought by Intuit: to keep people warm until the next TurboTax season. * Ethics matter. Do what you say you're going to do! Plus: * the difference between a Designer and a Behavioral Scientist as Head of Product. * the difference between a founder who wanted to fix Quicken and one who wanted to help people. * a shout out to Val Agostino, the first PM at Mint and a solid blog post on the shutdown. * and why all companies eventually become their business model.

Always love seeing Lenovo's impact not only in Education, but across the industry - large and SMALL! Still one of my favorite programs to help with. Check out this recap from our Lenovo #EvolveSmall team to see a glimpse of how innovation and techonolgy can transform your business today!