In today’s world, we are often presented with a one size fits all solution to our problems. Whether it’s a product, service, or technology, we are told that it will solve everyone’s issues. However, as my wife experienced with a doctor will show, this is not always the case. Often, a personalized solution is necessary to truly solve a problem.
See, my wonderful wife needed to see a specialist to check on something. He did a general checkup, got some numbers, and suggested she come back a few weeks later and see how things looked, which she did.
During the second visit, the conversation felt off. Some of the questions didn’t really fit the issue she was trying to solve and she felt like his diagnosis for next steps didn’t really apply. Then, it all made sense. He asked her how her work was going. When she answered that she didn’t work he looked at her, looked at her chart, and then said “oh sorry, I was thinking you were someone else.” Then, he concluded the conversation and said “ok, so let’s have you do…” and proceeded to outline the same treatment plan he had suggested previously when thinking she was someone else! How would you feel in this situation?
My wife left the office that day feeling undervalued AND questioning if this treatment plan was actually tailored to her needs and issue, or if it was generic advice the doctor might give to any patient. Talk about undermining her trust!
In business, and in particular with technology solutions, I often see this same thing happen. A sales person, usually well meaning, will be so excited to sell you their solution they will tell you it is the perfect fit for your needs. They will have the perfectly crafted script that entices you to buy, but did they really listen to your needs? Did they take into consideration your specific tech stack, ROI window, or technical background? If they are good, they will (or will at least make you feel like they know who you are) but the only one who really knows, or cares, about your needs is you.
Before sitting with a sales person, you need to make sure you step back and consider what you want to accomplish with a particular software. Make sure you aren’t seduced by shining bells and whistles that won’t actually make a difference before making a decision. Otherwise, you may end up with a solution that doesn’t address the root of your problem.
Additionally, it’s important to recognize that sometimes the best technology to solve a specific problem is often the one you are already using. Many businesses spend a lot of time and money implementing new technology, only to find that they need to switch to another one soon after. If they had stuck with the initial simple solution, they could have gotten the work done instead of constantly looking for the next “best” tool.
This certainly doesn’t mean that building a custom solution is the best option either. That in itself can be expensive and time-consuming, which may not be feasible for every business. Instead, it’s about finding the right balance between using what you have and exploring different approaches to find the best solution for your specific needs.
Ultimately, the lesson here is that one size does not fit all. Whether it’s in healthcare, business, or technology, personalized solutions are often necessary to truly solve a problem. So, next time you’re presented with a one size fits all solution, take a step back and consider if it’s really the best option for you.
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