Solve for one, expand to all

Solving problems for a smaller community is usually much simpler, targetable and more measurable than solving problems for the larger population. Take teaching for example, where we know the benefits of teaching 1:1 are more beneficial for the student. The teacher is not maximizing their interests in the transactional relationship, unless the student could pay for the absence of all other students. As this is often not the case, teachers will teach as many students as possible until they reach an equilibrium of cost:quality that is optimized for both parties. 

This looks optimised for fun

So would you start with an extremely large cohort of students and give them sub-par quality teaching? Or would you start with one student, and expand your classes over time. One path leads to sustained and scalable success, and the other leads to a large volume of complaints. Why is it that businesses often approach this the wrong way around. They try to solve all problems, for all people, at once. It would seem to be much easier to target a niche audience and solve a specific problem. Then, you can sell that solution to the next cohort, or expand your problem solving to other issues that your audience may face. Build your core product set over time, solving each problem in a uniquely targeted way.

Choose,1 large hot air balloon, or many small warm balloons?

The other advantage of problem solving to a targeted audience is that you get direct feedback. There is a lot less noise, as you’re either solving the issues that your customers face, or you’re not. This allows you to build detailed and visionary roadmaps. You can solve everything that your audience wants. But be careful, because feedback from specific audience members may start demanding you solve problems that aren’t reflective of the targeted population. Ensure that you are specific and remember who your original audience is. 

You shouldn't drink and read blogs

This is how Amazon, Google, Facebook & Uber business models work. It’s why they have become the most scalable problem solvers. Initially they solved one problem for one person, and did it extremely well. Doing this has allowed them to expand and apply their product set across other problems and across other audiences at rates the world has yet to wake up to.