In the dynamic landscape of startups, the journey from inception to scale is riddled with challenges and crucial decision points. We had the privilege of sitting down with Adam Gordon, a seasoned entrepreneur in the HR Tech space, to gather insights into the secrets of his success with projects like Candidate.ID (acquired by iCIMS in 2022) and Poetry.
The emphasis on thorough research, unconventional strategies, and a balanced approach to resource allocation provides valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the challenging path to success.
Here’s a glimpse into his experience, and the advice he shares for startups aiming to transition into a scaleup.
The Power of Research and Focus Groups
Adam emphasizes the critical role of research in the journey to scale a startup business.
He underscores the importance of achieving product/market fit through continuous questioning and engagement.
He shares that he and his team conducted 200 focus groups before launching Poetry, to try to interrogate the market and understand the pain points faced by HR Leaders.
Then there’s creativity.
Have you considered more unconventional methods, he asks?
This could include creating a YouTube channel for industry-related content. In short, how else can you showcase your growing knowledge and promote your subject simultaneously? He adds that this could be a powerful strategy to establish credibility within the industry.
The Chicken and Egg Dilemma – Where to Allocate Limited Resources as a Startup?
Adam also addresses the perennial question of resource allocation for startups with limited budgets.
His advice revolves around a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market before diving into product development.
“You can’t truly develop your product or market fit until you’ve understood the market sufficiently and therefore you need to attend events like UNLEASH to get the information you need to inform engineering decisions.” Gordon says.
Being visible around decision-makers will also help you to garner invaluable insights on the latest market shifts changing leaders’ worlds.
This should aid your team in establishing a MVP (minimum viable product) strategy, applied to both marketing and engineering, and shape your roadmap as a startup.
He also advocates for a gradual evolution, with the product and messaging becoming more refined over an initial time period of three years.
This approach ensures a steady progression from a basic understanding to excellence, allowing startups to navigate the delicate balance between market awareness and product development.
Looking to join the UNLEASH Startup community?
For more tips and insights, join the UNLEASH Startup community here.
Do you also have a great product that you believe could solve HR leaders’ challenges now? Submissions are now open for the UNLEASH Startup Program Award – here is everything you need to know!
UNLEASH News will be sharing more information on the judging phase, FAQs and top tips from the judges soon!
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Nima Sherpa Green is a British/Sherpa journalist and editor. She has a multimedia background in newsrooms around the world. She was the UK & EMEA editor of CRN; commissioning editor at The African Business Magazine; producer and reporter at the World Service London Bureau; and reported for Vice Magazine and the Herald Sun in Australia. She has an MA in Journalism from Monash University, Melbourne and a BA in Political History of Southern Africa from the University of Sheffield.
