Problem Hunt: Solving The Problem of Finding A Problem

Every entrepreneur has heard this saying: A good product can solve problems.

Before Google's appearance, web search was inefficient and filled with irrelevant information. Before the iPod, your portable music library was limited to the number of CDs you could carry. Before the USB drive, transferring a large amount of data requires 50 packs of floppy disks.

Problem-solving products are easier to sell, market and sell. They have clear functions and good reasons for their existence. The product that solves the problem also comes with its own target audience: all those who encounter the problem.

But what if an aspiring entrepreneur has no problem that needs to be solved?

Cole McCorlum, a mechanical engineering student at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, faces this problem. The 20-year-old McCallum understands the value of good problems and the difficulty of finding them.

McCorlum said: "There are thousands of problems in the world, all over the industry, and they need to be solved, but it is difficult enough to just identify the problems you encounter in your daily life. How do you identify other ones? What about the problems that 99% of others have encountered? ”

The problems that need to be solved are not short of certainly. The challenge for entrepreneurs is how to identify these problems when they can only rely on their own experience.

If Apple did not hit Newton's head, would he calculate the law of gravity? Would Percy Spencer invent the microwave if the electromagnetic waves in his radar study did not melt the chocolate bars in his pocket?

McCorlum said: "In the way the world is currently working, the only way you stumble upon the problem you don't recognize is a random conversation or a flash of inspiration. I'm very frustrated with that. Why it has to rely on By chance? ”

Therefore, McCallum founded Problem Hunt, a community for entrepreneurs to share their own problems and discover others’ problems.

McCorlum said: "The goal here is to create a list of crowdsourcing issues covering all different industries and help people identify problems they have never thought of themselves. In short: identifying the problems to be solved is very difficult. . We make it easier. ”

According to a 2013 Inc. survey, 63% of young people in their 20s want to start a business, and a Fox Business study showed that 48% of Americans want to become entrepreneurs. However, eight out of 10 entrepreneurs failed in the first 18 months after starting a business.

McCorlum is committed to reducing failure rates. Many factors can affect the success or failure of a company, but providing products that can fill the gaps in consumers' lives is an important one on the list.

Problem Hunt works very easily.

Users can submit their questions through Problem Hunt's submission form. At the end of each week, 10 of the most compelling questions will be sent via the weekly email newsletter.

The following are some recent submissions:

"I hate to check my phone a lot a day. This not only wastes a lot of time, but also distracts me from what’s going on around me."

"I hate not having hands-free control of Spotify while driving. I don't want to play with my phone, but to choose the next song, I have to do that."

"There is no easy way to plan long-term events with my friends. I have always wanted to organize concerts and trips in advance so that tickets are cheap."

Because Problem Hunt's user base is still relatively small, McCorlum has been conducting a lot of problem searches on its own.

He chatted with many professionals from different industries and asked them: "What problems do you face or notice every day, and hope there is a solution?"

As the user base grows, McCallum may expand the capabilities of the platform. One idea is to get people to vote and comment on what they submit, which is a way for Product Hunt, the spiritual predecessor of Problem Hunt to achieve great success. But McCorham may decide to keep it simple.

"Maybe it will just stay as an email list and add more features like weekly tribute to startup X that solves problem Y, or it might turn into something completely different. There are plenty of ways to go, But I think its current state is a good starting point. ”

The website has been online for less than a month, but so far, the response has been very positive. Users understand that for entrepreneurs, identifying a good problem is a huge barrier to entry, and they see the value in a group of different problem hunters, sharers and solvers.

"I ended up envisioning a great community of Problem Hunters who wanted to help it grow."

Success or failure? What do you think of this startup? Please let us know below.

Problem Hunt FAQ (FAQ)

What is the main purpose of Problem Hunt?

Problem Hunt is a platform designed to identify and solve various problems or problems in different fields. It serves as a center where individuals can share their problems and others can provide solutions or ideas to solve them. The main goal is to foster a community that works together to solve problems, thereby promoting innovation and creativity.

How is Problem Hunt different from other platforms that solve problems?

Unlike other platforms, Problem Hunt focuses on a community-driven approach. It encourages users to share their problems and allows others to provide solutions. This interactive and collaborative approach sets it apart from other platforms that may only offer expert-driven solutions.

Can anyone submit a question on Problem Hunt?

Yes, Problem Hunt is an open platform where anyone can submit questions. The philosophy is to encourage various problems from various fields and perspectives, thereby promoting comprehensive problem solving.

How can I contribute to solving problems on Problem Hunt?

You can contribute by providing unique solutions or ideas for issues posted on the platform. Your contribution can help others find effective ways to solve their problems.

Are there any rewards or recognitions for providing solutions on Problem Hunt?

While the main reward is the satisfaction of helping others, Problem Hunt may also showcase top contributors or solutions that provide recognition within the community.

How to determine the effectiveness of the solution on Problem Hunt?

The effectiveness of the solution is determined by the community through voting and comments. The more positive feedback a solution receives, the more effective it is considered.

Can I interact with other users on Problem Hunt?

Yes, Problem Hunt encourages interaction between users. You can comment on issues and solutions, provide feedback or other insights.

How can I keep up with the latest issues posted on Problem Hunt?

You can stay up to date by subscribing to Problem Hunt notifications. This way, you will receive reminders whenever a new question is posted.

Can I share the problem or solution on Problem Hunt to other platforms?

Yes, you can share your problem or solution to other platforms. However, be sure to indicate Problem Hunt and the original contributor.

Is Problem Hunt free to use?

Yes, Problem Hunt is a free platform. It aims to promote problem solving and innovation without any obstacles.

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