The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur authors are their very own.
Business leaders are all the time looking for latest ways to differentiate their brands. There are opportunities in all places, but the most vital ones often come when you identify a personal, specific, and often ignored problem.
For me, it was the effect of drinking alcohol, also called the “Asian glow”. I’ve had this problem for a very long time, but I quickly discovered that I’m not the only one. This event modified every part and set the stage for an incredible undertaking.
If you wish to increase sales by solving a real problem, let me share how identifying a specific problem in the market modified my journey – and how it could actually do the very same for you.
How my personal struggles became a business idea
Like many in the Asian community, I have struggled with “drinking hits” reactions throughout my life. The redness, the heat, the discomfort – it was all too familiar. What began as an occasional annoyance quickly became something that shaped the way I navigate social media. Meetings with friends and colleagues were stuffed with awkward excuses about why I didn’t want one other drink or why I needed to wait it out.
A “drinking hit” response can really take a toll on your self-confidence, making social events seem more of a challenge than fun. #FOMO is real. The more I connected with people, the more I saw how common this problem was – and yet I felt like no one was taking motion to address it. A lightbulb moment hit me. This is a pain point that no one talks about, but everyone struggles with it.
The thought wasn’t just about creating one other product. I wanted to solve something personal and real for individuals who were experiencing the same thing as me.
Verify the market
Before I could act, I had to prove that this problem was as vital because it seemed. I began by having real conversations with people around me – friends, family, acquaintances, and even complete strangers in online communities. Their answers were completely eye-opening. Feelings of frustration, embarrassment and a strong desire for resolution were definitely common to everyone, especially in the Asian community.
Building relationships with potential clients is extremely vital for anyone who is ready to start their very own business. Identifying the problem is only the first step; confirming that others share the same standpoint is a whole other level. Conversations are the first step towards validation.
I kept pushing forward. I hopped on online forums, social media threads, and social media groups where people were looking for solutions to flushing with alcohol. Honestly, I used to be surprised – many of the solutions thrown around are just quick fixes or completely ineffective. This showed that folks wanted something higher and more modern.
Don’t rely solely on assumptions or emotional outbursts. Get on the market, talk to people and listen. If you retain hearing the same frustration, you’ve got probably encountered a real problem that is value addressing.
Validating your idea through a combination of non-public contact, data and continuous market evaluation ensures that you just’re covering a topic that folks really care about. This is what takes what you are promoting idea from “just another product” to something that folks actively hunt down and are probably to patronize.
Build a product around a real problem
Once I understood the scope of the problem, the next step was to build a product that really worked. However, I didn’t want the solution to be just one other quick fix. I wanted a solution that will solve the underlying problem and really help individuals who recurrently struggle with drinking.
Studies have shown that the alcohol flush response is caused by a deficiency of the ALDH2 enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of alcohol in the body. The lack of this enzyme causes the accumulation of harmful byproducts that worsen redness and discomfort. For further validation, I conducted market research using surveys and analyzed health data related to alcohol metabolism in people of Asian descent. I also closely monitored online conversations about flushing reactions.
Based on this, we have developed a product specifically designed to counteract this response. Remember that it isn’t all the time about what you do – it is also about the way you position your product or service. In my case, people needed to know that alcohol flushing wasn’t something they only had to live with and, more importantly, that there was a real solution that would help them.
Create a strategy that resonates
Having a great product is only half the battle – you wish to communicate that solution in a way that resonates with your audience. My team focused primarily on educating people. Many people didn’t even know why that they had a flushing response. Our strategy was due to this fact to inform and empower.
Your social media campaigns on TikTok, Instagram or one other suitable platform are essential for this. In addition to showing what the product can do, we also shared real stories of people that were finally able to enjoy social events without worrying about turning red after drinking. This authenticity and relatability will make people feel connected to your brand.
Instead of selling a product, sell a solution. Address a real issue that folks can relate to. The combination of education and credibility goes a great distance in helping you quickly build trust with your audience.
Own your niche
One of the biggest challenges of building in a niche market is the fear that it is already too crowded. The thing is, most products claiming to help a specific pain situation didn’t actually solve the problem. These were temporary fixes or weren’t designed with this specific issue in mind. This gave us a likelihood.
Focus on creating a high-quality, targeted solution that directly solves the problem. We focused on the problem we wanted to solve and avoided the trap of trying to do too much. We didn’t have to appeal to everyone. We had to serve individuals who were struggling with alcohol addiction and were looking for something real.
You don’t have to worry about oversaturation if your product stands out because it actually solves the problem higher than the rest on the market. Choose quality, stay true to your niche, and your audience will find you.
Why solving niche problems works
Any company that desires to skyrocket sales must first understand the real problems consumers face and provide a workable solution. Finding your niche means identifying a problem that no one else is solving and making it the heart of what you are promoting.
Although it turned out to be painful for many other people, the response to alcohol was personal to me. Meeting this challenge made me realize that true success comes from listening to your community, recognizing their needs, and creating a product or service that really improves their lives.
Aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make an impact mustn’t hesitate to focus on a distinct, ignored challenge. This is where the real opportunities lie.