Are you continually adding features to your product or service? It’s easy to do. And it may seem like a smart move.
It’s a classical formula: Adding More = Better
But does it? Is adding more really better… Or is it overwhelming?
As you work on your products and services, are you including more and more stuff logically? Or are you just adding stuff to add it? Maybe, you’re including more in the sales conversation to help overcome objections. Maybe you’re trying to reach a larger audience by offering more options. Or maybe you want to add more functionality for your current clients. Whatever you’re doing, you must painstakingly watch out for feature creep.
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
~ Bill Cosby
The Homer Car
The absolute best example of feature creep is Homer Simpson’s interpretation of the perfect car. (pictured above)
The Homer, as it’s egotistically named, has something for everyone. From three different horns that plays “La Cucaracha” to a self-contained bubble for the bickering kids, it has it all. Ideal for the average American, as Homer says.
But as you can see from this ridiculous example, continually adding crap to the design of the car results in exactly that: crap.
Preventing Feature Creep
In essence, the best way to prevent feature creep is to constantly remind yourself of what makes your product or service special. Ask yourself: What is the unique characteristic that initially attracted your user base? What are your core competencies? What makes you, you?
By continually reminding yourself of what makes you remarkable, you’ll be able to consciously inspect your offering’s evolution. And hopefully keep a keen eye on the prevention of the dreaded feature creep.
Your Experience?
Have you witnessed feature creep within your business? If so, how did you respond when you realized? Or is this something you’ve never thought about before? Let us hear your thoughts:
About the Author: Bradley Gauthier is co-founder of New Methods. And is passionate about helping big thinking entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. He has been a serial entrepreneur since the age of 12 when he created an online marketing firm. Connect with him on Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn & Facebook.
