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"Working with Jason is like having eyes on the back of our heads. He has introduced us to many new ideas, product features and market applications that we had not thought of yet." - Matt, Brackets for Good

Category: Understanding the Market Landscape

If you want to be competitive, you must know what competitive is. This involves analyzing the features, benefits, specifications, and price points of products and services within your category. By setting clear parameters around your innovation efforts, you can identify opportunities and gaps, making the development process more focused and effective.

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Category building blocks to consider:

  • What are the top-selling SKUs in our category, and how do they differ from our offerings?

  • What features, benefits, or price points are missing in our product category?

  • How do retailers currently organize and present our category on shelves or online?

  • What trends are emerging in our category, and how can we capitalize on them?

  • Are there underrepresented subcategories where we can gain market share?

  • How does our product portfolio compare to competitors in terms of diversity and innovation?

  • Are there specific customer segments within our category we’ve neglected to address?

  • What gaps exist between consumer expectations and the current market offerings in this category?

  • How do seasonal factors impact performance within our category?

  • Are there opportunities for premiumization or cost reduction in this category?

​BOOK ME for the following services:

  • Comprehensive category analysis to identify gaps and growth opportunities.

  • Competitive product benchmarking, including features, price points, and specifications.

  • Trend analysis to uncover emerging market shifts and consumer preferences.

  • Retailer-specific category reviews to understand shelf placement and channel dynamics.

  • Market share and SKU performance audits to optimize product portfolios.

  • Seasonal market assessments to align products with peak demand periods.

  • Data visualization dashboards for real-time market insights.

  • Customized market deep-dives tailored to specific product categories.

Competitor: Analyzing the Competitive Environment

Every organization faces competition, directly or indirectly. Gaining insights into your competitors at both product and strategic levels enables you to understand their capabilities and trajectories. Building comprehensive profiles—including their market share, categories they operate in, and emerging competitors—allows you to anticipate market shifts and strategize accordingly.​

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Competitor building blocks to consider:

  • Who are our key competitors, and what differentiates their approach from ours?

  • What innovations have our competitors recently launched that could threaten our market share?

  • How do competitors position themselves in terms of value, price, and quality?

  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors’ supply chains?

  • Are competitors targeting new customer demographics or entering adjacent categories?

  • How do competitors market and promote their products compared to our strategies?

  • What patents, trademarks, or intellectual property protections do competitors hold in our space?

  • Are there competitors that dominate specific retailers or channels we’re targeting?

  • What are competitors’ long-term growth strategies, and how can we anticipate their moves?

  • Are there industry disruptors (startups or niche players) we should monitor?

​BOOK ME for the following services:

  • Competitive landscape mapping to identify key players and disruptors.

  • Competitor portfolio audits to benchmark innovation capabilities.

  • Patent and IP analysis to protect against copycat risks.

  • Competitive pricing intelligence to optimize pricing strategies.

  • SWOT analysis of competitors to understand their strengths and vulnerabilities.

  • Strategic forecasting to anticipate competitor moves and market evolution.

  • Competitor playbook creation to inform tactical decision-making.

  • Retail shelf-share analysis to evaluate competitor presence in key accounts.

Consumer: Delving Into Customer Needs

Knowing your customers goes beyond demographics; it requires understanding their behaviors, unmet needs, and the problems they're trying to solve. By considering customer feedback, mapping their engagement journey, and staying attuned to cultural, lifestyle, and generational trends, you can develop products and services that truly resonate with your target audience.​

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Consumer building blocks to consider:

  • What problems are our consumers trying to solve, and how do our products help?

  • How have consumer behaviors shifted over the last year in our target market?

  • What features or benefits do consumers value most when choosing products in our category?

  • Are there unmet needs or frustrations our target customers consistently express?

  • How do consumers perceive our brand compared to competitors?

  • What buying journey do consumers go through before purchasing our products?

  • Are there generational or cultural trends influencing our target audience?

  • What is driving customer loyalty or churn in our category?

  • How can we better integrate consumer feedback into product development?

  • What role does sustainability or ethical production play in our consumers’ purchasing decisions?

​BOOK ME for the following services:

  • Consumer behavior studies to uncover purchase drivers and pain points.

  • Persona development to define and segment target audiences.

  • Voice-of-the-customer (VOC) research for product development insights.

  • Consumer journey mapping to identify decision-making touchpoints.

  • Trend analysis focused on cultural, generational, and lifestyle shifts.

  • Focus groups and surveys to test product concepts and features.

  • Post-launch consumer feedback studies to refine products and strategies.

  • Customer satisfaction and sentiment analysis to build brand loyalty.

"Jason is a can opener. He taps into innovation."

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