what is a problem solving product

23 genius products that solve every little annoying problem in your life

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These days, there's seemingly a product for everything . And while it doesn't make sense to fill your home with one-function knick-knacks, sometimes investing in a gadget or accessory makes sense if it eliminates daily inconveniences. 

Whether you want to be outside (but hate the heat wave right now ) or want to wash your hands without dirtying the sink handles in the process , there are plenty of home upgrades that feel subtle but add up to make a huge difference. So whether you want a mess-free pancake mixer , a bike helmet that fits easily in your bag , or an alarm clock that doesn't abruptly wake you up , keep reading to see our favorite products to solve all of life's most annoying problems.

23 products that solve every little problem you have:

A hat that physically cools you down in the heat.

Mission Cooling Performance Hat, available on Amazon, $19.88

If you're bogged down by the current heat waves, this baseball cap gets 23 degrees cooler when you wet it , making it a genius (and affordable) hack for those summer hikes. 

A cheap survival bracelet for any mild hiking emergencies

Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet, available on Amazon, $10.99

Whether you stumble upon any hiking issues (or just want some peace of mind when you're on a particularly long one), this survival bracelet packs a punch . It comes with a 10-foot paracord, compass, fire starter, and small cutting tool.

A $25 plug that turns your living space into a smart home

Amazon Smart Plug, available on Amazon, $24.99

Simply put, this plug turns any outlet into one that can be voice-controlled, whether it's for your coffee maker or TV . It's especially handy if you live in a big home and want a few more appliances to be hands-free.

A foldable bike helmet to save space

Closca Bike Helmet, available on Amazon, $39.90

One of our favorite bike helmets and best products we've ever tested , this super-lightweight helmet folds down to almost half its size for easy backpack storage.

Clear pop containers for decluttered kitchens

OXO Good Grips 8-Piece POP Container, available on Amazon, $67.95

If half-filled bags of flour are the bane of your existence, these clear, easy-to-use plastic containers are perfect for storing and labeling all your ingredients without having to desperately fumble around your shelves every time you need baking soda.

A longer charging cable for easy bedtime phone use

Native Union Night 10 ft charging cable, available on Amazon, $39.99

Our favorite long charging cable , this one is 10 feet long and comes with a weighted, durable design to last a lot longer than your regular phone charger.

A sleek box to hide your tangled cables

Iron Forge Cable Cable Management Box, available on Amazon, $25.99

A TikTok-famous hack , this cable management box neatly tucks away and hides any messy floor cables for a cleaner look.

A pancake batter mixer for a mess-free breakfast

Whiskware Pancake Batter Dispenser and Mixer, available on Amazon, $16.99

This genius product is huge on TikTok for a reason : all you have to do is add ingredients to the bottle, let the wire whisk device at the bottom mix everything together, and use the nozzle to dispense evenly sized pancakes every time.

A scraper to get rid of stubborn sink grime

WEUPE Razor Blade Scraper Tool, available on Amazon, $9.99

This razor-sharp scraper has made the rounds on TikTok as an easy cleaning hack. It has some weight, making it easy to grip and control as you scrape away the grime that just won't wash off.

Silicone food bags when Tupperware is too clunky

Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags, available on Amazon, $38.39

Essentially sturdier Ziploc bags, these TikTok-famous silicone bags are incredibly easy to close and save a lot of space compared to standard Tupperware. They're also freezer- and microwave-friendly.

A beach day changing mat that turns into a bag

Ho Stevie! Durable Wetsuit Changing Mat/Waterproof Dry-Bag, available on Amazon, $19.97

For those who hate having soggy beach clothes in the car , this mat folds up into a waterproof bag when you're done, so your wet swimsuit doesn't dampen up all your other stuff.

A sunrise alarm clock to make waking up less abrupt

Hatch Restore alarm clock, available on Amazon, $129.99

Our favorite customizable sunrise alarm clock , this model can be controlled with an app and has plenty of light and sound options to make waking up even more natural and easy.

An extendable duster to reach every possible corner

OXO Good Grips Microfiber Extendable Duster, available on Amazon, $17.99

This is our favorite duster for one simple reason: it's easily extendable to get all the spots you wouldn't reach otherwise, like ceiling fans or the top part of your blinds.

An under-desk treadmill if you hate sitting at a desk all day

GOYOUTH 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill, available on Amazon, $379.99

Our favorite under-desk treadmill , this model is strong and durable for its price and is a great option for anyone working from home who desires more movement.

A sleek, hands-free faucet

Delta Faucet Trinsic Touch Kitchen Faucet, available on Amazon, $598.98

This is our favorite kitchen faucet because of how advanced it is for the price — you can tap the faucet itself to turn it on and off when you have dirty hands. Plus, it has a color-changing LED to indicate water temperature.

A pillow for side-sleepers with neck pain

Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow with Adjustable Filler, available on Amazon, $139.99

If you're a known side-sleeper who wakes up with an achy neck, this adjustable, sturdy pillow gives your neck much-needed support during the night.

Tik-Tok famous cleaning paste

Stardrops Cleaning Paste, available on Amazon, $19.99

The Pink Stuff is all over TikTok because of its versatility — you can use it on everything from white leather sneakers to kitchenware . 

Sustainable alternatives to paper towels

Skoy Cloth Reusable Swedish Dishcloth, available on Amazon, $13.99

If you care about the environment *and* blow through a roll of paper towels every week, these Swedish dishcloths are sustainably made, compostable, and machine washable.

A bagel "guillotine" for easy breakfasts

Hoan The Original Bagel Guillotine Universal Slicer, available on Amazon, $19.99

Besides being really fun to use, this clever device makes it less annoying to slice up bagels — especially if you're making them for a big group.

A bestselling egg cooker for easy eggs, anytime

DASH Rapid Egg Cooker, available on Amazon, $16.99

This $17 egg cooker does it all — it makes hard boiled eggs without boiling water, poaches eggs with almost no work on your end, and creates scrambled eggs and omelettes in a snap.

A cute dispenser to get the right amount of dish soap every time

Soap Daddy, available on The Smile Shop, $12.99

As seen all over TikTok , this little dispenser has an easy push-down feature to get a perfect dollop of soap on your sponge or hands without having to squeeze a near-empty bottle every time.

The comfiest gripper socks for no-slip workouts

Women's Gripper Ankle Socks and Men's Gripper Ankle Socks , available on Bombas, from $15

Whether you need them for yoga class or just your home's hardwood floors , these gripper socks keep you from slipping and also offer an especially comfy fit. 

A motion- and voice-activated trash can you never have to touch

Simplehuman Kitchen Recycling Trash Can with Voice and Motion Sensor, available on Amazon, (currently OOS)

If you're willing to shell out $250 for a garbage can, this one is well worth the money for anyone who *hates* touching the lid. Beyond its hands-free motion and voice controls, it has compartments for both trash and recycling and even a storage space for new liners.

• Main content

47 clever products that solve your nagging little problems

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Whenever I have a pesky problem around the house — for example, I personally am tired of scrubbing food and oil spills off the stove burners — I can always find a product on Amazon to help me out. If you're in the same boat, I've got good news: This list is packed with clever products that solve those nagging little problems , including these stove burner covers that you can stick in the dishwasher.

Whether you're looking to improve your kitchen, home office, personal hygiene routine, or any other area of your life, there are plenty of helpful products to discover here. Let's say you want to start with the kitchen — you can find an adjustable measuring spoon that saves space in your drawers, a wall-mounted magnetic knife bar that keeps your most used utensils within reach, and a rack that organizes all your pots and pans . From there, you can optimize your workspace with a memory foam wrist rest and a mesh back support cushion for your desk chair . Those are just a few of the problem-solving products featured below, and there's sure to be one that helps with your most annoying inconvenience.

So, get ready to improve your life with these clever (and often very affordable) items, which are all available on Amazon and just a few clicks away from arriving at your door.

1. This sleek magnetic knife bar that holds your most-used utensils

Keep your kitchen knives easily accessible with this sleek magnetic knife bar . The space-saving bar is made from durable stainless steel with a fully magnetic surface that'll keep your most used kitchen utensils within reach while you're cooking. Also great: It's easy to install, and mounting hardware is included.

2. An ergonomic footrest that improves posture & increases circulation

If you're spending long hours at your desk, you can be more comfortable with this ergonomic foot rest . It's made from high-rebound foam with a soft velvet cover and nonslip base, and it keeps your feet slightly elevated to improve posture and increase circulation. The cover is removable and machine-washable, and there's a built-in carrying handle for easy portability.

• Available colors and styles: 9

3. A trash bag holder that fits on cabinets & drawers

Save yourself a few trips to the dumpster with this over-the-cabinet trash bag holder . It's easy to install on cabinets, drawers, and doors, and it allows you to reuse plastic bags to gather food scraps and other items. Reviewers rave about how this trash bag holder makes meal prep quick and easy.

4. An easy-to-install organizer that tames messy cords

With this highly rated cord management organizer , messy cables are a thing of the past. The self-adhesive, flexible silicone clip has multiple slots, so you can keep charging cables and USB cords neat and easily accessible. Each pack contains three clips with three, five, and seven slots.

5. These bamboo charcoal bags that absorb & neutralize odors

These bamboo charcoal deodorizer bags absorb and neutralize odors to freshen the air naturally, and they're easy to place wherever you need them most; think: in the closet, fridge, car, by the litter box, and inside smelly gym shoes. Plus, the bags can be reused for up to two years — just place them in the sun for a few hours once a month to refresh.

6. A cleaning gel that lifts dust from hard-to-clean areas

Need an easy way to lift dust and food crumbs off your keyboard, car vents, electronics and other hard-to-clean areas? This flexible dust cleaning gel will do the trick. Just press the reusable, biodegradable gel onto whatever you're cleaning, and it'll collect dust and debris with ease.

7. A portable steamer that quickly gets clothes wrinkle-free

Remove wrinkles in no time, with no ironing required, thanks to this portable clothes steamer . The lightweight and compact steamer heats up quickly and produces up to 15 minutes of steam to remove wrinkles from various types of fabric, including silk, dress shirts, and suits.

8. A space-saving tower power strip with built-in wireless charging

This tower power strip features six outlets, four USB ports, and built-in wireless charging, so it's a great way to power up all your devices while saving space. Both levels of the tower have individual on/off switches, and the power strip offers protection against surges, lightning, and overloads. Choose from white and black.

9. A clip-on sleeve that holds your favorite lip balm

Say goodbye to digging through pockets and bags to find your lip balm. This stretchy clip-on lip balm sleeve attaches easily to your keychain or bag, ensuring hydration is always within reach. Choose from nine styles and shapes, including sleeves designed for round EOS lip balm cases.

10. A pet hair remover that reviewers swear by

Reviewers write that this pet hair remover is a "game changer" and "surprisingly amazing." It lifts fur from rugs and upholstery in just a couple passes, and the collection chamber is easy to open, so you can dump the hair in the trash. It's pretty much endlessly reusable and is more eco-friendly than adhesive paper rollers.

11. A self-adhesive memo board you can stick on your computer monitor

This monitor memo board makes it easy to leave yourself notes and reminders right by your computer screen. The transparent memo board measures 11 by 3 inches, and the self adhesive makes it super quick to install on your monitor, so your work area will be more organized in no time.

12. These drawer organizers for socks & underwear

Want to instantly organize your messy sock drawer? This two-pack of drawer organizers are great for keeping socks and underwear neat and easy to grab when you're getting dressed. The organizers are made from durable fabric, and you can choose between 16 and 24 storage cells and seven colors, including gray, beige, and pink.

13. These double-sided adhesive stickers that keep small items in place

This sticky adhesive putty can be used on smooth surfaces to keep lots of items in place, like vases, potted plants, desktop decor, and so much more. The small, clear stickers are double-sided, so you can just peel and stick wherever you want, and they're easy to remove as well. Each pack contains 350 pieces.

14. These kitchen shears that cut veggies, meat, pizza, & more

Use these heavy-duty kitchen shears to quickly cut veggies, meat, pizza, and more, with no chopping board required. The scissors have rust-resistant stainless steel blades and comfortable nonslip handles, and you can choose from five colors, including lime green, violet, and orange. Also great: There's a built-in bottle opener and nutcracker, so you can do even more with one handy kitchen tool.

15. A reminder board that helps you track your dog's feeding schedule

This dog feeding reminder board helps you answer the eternal question, "Did you feed the dog?" The easy-to-install reminder board features color-coded slider tabs so you can note each time you've fed the the pup every day of the week. The board has magnets on the back so you can stick it to the fridge, and adhesive tabs are also included.

16. A daily planner designed to improve productivity, so you can hit your goals

The highly rated Panda Planner has three sections — daily, weekly, and monthly — to help you stay organized and reach your goals. Each section of the undated, 90-day planner is designed so you can prioritize tasks and review the days and weeks to help you focus on what went well and where you can improve productivity.

17. These hanging hooks that attach to your closet rod

These hanging closet storage hooks are designed to hook onto the rod, creating more storage space for bags, ties, belts, jackets, and more. Sold in an eight-pack, each hook is made of durable steel wire with a rust-resistant finish, and reviewers love that they're super sturdy and easy to install.

18. An extendable scraper brush for cleaning snow off your car

When winter weather hits, cleaning snow off your car is easy thanks to this extendable ice scraper . It features a comfortable cushioned grip and thick-bristled brush with a pivoting head, so you can sweep away snow at various angles, and the durable jaws and scraper cut through even the toughest ice. Plus, it extends from 35 to 50 inches, so hard-to-reach areas are a breeze to clean. You can also opt for compact and deluxe extendable versions.

19. A sanitizing toothbrush case with a built-in UV lamp

For an easy way to sanitize your toothbrush, store it in this highly rated UV toothbrush holder . The portable case features a UV-C lamp that eliminates bacteria on your toothbrush head, so you can feel better about sticking it in your mouth. The rechargeable case is compatible with various toothbrushes, even electric ones, and it comes with an adhesive sticker for wall mounting.

20. A door draft stopper that blocks breezes, noise, & more

Block breezes, light, and noise from creeping under your door with this easy-to-install door draft stopper . The dual-sided draft stopper is made of foam pieces that can be trimmed down to the perfect size, and the fabric cover comes in two colors: black and gray.

21. This mesh back support cushion for your desk chair

If your desk chair isn't supportive enough, add this mesh back support to help align your spine and prevent back pain. The breathable mesh cushion has an adjustable strap, so it can be placed in the most comfortable position on your chair, and the center is covered in massage beads for added comfort.

22. A collapsible cutting board with a built-in colander

Short on kitchen space? This three-in-one collapsible cutting board with a colander is a great way to save room. The silicone basket has a drain plug, so it can be used as a colander and washing tub when opened, and it functions as a cutting board when closed flat. Choose from four colors: gray, green, blue, and red.

23. These self-adhesive door stoppers that protect walls from damage

Prevent door handles from bumping against walls with these self-adhesive door stoppers . Sold in packs of four and 12, the door stoppers are made from shock-absorbing silicone, and they stick easily to smooth surfaces. Bonus: You can also use them under furniture to prevent wobbling.

24. These exfoliating soap saver pouches

When bar soap gets too small to use, these soap saver pouches come to the rescue. Just place your bar of soap inside the textured pouch and use it to lather up and exfoliate your skin. Plus, placing soap inside the grippy pouch makes it much easier to hold onto — no more fumbling with slippery soap.

25. A leakproof salad dressing shaker with pour spout

Mix, pour, and store your own salad dressing with ease, thanks to this salad dressing shaker . The BPA-free shaker has a 1-cup capacity with measurement markings on the side, and the top creates a leakproof seal, so you can shake ingredients and flip the lever to pour. The shaker is dishwasher-safe and comes in two colors — green and black — and small and large sizes.

26. These stylish blue light-blocking glasses

Logging long hours in front of the computer, phone, and tablet can cause eye fatigue and headaches, so it's worth wearing a pair of these blue light-blocking glasses to prevent eyestrain. The two-pack of glasses comes in eight color combinations, and the non-prescription lenses block blue light and glare without distorting color.

27. A book page holder for easy one-handed reading

For easier one-handed reading, over 1,000 reviewers are fans of this book page holder . It's made from sleek walnut wood and fits over your thumb so it's easy to hold the pages down with one hand while reading, leaving your other hand free for things like sipping coffee.

• Available sizes: Mini, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large

28. These super-absorbent Swedish dishcloths

These affordable Swedish dishcloths are like traditional dish towels and a super absorbent sponges rolled into one. And not only are these dishcloths durable and reusable, but they're also eco-friendly and can help reduce paper towel use in your home. Plus, the cloths are dishwasher- and washing machine-safe for easy cleaning. Choose from 10 colors, including blue, watermelon red, and assorted shades.

29. A humidifier that fits in your car's cupholder

Adding moisture to the air can help ease sinus congestion, dry skin, and more, and you can do that anywhere with this ultrasonic car humidifier . The USB-powered humidifier is small enough to fit in your car's cupholder or stash in your travel bag, and it features continuous and intermittent mist settings. What's more, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for aromatherapy on the go.

30. These foam fridge liners that help produce stay fresh for longer

Help produce stay fresh for longer with these fruit and veggie life extender shelf liners . The foam fridge liners allow air to circulate, preventing produce from spoiling so quickly, and they're easy to trim down to the perfect size. Each pack includes four bright green liners.

31. An ergonomic memory foam keyboard and mouse wrist rest set

This highly rated memory foam keyboard and mouse wrist rest combo offers ergonomic support to reduce strain while you work. The set comes in five colors and styles — including faux leather, black, and gray — and it fits most full-size keyboards. Plus, both pieces have nonslip bottoms to help them stay in place as you type and scroll.

32. An insulated travel mug with mesh strainer

It's easy to enjoy your favorite drink on the go with this all-in-one travel mug . It comes with a mesh strainer so you can steep loose leaf tea and infuse your water with fruit, and the double-wall insulation keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 32 hours. The BPA-free, leakproof bottle comes in black and green.

33. A cup holder phone mount with a flexible neck

This car cup holder phone mount features an 8-inch flexible neck and fits into most standard-size cup holders, giving you a quick and easy way to view your cell in the car. The adjustable mount holds various phones between 1.77 and 4.1 inches wide, and the holder rotates 360 degrees to give you the perfect viewing angle.

34. A 9-in-1 adjustable measuring spoon that reduces kitchen clutter

Reduce kitchen clutter with this adjustable measuring spoon for dry ingredients. The durable utensil replaces nine measuring spoons — it has sliders on each end that you can set to your desired measurement, ranging from 1/8 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe for quick cleanup.

35. An extendable pillow tablet stand

When you're lounging in bed or on the couch, this soft yet sturdy pillow tablet stand holds your tablet or e-reader at a comfortable viewing angle, and it folds out to provide room for a wireless keyboard. Also great: The 100% cotton cover is removable and washable. Choose from four colors: blue, charcoal, honeysuckle, and lemongrass.

36. A gentle aftershave with aloe vera & essential oils

This gentle aftershave formula soothes and moisturizes skin and helps reduce ingrown hairs and razor bumps. It's formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and essential oils, so it's good for all skin types and gentle enough to use on your face and neck without the alcohol sting of many aftershave products.

37. A pot & pan organizing rack that keeps cookware in order

Keep your kitchen cabinets tidy with this pot and pan organizing rack . The easy-to-assemble rack can be used vertically or horizontally and has adjustable dividers to store a variety of pot, pan, and lid sizes, ensuring the cookware you need is always easy to find and accessible.

38. An affordable key finder set with 4 color-coded receivers

Keep track of your essentials with this affordable key finder set , which includes four color-coded receivers and an easy-to-use remote. Just attach a receiver to whatever you want to track — like keys, your eyeglass case, or your pet's collar — to find misplaced items up to 98 feet away. Another plus: The transmitter remote has a built-in flashlight, so it's easier to find items in the dark.

39. These heat-resistant stove burner covers that prevent messes

Prevent food spills and splatter with these handy stove burner covers . The BPA-free covers are durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean as needed — you can even place them in the dishwasher for added convenience. Plus, the covers can be trimmed down to fit perfectly over your burners. Each pack contains eight covers.

40. These self-adhesive bumpers that prevent cabinets & drawers from slamming shut

To prevent cabinet doors and drawers from slamming shut, add these sound-dampening door bumpers . The clear, self-adhesive bumpers are designed to cushion surfaces and reduce noise, and you can choose from packs of 50 and 100, giving you plenty of bumpers to protect furniture in every room of the house.

41. These heat-resistant oven liners that prevent stuck-on food gunk

Avoid drips and messes in the oven with these nonstick oven liners . Sold in a pack of two, the BPA-free liners are heat-resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and they're easy to rinse clean or place in the dishwasher as needed. The liners can be trimmed down to fit your oven, and a stove burner cover is also included.

42. A laptop cleaner that removes smudges & dust

Remove dust, crumbs, and smudges from your keyboard and screen with this laptop cleaner brush . There's a microfiber pad on one side to wipe smudges and fingerprints off the screen, and a soft brush on the other to sweep dust and debris off the keyboard. When not in use, the cover and retractable brush keep the tool clean and allow for easy storage.

43. These storage pockets that fit in the gap between the car seat & console

Not only do these car seat pockets keep items easily accessible, but they also prevent things from falling under the seat. The faux leather pockets fit in most cars that have a gap between the seat and center console, and there's plenty of space for your phone, wallet, and more. Choose from seven styles and colors, including black and beige, as well as options with a built-in cupholder.

44. A multi-plug outlet with built-in night light

This multi-plug outlet packs a lot of charging power with six outlets and two USB fast-charging ports, and it boasts a 4.7-star rating from reviewers. The three-sided power strip fits into any standard outlet and also features a dusk-to-dawn night light with adjustable brightness settings that automatically turns on in the dark.

45. A jar opener that removes stubborn lids with a simple twist

Unscrew even the most stubborn lids with ease, thanks to this jar opener . The helpful kitchen tool clamps onto jars between 1 inch and 3.7 inches in diameter, and all you have to do is twist the handle to access the contents.

46. This natural, organic deodorant with essential oils

Looking for a natural deodorant that's free of aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and other ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin? This highly-rated organic deodorant offers all-day protection that reduces body odor and absorbs sweat, and it's made with skin-soothing ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and tea tree oil. Choose from unscented and lavender in light, regular, and strong styles.

47. These silicone floor protectors that fit onto chair legs

Protect your floor from scratches with these easy-to-install chair leg floor protectors . The flexible, clear silicone protectors slip snugly onto round chair feet, and they have felt pads on the bottom that allow chairs to glide across the floor without leaving scuff marks. Each pack comes with 16 floor protectors.

This article was originally published on Feb. 1, 2021

27 Products That Should Be In The Problem-Solving Hall Of Fame

Popular items from this list include:

• A pack of disposable and adhesive hair catchers for your shower drain

• A lightweight running belt that holds all your valuables while you go on a hike or to the gym

• The Bissell Little Green : a popular and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability are subject to change.

From Our Partner

Huffpost shopping’s best finds, more in shopping.

When a product impresses you enough to tell your friends or coworkers about it, it’s safe to assume that product is really, really good. You know the ones: those seemingly simple products that make your day-to-day life a little bit easier, or solve a pesky problem you’d previously accepted as unsolvable. For example, our editors swear by these incredible problem-solving products they use all the time; we’ve already shared them with each other, and now we’re sharing them with you.

If you need further convincing before giving these gems a chance, well, you’re in luck. All 40 items featured here also come highly recommended by Amazon shoppers, who have given each one hundreds (or, in most cases, thousands) of perfect five-star ratings and reviews. Beyond the fact that practically everyone who’s tried them seems to love them, these useful products don’t necessarily fall into one specific category; they vary widely in purpose, and some are a bit niche. That means whatever annoying problem you’ve been itching to solve, there’s a good chance you’ll find a fix below. Good luck!

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

1 This Washcloth That Removes Every Trace Of Makeup Using Just Water

The Original Makeup Eraser seems almost to good to be true — how can a washable, reusable cloth remove every last drop of makeup, including waterproof mascara, using nothing but water? It might be magic, but it really does work, as hundreds of Amazon reviewers happily confirm. "Product has completely changed my life!" one person wrote. "My skin has improved dramatically — disposable wipes and cleaners were clearly not removing all my makeup, and it was affecting my skin. Using this every night feels like a mini facial."

2 An Effortless Way To Save On Heat & Air Conditioning Bills

Installing these door draft stoppers couldn't be any easier — or more worth it. Sold in pack of two, the insulated strips can easily be trimmed to fit your doors perfectly, and attaching them using the included adhesive tape will take you mere seconds. Keeping drafts out will not only keep the temperature in your house comfortable all year-round, but will also more than likely save you a ton of money on utility bills.

• Available colors: 4

3 An Exfoliating Solution That Amazon Reviewers Call "A Miracle Treatment" For Razor Burn & Ingrown Hairs

If waxing or shaving always leaves you with painful razor burn and ingrown hairs, this best-selling exfoliating solution may be, well, your solution. Many Amazon reviewers swear it's the only thing that's worked for them, and for well under $20, it's certainly worth a shot. "I didn’t expect a miracle, but hoped for the best, since nothing else has ever worked in my 48 years," one Amazon reviewer shared, continuing, "It works, ladies and gentlemen. It IS a miracle."

4 These Thin Spatulas That Scrape Out Every Last Drop Of Product From Bottles, Tubs, & Jars

Hair and skin care products can quite literally be worth their weight in gold, so it's worth investing in these spatulas to make sure you're using every last drop of yours. The set comes with spatulas in two sizes — 12-inch and 6-inch — both designed in a skinny shape to fit inside narrow bottles. BPA-free and dishwasher-safe, they're a must for pricey cosmetics, but they can also come in handy for condiments and more.

5 These Air-Purifying, Mildew-Preventing, Odor-Absorbing Bags That Are Completely Natural

These bamboo charcoal-filled bags are one of the most effective products you can buy to purify the air, absorb unwanted odors, and prevent mildew. They'll last for two whole years if you put them out in the sun for a few hours to reactivate every month or so, and when they're finally done, you can sprinkle the charcoal in your garden to encourage plant growth.

6 The Best-Selling Fabric Shaver With More Than 30,000 Glowing Reviews On Amazon

You know when a mundane household product works so well, using it is actually kind of fun? That's how thousands of Amazon reviewers feel about this best-selling fabric shaver — it's super satisfying to see all the fuzz you've removed from your clothes, bedding, and furniture sitting in the detachable lint compartment before you throw it all away. "Hi, I’m obsessed," joked one Amazon reviewer. "I can’t stop. I should send this back. I’ve started asking if my neighbors need anything depilled."

• Available models: battery-operated, rechargable

7 These Stackable Food Containers To Keep Your Produce Fresh For Longer

Rubbermaid's FreshWorks food containers are not only stackable and neat-looking, but also extend the shelf life of produce, thanks to their built-in crisper trays and oxygen-regulating lids. If fresh fruits and vegetables tend to spoil before you have a chance to finish them, the set of three, dishwasher-safe, BPA-free containers will more than likely save you money (and cut down on waste!) in the long run.

8 A Set Of High-Quality Chain Extenders To Customize The Length Of Your Necklaces & Bracelets

Make the most of your jewelry collection with these best-selling chain extenders — they're not only great for adjusting a bracelet or necklace that's too small, but will also let you customize your favorite necklaces to achieve the perfect layered look. The eight-piece set includes four stainless steel extenders in gold, and four in silver, with 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-inch lengths for each color.

9 These Pretty Lace Bands To Prevent Chafing Between Your Thighs — & They Have Over 3,000 Five-Star Reviews On Amazon

These thigh guards certainly look alluring, but they also serve a more practical purpose: Lined in slip-resistant silicone, the thigh-high bands prevent uncomfortable chafing and rubbing between your thighs. The various lacy styles and colors are perfect for date nights and dressier events, but if you'd prefer a more laid-back look, Bandelettes also come in several more basic styles.

• Available styles: 17

10 The Ingenious Purse Insert That Makes It Easy To Keep Things Organized — & It Protects The Inside Of Your Bag, Too

Why is it that every time you need your chapstick or keys, your purse suddenly feels like an endless abyss? If you're sick of digging around, invest in this handy purse insert — available in six sizes to fit inside any bag, it has a designated pouch or pocket for just about every imaginable item, making it super easy to keep all your essentials organized and easy to access. Plus, the insert will prevent makeup spills and other mishaps from ruining your purse's lining.

• Available sizes: 6
• Available colors: 13

11 These Space-Saving Hangers Every Fashion Girl Needs

If you love fashion, no closet will ever really feel large enough. If you can relate, you need to get these Black Magic hangers ASAP. Made of heavy-duty plastic, the space-saving hangers are actually more like hangers for your hangers: Each one holds up to 10 garments in a neat, vertical cascade, but will only use up the space of one normal hanger on your closet rod. Genius!

12 A More A Sustainable Alternative To Plastic Wrap

Aptly named "Food Huggers", these reusable silicone covers come in stackable set of five sizes that hug the leftover portion of virtually any fruit or vegetable, creating an airtight seal to lock in in juices, keep out bacteria, and generally keep produce fresh for longer. They're an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic wrap, and can also be used as a lid for open cans and other containers.

13 These Nifty Bra Strap Clips To Make Any Bra A Racerback

Instead of going out and buying a convertible bra, use these nifty bra strap holders to convert your favorite bra into a racerback. The 12-piece set includes nine bra strap clips — three white, three black, three beige — plus three strap-style holders in the same trio of neutral colors. In addition to concealing your bra straps underneath racerback tops and dresses, the holders are great for tightening the straps on any worn, stretched-out bras that you love.

14 A Foolproof Way To Prevent Your Area Rug From Slipping Around On Hard Floors

When a traditional rug pad isn't cutting it, these popular rug grippers may just do the trick. They're sold in a set of four grippers — one for each corner of your rug — and have strong adhesive to attach to your rug on one side, while tiny, vacuum-like suction cups grip the floor on the other. While they won't keep a rug in place on top of carpet, thousands of Amazon reviewers swear by them for use on hard floors.

15 These Best-Selling Nipple Covers That Won't Show Through Even The Tightest Tank Tops

If you want to go braless, but don't necessarily want your nipples to double as an accessory, buy Nippies and never look back. Unlike many pasties, the adhesive backs on these are truly washable and reusable, and actually stay in place all day long. Also unlike many pasties, Nippies are made of a smooth, skin-like silicone that's truly invisible underneath clothes.

• Available styles: Creme Size 1 , Creme Size 2 , Caramel Sizes 1 & 2 , Coco Size 1 , Coco Size 2

16 The Cult-Favorite Anti-Chafe Balm More Than 10,000 Amazon Reviewers Swear By

If you've ever put deodorant on your inner thighs (or anywhere else!) to prevent chafing and irritation, it's worth investing in Body Glide instead. Garnering more than 16,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.7-star average, the best-selling anti-chafe balm is not only more effective than the old-school deodorant method, but also is made without aluminum and other potentially harsh or pore-clogging ingredients. "I don't even know where to start," gushed one Amazon reviewer. "Finding this product has changed my life."

17 A Hydrating Hair Mask With A Cult-Like Following

If regular conditioner isn't enough to keep your strands from drying out, this deep conditioning hair mask is exactly what you need. It's formulated with a generous dose of argan oil, and according to Amazon reviewers, can take hair from straw-like to silky in just one use. "WOW! The first time I used it, I couldn't stop touching my hair," one person wrote. "I was in disbelief at how soft it was."

18 These Handy Little Cable Holders With Tons Of Other, Clever Uses

Sold in a 16-pack, these nifty little clips have a small ridge to hold a cord or cable on one side, and strong adhesive backing on the other. Use them to keep cords and charging cables neatly organized where you want them — by your desk, for example, or near your nightstand so you don't have to reach down beside your bed each night. You can also use them to hold thin items like toothbrushes and pens!

19 This Strong, Double-Sided Fashion Tape That Really Works

Double-sided clothing tape is a must-have for every fashion lover's toolkit. It's great for pinning low-cut, backless, or otherwise precarious clothing in place to prevent wardrobe mishaps, and can also come in a handy for a whole range of other purposes , from creating a temporary hem to boosting your cleavage without a bra.

20 This Game-Changing Substance That's As Essential As Duct Tape & Superglue

Sugru is basically duct tape 2.0 — once you have it at home, you'll find yourself using it to fix everything, not to mention all the DIY projects it's great for. It starts out as a clay-like puddy that's easy to mold and manipulate any way you like, but as it dries, it transforms into a grippy, durable silicone that permanently bonds to virtually any surface: glass, metal, wood, ceramic, plastic ... you get the idea. As if that wasn't impressive enough, it's also waterproof, heat resistant, electrically insulating, and shock resistant.

21 An Affordable Rubber Broom That's Like A Magnet For Pet Hair

More than 30,000 pet lovers gave the Furmover a perfect five-star rating on Amazon. It works like a normal broom, but it's made of a rubbery material that's basically a magnet for pet hair — Amazon reviewers say using it to clean carpet, floors, and even walls and furniture is so satisfying, it's actually pretty fun. "HOLY SMOKES!" one person wrote. "Within just a few light strokes I was pulling up strands of hair and fur that had seemingly become a part of the carpet."

• Available styles/models: 6

22 These Ingenious Markers & Crayons For Touching Up Wood Furniture

While refinishing wood furniture can be pricey, time-consuming, or often both, using this wood touchup kit makes breathing new life into your favorite pieces practically effortless. The kit comes with six repair markers (to match the color of wood furniture), and six wax sticks (to fill in chips and match the finish), each in a range of six popular shades like oak, maple, and cherry. It also comes with a sharpener for the crayon-like wax sticks.

23 An Easy Way To Prevent Crumbs From Falling Into That Impossible-To-Clean Gap Next To Your Stove

When a crumb falls into that awkward space between your counter and stove, you know it'll likely stay down there for years. Rather than cutting your losses, buy these gap covers instead. Made of durable, easy-to-clean silicone, they rest neatly between your appliances to prevent spills and crumbs from falling through. "WHAT took me so long?" one Amazon reviewer wrote. "They fit perfectly, look wonderful, and I could customize the size to fit exactly where I wanted them to with a pair of scissors."

• Available sizes: 21-inch, 25-inch
• Available colors: 3

24 This Popular Mop & Bucket Set That Amazon Reviewers Call "Life-Changing"

Both the bucket and mop in the O-Cedar EasyWring system have smart design features that make cleaning so much easier. The bucket has a built-in wringer, making it easy to get the optimal amount of water for cleaning without drenching your floors. The mop comes with three replacement heads, which have an angled shape that makes it easy to hit hard-to-reach corners. They're also made with absorbent, dirt-collecting microfiber, which has impressive cleaning power using nothing but water — picture the mop version of those popular makeup remover cloths .

25 The Only Lint Roller For Pet Hair You'll Ever Buy Again

Another best-selling tool for keeping pet hair under control, the ChomChom roller has nearly 40,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, resulting in an impressive 4.7-star average. It's easy to use, and doesn't need a power source or require you to replace sticky pads — and, most importantly, the results are unreal. " This hand held magical hair eating wizard is the most amazing (and yet so simply made) invention EVER!!!" gushed one Amazon reviewer.

26 This Plug-In Surge Protector With AC Outlets, USB Ports, & A Handy Little Shelf

This plug-in surge protector not only converts a single standard outlet into eight, but also has two USB ports and a handy built-in shelf to hold your devices as they charge. Amazon reviewers, for their part, seem to be impressed, awarding the simple device an overall rating of 4.6 stars. "Everyone should have one of these in their bathroom — especially most that have only outlet. So nice not to have to change our plugs constantly," one reviewer wrote.

27 A Discreet LED Bar That Turns Out With A Simple Tap

This bar-shaped LED light will come in handy for so many different reasons. Easy to install using the included hardware or adhesive backing, it's thin and unobtrusive enough to use almost anywhere, from a dark closet or garage to inside a cabinet. It's easy to turn on or off with a tap, and runs for up to 100 hours on a single set of AA batteries.

28 The Cult-Favorite Nail Strengthener That Pros Swear By

A true cult-favorite, this award-winning OPI nail strengthener has garnered well over 3,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with dozens of reviewers declaring it "a miracle." Formulated with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium, it can be applied as a standalone treatment on bare nails or used as a base coat underneath your regular polish. "There is NOTHING better on the market to protect your nails and encourage them to grow," one Amazon reviewer wrote, adding, "I have tried about everything else."

29 These Popular Hooks For Hanging Things From The Back Of Your Car's Headrest

Sold in a pack of four, these nifty hooks are designed to attach to the back of the headrests in your car, providing the perfect place to hang your purse, shopping bags, and other items instead of leaving them on the car's seats or floor. They'll not only protect valuable belongings from getting wet, dirty, or damaged, but will also free up floor space — a huge plus if your car is on the smaller side.

30 An Easy Way To Hem Anything Without Sewing A Single Stitch

This fabric fusing tape makes it surprisingly easy to do almost any basic "sewing" project without actually sewing. When ironed, the tape fuses any two pieces of fabric together — it's great for anything from hemming a pair of pants to making your own throw pillow cover. "I love this," one Amazon reviewer wrote. "So much cheaper than getting something hemmed and it's really easy. Wish I knew about this years ago."

31 A Special Duster For Your Window Blinds

Window blinds tend to collect a ton of dust and grime, and they also tend to be super tedious to clean. This duster makes the process so much easier — specifically designed for cleaning blinds or grates on windows, air conditioners, and more, the durable tool has three arms, which are fitted with a microfiber sleeve. It actually comes with five sleeves in total, and since they're washable and reusable, the duster will basically last forever.

• Available colors: 2

32 This Sponge That's Like Magic When It Comes To Removing Deodorant Stains

There's nothing worse than pulling a freshly cleaned top or dress over your head, only to realize it's now covered in pesky deodorant stains. Unless you have this nifty sponge , that is — in that case, solving the problem is as easy as giving the stain a quick wipe. You won't even need to use water!

"Where have you been my whole life?!! This works beautifully and gets used almost daily, as I wear black as a work staple," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

33 A Windproof Umbrella With A Smart Inverted Design

Over 5,000 Amazon shoppers gave this windproof umbrella a five-star rating, resulting in an impressive 4.6-star average. Because it's designed with a durable, stainless steel frame and a double-layered canopy, it'll withstand strong winds and heavy storms far better than a typical umbrella. It also has an inverted design, so when you open it, it won't drench your car, clothing, or anything else nearby.

• Available colors/prints: 44

34 These Silicone Cushions To Prevent Your Bra Straps From Digging In At The Shoulders

Sick of your bra straps digging into your shoulders? These bra strap cushions are here to help. Made of soft, slip-proof silicone, they're sold in a set of five pairs: two black, two white, and two beige. While investing in a bra that truly fits is more likely to solve the problem at the source, these let you keep wearing your favorite — plus, they're way cheaper.

35 A Smart Way To Prevent Accidental Burns From The Oven Rack

If you have kids or are simply prone to accidentally burning yourself, these oven rack protectors are a must-have. Made of durable, heat-safe silicone that can withstand temperatures of up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, they slide onto the edges of the baking racks inside your oven, since the edges are the part most likely to come into contact with skin as you're taking things out of the oven.

36 An End Table Alternative That's Perfect For Small Spaces

This ingenious, foldable bamboo tray is designed to fit over the arm of your sofa, creating a mini table to set things down without using up any floor space. Sure, you can't put a lamp or a stack of coffee table books on it, but if a traditional end table is making your current layout feel cluttered, this might be the perfect solution.

37 A Set Of Mesh Laundry Bags For Washing Delicate Items

Sold in set of five — one extra-large, two large, and two medium — these best-selling mesh laundry bags are a must for protecting your bras, lingerie, and other delicates in the wash. While these certainly aren't the only mesh laundry bags out there, these are the clear favorites of Amazon shoppers, who gave them more than 25,000 (!!!) perfect five-star ratings, resulting in an impressive 4.7-star average.

38 This Windshield Cover That's A Must For Surviving Winter Weather

Anyone who lives in a snowy climate will immediately understand the appeal of this windshield cover . Rather than scraping ice off your windshield in subzero temperatures every morning, simply pull off the weather-proof cover and go. It's designed with windproof straps that attach to your wheels to keep the cover in place, as well as flaps with suction cups at the ends that go through your car's windows, so you can suction the cover to your inner windshield to deter any potential thieves.

• Available sizes: 2

39 A Set Of Temporary Buttons To Tweak The Waistband On Your Jeans

When your favorite jeans won't button or are feeling a bit too loose, simply use this kit to add a discreet second button, anywhere up to 1.5 inches away from the original in either direction. Putting a button in takes mere seconds and is as easy as putting on an earring or broach, and later, it's just as easy to remove the button until you're ready to use it again.

40 A Set Of Gel Petals To Cushion The Balls Of Your Feet When You're Wearing Heels

Designed to cushion only the balls of your feet, these gel petals from Dr. Scholl's make high heels significantly more comfortable, especially if the balls of your feet usually get sore when you wear them. Unlike full-sized shoe inserts, the petals are fairly small and become completely covered by your feet, so you can use them with strappy sandals without worrying about them showing.

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8 smart products that will make you say, 'Why didn't I think of that?'

Sometimes the most niche problems are the ones you desperately wish there were a solution for. You know, the moments where your grocery bags fall over in the back seat of the car or when, no matter how hard you try, you can't prevent leftover avocado from turning brown.

We've come across plenty of problem-solvers and hidden gems , but there are still plenty more finds out there that will likely make you say, "Why didn't I think of that?" Sometimes the simplest products can get the job done and make a huge difference in your daily life. Whether you're tired of wasting produce or are in need of innovative storage solutions, Yahoo contributing editor Chassie Post shared innovative picks with Hoda & Jenna that we wish we could have come up with ourselves.

Ahead, you'll find eight items that will make you consider some of life's problems, solved. From food savers to pedicure-ready footwear, Post has all of the products that should be on your radar.

Problem-solving products

Netcessity car caddy.

Designed for passenger and back seats, this mesh caddy will prevent everything from hitting the floor when you press on the breaks. It's simple to install and to use and doesn't have to be removed when someone sits in either seat. Say goodbye to the days where you're left scrambling to pick up the contents of your purse at a red light.

Nana Hats Banana Preservation System

Bananas are a fickle fruit — sometimes they take a while to ripen and sometimes they ripen seemingly overnight. However, there's a way to prevent the latter: Nana Hats. Though adorable, the knitted exterior doesn't get the job done alone; it's a two-part system that helps slow down the rate of ethylene absorption, which makes the fruit brown. The first part is a silicone hat that covers the crown of the bananas and the second is a cute knit hat that secures onto the fruit using magnets. Combined, this California-born invention will help you save your fruit (and make it look cute, too).

Food Huggers Reusable Silicone Food Savers (Set of 5)

This women-owned company focuses on sustainability and reducing food waste. The vibrant silicone savers help reduce plastic consumption and waste production, while also ensuring that your produce will stay fresh for longer. Even better? Each Food Hugger is a different size, so you can fit a range of produce without opting for plastic bags or plastic wrap.

Food Huggers Avocado Hugger

No one enjoys a brown avocado (and it certainly won't make your avocado toast any more Instagram-worthy). The same women-owned company, Food Huggers, also makes smart products for more irregularly shaped and fickle fruits, including avocados and bananas. Long gone are the days where you have to struggle to make an airtight seal on your avocados — this smart gadget will do it all for you.

BottleLoft by Strong Like Bull Magnets

Bottles often take up valuable shelf space in your refrigerator that you can use to store other essentials. The BottleLoft system uses strong magnets to suspend bottles from the ceiling of your fridge, so you can free up much needed space and prevent bottles from falling over (or down).

Grand Fusion Corn Butter Knife

Corn on the cob is a summer staple that is only enhanced with butter. However, applying the butter it takes work to enjoy the barbecue favorite — applying the butter can be tasking. This specially designed butter knife cuts down the process into just one step for a smooth, buttery experience every time.

Olive & June - The Poppy

Olive & June makes it easy to achieve salon-worthy results at home, regardless of whether you're giving yourself a manicure or a pedicure . The handy gadget, The Poppy, makes it easy to have more control over and execute even strokes. It's not only a bestseller but is a customer-favorite, too.

Redi-Pedi: Two in One Pedicure Shoe

Skip the flip-flops the next time you head to the salon! These innovative shoes convert from a flat to a sandal within seconds thanks to a velcro strap, so you can stay chic both before and after your pedicure. Comfort isn't a question — they feature a padded insole, sturdy outsole and are crafted with water-resistant PU leather.

For more stories like this, check out:

• 6 beauty essentials products that will stand up to the heat this summer
• These 6 bestsellers are essential for summer — and they're all under $30
• 15 Amazon hidden gems that can make your life easier — starting at $6

Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more!

Jillian Ortiz is the Editorial Operations Manager at Shop TODAY. 

12 problem-solving products under $50 that every home should have, according to our editors

Our team has picked the problem-solving home buys they wouldn't be without

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1. OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Angled Measuring Cup

2. garlic and ginger grater, 3. znben non slip shirt hangers, 4. a tower plug port, 5. kunovo cheese grater with box, 6. scoof cafetiere tool, 7. a dehumidifier, 8. the pink stuff, 9. a clothes shaver, 10. watering globes, 11. perfume decanters, 12. egg poaching cups, our problem-solving editors.

At H&G we are always on the lookout for the best home products that save time, solve problems, but still look good.

Given that most of our team's job descriptions require us to focus on finding the best storage products , cleaning tips , houseplant hacks, and home decor ideas for you, we end up trying out a vast variety of products that are simply not worth our time – but others that are worth every dime. 

Here, we have rounded up 12 of the best problem-solving products under $50 that our writers and editors use in their homes. These savvy tools and accessories have saved us both time and hassle. We think you should know about them.

Problem-solving products under $50 

These 12 products are all under $50 and make everyday tasks frictionless. 

Decluttering countertops and organizing a kitchen are so important in keeping a functional space. As a result, we only recommend keeping the very best utensils and products in your cabinets. One of those is the OXO 4-cup angled measuring jug, from Amazon, says our head of eCommerce, Alex David . 

‘I’ve used this measuring cup in various test kitchens throughout my career. The measuring lines are on an angle, so you can look straight at the cup and get exact measurements from any angle, saving you from bending down and checking on the side – it is also great for those with mobility issues for this same reason!’ 

It also means you can say goodbye to those loose cup measures cluttering your kitchen drawers in favor of one single product.

OXO 4-cup angled measuring cup | $12.95 at Amazon A patented angled surface lets you read measurements from above helps eliminate the need to fill, check and adjust.

OXO kitchen products are well-loved by a number of H&G 's editors including Millie Hurst , Solved section editor. ‘I like to try to cook at home with all-natural ingredients whenever I can, so the OXO Good Grips Etched Ginger and Garlic Grater from Amazon is a great problem-solving product for me. A traditional grater, even a fine one, can be a little too big for turning fresh garlic cloves and ginger root into a fine paste for cooking so this smaller version, which fits easily into my existing kitchen organizers , is the perfect addition. It works really well whether grating parmesan for a carbonara or crushing garlic, and it's easy to clean.'

OXO etched ginger & garlic grater | $10.99 at Amazon This fine-toothed grater helps create a fine paste with minimal effort

Slimline hangers have become a go-to closet organizer for professional organizers, especially when they are dealing with small closets . Another option for narrow but tall closets is layered hangers, such as the ZnBen Non-Slip Shirt Hangers, from Amazon that our eCommerce head, Alex David has at home. ‘I haven’t got a ton of closet space, so multi-hangers like these are essential for hanging lots of button-downs in one space. This is an improvement on the multi-hanger I use, with non-slip arms to keep shirts firmly in place.’

Space Saving Coat Hangers | $19.99 for two at Amazon Perfect for small spaces, these stacked slimline hangers come approved by our head of eCommerce, Alex David

You can never have too many outlets but often, our homes don’t quite meet the demand. This was a common issue faced by our digital deputy editor Jennifer Ebert before she picked up a tower charging port, like this one on Amazon . ‘A tower charging port is fantastic for busy spaces like home offices and kitchens so you don’t have to worry about unplugging your cell phone with your recipe open in order to use your air fryer, for example,’ she says.  

Power strip tower | $29.99 at Amazon This power tower has a built-in surge protector to help protect your chargers and home circuits

A cheese grater is one of the many things every home cook should have in their kitchens , but they can be bulky to store and be awkwardly shaped leaving you to grate on an angle leading to sore wrists and slips. 

A cheese grater with a box, on the other hand, can be taken apart for storage and makes cleaning up far quicker. ‘I use the Kunovo box grater, on Amazon, at home. It’s way more comfortable to grate on than a standard upright grater, and it shreds cheese straight into a bowl, so there’s no awkward grating from an angle,’ says Alex David, head of eCommerce. 

‘It has a large-hole grater for cheddar, which I also use to grate cabbage and carrots for coleslaw as well as a fine grater for hard cheeses like parmesan, which I’ve used for zesting citrus. What’s more, you can put the whole thing straight into the refrigerator and save leftover cheese for later.’  

Box Cheese Grater | $9.80 at Amazon Another favorite of our head of eCommerce, this box grater is perfect for busy home chefs to make grating quicker and clean up easier.  

Our news editor Megan Slack is a coffee lover and believes that the Scoof French Press Tool, on Amazon is the perfect kitchen addition for anyone who uses a French press for coffee regularly. ‘Cleaning a French press is the worst part of making coffee at home, and it's all too easy to damage the glass against the side of a sink when washing it. This handy tool is an ideal solution,’ Megan says. ‘What’s more, it doubles as a French press stirrer too, helping you to get the most out of your grounds by improving flavor.’  

Scoof French Press Tool | $13.95 at Amazon This Scoof tool makes making coffee with a French press a little more involved, and makes clean up super simple.

‘In my house, we have a dehumidifier that we use instead of a tumble dryer,’ says Lucy Searle, editor-in-chief. ‘When you work out how much a tumble dryer costs to run versus how much a dehumidifier costs to run (the latter being much cheaper), and consider that they take up less space in your laundry room, a dehumidifier seems like an obvious choice for smaller spaces or those looking to save some money,’ she says. 

They are perfect for more than just drying your laundry, however. ‘We also used it to dry out the inside of our car when it got wet inside (soft top fail!) and in the bathroom when a neighbor's pipe leak led to wet plaster on our side,’ Lucy adds.

Although large, whole-house dehumidifiers often sell for upwards of $150, we have found some highly customer-rated dehumidifiers for under $50, ideal for small spaces or solving emergencies: 

This smaller dehumidifier is perfect for smaller spaces, and can remove up to 16oz of water in 24 hours.

With a 27oz tank, this small but powerful dehumidifier is ideal for spaces up to 215 sq. ft. 

Made to cover 260 sq. ft. this portable dehumidifier is ideal for single rooms or helping to dry laundry. 

The Pink Stuff has been named a miracle product for a reason, with thousands of people praising its adaptable yet thorough cleaning abilities online – we were equally impressed by the variety of things you can clean with The Pink Stuff . The original cleaning paste is perfect for cleaning a range of areas around the home, from getting rid of hard water stains, to cleaning stainless steel sinks , and cleaning glass shower doors without streaks. I would not leave my cleaning cabinet without it!  

All Purpose Cleaning Paste | $5.97 at Amazon The Pink Stuff paste has made a huge difference to my home, from my glass shower doors, entryway floor tiles, and stainless steel kitchen sink. 

Trying to remove lint from clothes can be tricky, especially if lint bobbles are caused by partially broken and tangled fibers on clothes. A clothes shaver, like this one from Walmart , has become a lifesaver for our content editor, Zara Stacey . 'These handy fabric shavers are ideal for quickly and safely removing the excess lint from your clothes without the risk of damaging the fabric or cutting your hand on a razor,’ she says. ‘Recommended to me by a friend, a shaver or “debobbler” also helps to contain any of the loose bits of thread making cleaning up much simpler too.’ 

Fabric Lint Shaver | $13.99 at Walmart This Fabric shaver can easily remove Lint Balls, Pills and Fuzz. With three shave heights, two speeds and three shaving head hole sizes, this handheld device is suitable for most clothing and upholstery.

There is no denying that decorating with plants elevates a space, but even the best low-maintenance indoor plants need regular watering to keep them healthy. Watering globes, easily found at Walmart and suggested by our senior content editor and resident gardening expert, Holly Crossley , could be the solution if you can’t keep track of when to water your plants. 

‘Watering globes are ideal for busy plant parents as they only need refilling once every one to two weeks, and gradually water your plants as and when the roots demand,’ she explains. ‘This can help to prevent both under- and over-watering, mitigating the worry around how often you should be watering houseplants to keep them fresh and green.’ 

Decorative watering globes I $22.99 at Walmart This set of four decorative watering globes is perfect watering your plants when you are busy or away travelling

When you are organizing makeup and fragrances or packing for a trip, large, bulky perfume bottles often get in the way. But what do you do if the sculptural containers are too awkwardly shaped to fit nicely in makeup organizers ?

Refillable perfume cases such as these from Amazon, suggests Jo Bailey , deputy editor, print. ‘These have been a game changer for me when it comes to storing and carrying my favorite perfumes and fragrances around – especially when traveling,’ she says. ‘They are simple to fill up from your existing perfume bottles and can be nicely tucked away inside your bag or vanity organizers . This allows you to keep your larger bottles tucked away nicely in a secure, organized spot out of direct sunlight to keep them smelling their best for longer.’  

Portable refillable perfume bottles | Was $13.99, Now $7.99 for four at Amazon These may not seem like an obvious home pick, but they are perfect for optimizing your everyday storage solutions while also keeping your perfume fresh

Making the perfect eggs is a skill that many home cooks pride themselves on. If you are short on time, however, then something as simple as an egg poaching cup can help to get your eggs right every time – come breakfast or brunch. 'My mum gave me an egg poaching cup when I first moved out/ I've had it for years and use it pretty much weekly!' shares Louise Oliphant , eCommerce editor for Homes & Gardens . 'It helps hold all the egg goodness in place as you're poaching and leaves you with a perfectly round egg after a few minutes. Simple, but essential.'

Poached Egg Cup Pack of 4 | $8.29 at Amazon These food-grade silicone egg poachers helps even the worst of home cook make the perfect eggs for breakfast and brunch 

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens for over 30 years, starting within the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-1990s. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes.com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine, which is the UK's oldest interiors magazine at 103 years old. Lucy is a serial renovator and also owns rental properties in the UK and Europe, so brings first-hand knowledge to the subjects she oversees.

As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. At a time when it can be tricky to know what's what, and when budgets are tighter than ever, helping readers to find the right products to make their lives a little easier is a genuine passion.

Jen is the Deputy Editor (Digital) of Homes & Gardens online. Before starting this position, she had completed various interior design courses at KLC Design School, as well as working across Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes and Country Homes & Interiors as an interiors writer. 

Millie Hurst is Section Editor at Homes & Gardens , overseeing the Solved section, which provides readers with practical advice for their homes. Millie has written about and tried out countless cleaning and DIY hacks in the six years since she became a journalist, and has worked in both London and New York. 

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at  Homes & Gardens . She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across interiors titles, including  Livingetc  and  Real Homes . As the News Editor, she often focusses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining us, Megan worked as a News Explainer at  The Telegraph , following her Masters in International Journalism.

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Share this article, download a pdf version., subscribe to our newsletter, 10 effective tools and problem-solving methods for manufacturers.

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• April 30, 2024

Variability of demand, quality management, equipment maintenance, and integration of new technologies : problems are frequent and inevitable, and manufacturers face challenges very often. Acknowledging this reality enables teams to remain vigilant, quickly identify and resolve these difficulties, and constantly improve processes and products alike.

Why focus on problem-solving? In the Lean philosophy , a problem isn't just a problem; it's also, and above all, an opportunity to do better. Rather than hiding or ignoring what's not working, the idea is to face up to it, to find structured methods for optimizing efficiency and quality. For this, there are a number of possible solutions and tools available.

What are the different stages of problem-solving? Which methods and tools are most effective in production environments? And how do you use them? 

This article provides all the answers and problem-solving tips.

Key takeways:

• By scrutinizing every action and aspect of processes, it is crucial to distinguish between activities that bring value and those that don't , in order to reduce or eliminate waste.
• Involving employees in identifying problems and suggesting solutions strengthens their sense of ownership, and improves team cohesion and efficiency.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) helps to identify the underlying causes of problems to find more sustainable solutions and prevent problems from recurring.
• The use of tools such as the PDCA cycle and the 5S method, as well as techniques such as Six Sigma , is essential for optimizing processes and improving quality and efficiency.
• It is essential to monitor implemented changes and continuously improve them to maintain and increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

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Key steps of a problem-solving process in a factory

To better understand each of these steps, let's take the example of a factory manufacturing automotive components, faced with a sudden rise in the number of defective parts.

1. Identify the problem

The first step is to recognize that a problem exists. This involves observing the symptoms and identifying the gaps between the current state and the desired goal.

The 5 Ws and H tool enables you to identify the problem by collecting factual information on incidents.

• Observation: Abnormal increase in the number of defective parts at the quality inspection station.
• Action: Collect data on the number of defective parts, the types of defects, and the times when they occur.

2. Define the problem

After identification, you need to precisely define the problem. This involves determining its scope (using the Four A’s method, for example), representing it clearly, and understanding its impact on operations.

• Analysis: 10% of parts produced have surface defects (higher than the acceptable standard of 2%).
• Action: Clearly define the problem as a significant increase in surface defects on automotive parts.

3. Find the root cause of the problem

This step aims to analyze the factors contributing to the problem in order to identify its root cause. This is a critical process requiring in-depth examination to avoid treating symptoms alone. 

• Investigation: After using the 5 Whys method, the root cause turns out to be premature machine wear.
• Action: Examine maintenance records and machine operating parameters to confirm this cause.

4. Brainstorm solutions

Once the root cause has been identified, it's time to focus on finding solutions. This phase encourages creative problem-solving and innovation from the whole team. They have to explore existing ideas and generate new ones.

• Brainstorming: Several potential solutions are considered, such as replacing tools more frequently or modifying machine parameters. 
• Action: Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of each solution using the PDCA method.

5. Test your solutions

Before implementing a solution on a large scale, it is essential to test it in a controlled environment. This enables you to assess its effectiveness in real-life situations and adjust the action plan.

• Experimentation: Replace tools more frequently to see if this reduces the defect rate.
• Action: Implement the test plan over a set period using the "Do" phase of PDCA, then collect data on the impact of this change.

6. Standardize and document the chosen solution

Once you’ve found the best solution, it must be standardized and integrated into the organization's procedures. Documenting the process helps prevent the problem from recurring and facilitates employee training .

• Implementation: After confirmation that more frequent tool replacement reduces defects, this practice is standardized across the entire production line using the DMAIC method .
• Action: Document the new process using the 8Ds, train operators in the new practice, and integrate the change into standard operating procedures.

5 Useful problem-solving strategies for manufacturing

1. 8d (eight disciplines problem solving).

8D is a quality approach to solving complex problems requiring in-depth analysis and lasting corrective action.

The method comprises eight steps:

• Prepare the 8D process
• Describe the problem
• Identify and implement immediate actions
• Identify the real causes
• Identify and implement permanent corrective actions
• Validate permanent corrective actions
• Prevent recurrence
• Congratulate the team

Use case in the manufacturing industry

Problem: Recurrent failure of a major piece of equipment, leading to costly production stoppages.

8D would enable a multi-disciplinary team to systematically identify, analyze, and eliminate the root cause of the failure while implementing sustainable corrective actions.

2. PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

Also known as the Deming wheel, this systematic, iterative model comprises four stages or cycles: Plan, Do, Check, Act.

The PDCA method helps companies test changes under controlled conditions, evaluate the results, and then implement improvements progressively to optimize production and ensure consistent product quality.

Problem: Variation in the quality of the finished product, which does not always meet standards.

PDCA would address this problem by planning improvements, testing them, evaluating their effectiveness, and adjusting the production process to stabilize product quality.

3. DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)

This Six Sigma method is highly effective in optimizing production processes, reducing variation, and eliminating defects by focusing on data and statistical analysis.

It involves clearly defining the problem (Define), measuring (Measure), and analyzing process data to identify root causes (Analyze), then implementing improvements (Improve) and controlling processes to ensure sustainable quality gains (Control).

Problem: High scrap and rework rates on an assembly line.

DMAIC would be used to specify the problem, measure performance, analyze data to find the cause, implement improvements, and control the process to reduce defects.

4. QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control)

This fast, effective method inspired by Lean Management, consists in identifying, analyzing and solving problems directly on the shop floor. It is particularly well suited to fast-paced production environments where immediate detection and resolution are necessary to maintain production continuity and efficiency.

Problem: Frequent safety incidents in the workplace.

QRQC would enable rapid reaction to identify and resolve the causes of such incidents immediately, thereby reducing their frequency and improving overall safety.

5. Four A’s

The Four A’s method is a structured approach that is designed to systematically address and solve problems within an organization. 

• Assess: This step involves identifying and understanding the problem. 
• Analyze: Once the problem is assessed, the next step is to analyze it to find the root causes.  
• Address: With a clear understanding of the root causes, the third “A” involves developing and implementing solutions to address these causes.  
• Act: The final “A” focuses on standardizing the correct solution and integrating it into the organization’s processes.   

It is used where problems need to be solved quickly and efficiently while ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into standard practices.

Problem: Missed delivery deadlines due to production bottlenecks.

The Four A’s method would help to quickly detect bottlenecks, analyze their causes, find and implement effective solutions, and then integrate these changes into regular operations to improve on-time delivery.

How to choose the right problem-solving method

The choice of problem-solving method depends on several factors:

• The nature and complexity of the problem: Before choosing a problem-solving approach, you need to understand exactly what is wrong. If it's a complex and multifactorial problem, structured, in-depth methods such as 8D or DMAIC may be appropriate. For more immediate or quality-related problems, QRQC or Four A’s may be more appropriate.
• Company objectives: Look at the big picture; align the method with your strategic objectives, such as improving quality, reducing costs, or increasing customer satisfaction. For example, DMAIC is often chosen for defect reduction and process optimization objectives.
• Available resources: Think about the resources you can allocate to problem-solving processes (time, skills, budget). For example, PDCA can be implemented more quickly when resources are limited.
• Team expertise and problem-solving skills: Use a method that matches your team's qualifications. Training may be required for more complex approaches such as DMAIC or 8D.
• The need for standardization and documentation: If documentation and standardization of processes are essential, opt for methods that integrate these aspects, such as 8D or DMAIC.

5 Tools for structuring your problem-solving methods

Now it's time for the problem-solving tools! These will help structure the process and keep it moving in the right direction.

1. The 5 Whys

This problem-solving technique, created by Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda, involves asking the question "Why?" five times until the root cause of a given problem is revealed. It's a simple but powerful tool for finding root causes.

A factory has a problem with late delivery of finished products:

• Why is the plant experiencing delays in the delivery of finished products? Because the production of final units is often late.
• Why is the production of final units behind schedule? Because assembly takes longer than expected.
• Why does assembly take longer than expected? Because parts needed to complete assembly are often missing.
• Why are parts often missing? Because supplies regularly arrive late from the supplier.
• Why do supplies arrive late from the supplier? Because orders are placed too late, due to an inefficient procurement process.

2. The Ishikawa diagram (5M)

Also known as the "fishbone diagram" or "5M", this tool developed by Kaoru Ishikawa helps to systematically visualize all the potential causes of a specific problem, as well as the contributing factors.

Causes are divided into 5 main categories.

A factory encounters a problem with a drop in product quality:

• Problem or "Effect" (fish head): Decline in product quality
• Categories of causes (main branches):
• Manpower: Operator skills , training, motivation.
• Methods: Work procedures, quality standards, operating instructions.
• Materials: Raw material quality, batch variability, supplier specifications.
• Environment: Working conditions, temperature, humidity, dust.
• Equipment: Equipment wear, machine calibration, maintenance. 

This evolution of the Ishikawa diagram focuses on not five, but seven major problem areas: Manpower, Method, Materials, Environment, Equipment, Management, Measurement.

A factory is experiencing machine failure problems:

• Manpower: Inadequate operator training, human error due to fatigue, or lack of experience.
• Methods: Obsolete production processes, and lack of standardized operating and maintenance procedures.
• Materials: Inconsistent quality of raw materials, premature wear of spare parts.
• Environment: Unsuitable working conditions, disturbances due to excessive noise or vibration.
• Equipment: Outdated equipment, neglected or inadequate preventive maintenance.
• Management: Inadequate decision-making, and insufficient communication between departments.
• Measurement: Uncalibrated or faulty measuring instruments, lack of regular quality controls.

4. The Pareto principe

The Pareto or 80/20 principle is very useful for focusing on the problems that will have the greatest impact once solved, and for making informed decisions.

In a factory producing electronic components, 80% of production defects stem from just 20% of the manufacturing processes.

By analyzing production data, the company could discover that the majority of defects are linked to errors in the soldering and PCB inspection stages. These two stages, although representing a small part of the total manufacturing process, are crucial and require special attention to reduce the overall number of defects.

5. The 5 Ws and H

This tool helps gather comprehensive information on a problem by answering these key questions: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How. Thus, it provides an in-depth understanding of the situation.

There is a delay in production at a furniture manufacturing plant:

• Who is affected by the problem? Assembly line operators and production managers are directly affected by the delay.
• What exactly is the problem? Deliveries of finished furniture to customers are several days behind schedule.
• Where exactly is the problem occurring? The problem occurs in the final assembly shop, where the furniture is prepared for shipment.
• When was the problem detected or when does it occur? The delay has been observed over the past two weeks, mainly during the third shift.
• Why does the problem occur? The problem could be due to inadequate staff planning and recurring packaging equipment failures.
• How does the problem occur? The delay is due to a bottleneck in the finishing and packing stage, where there is a lack of personnel and problems with the packing equipment.

Other tools can also be useful for structuring problem-solving methods:

• Brainstorming
• Gemba Walks
• SWOT analysis
• Control charts
• Prioritization matrices

Tips for effective implementation of problem-solving techniques

Integrate problem-solving into daily routines.

Instead of seeing problem-solving as a separate activity, integrate it into daily routines. For example, set up SIM meetings to discuss ongoing problems as a group and monitor progress on solutions.

Use technology for your benefit

Adopt a Daily Management System (DMS) like UTrakk to quickly identify problems, track corrective actions, facilitate collaboration between teams, and document solutions in a centralized repository.

Develop specific key performance indicators for problem resolution

Define Lean KPIs that measure the effectiveness of the problem-solving process (average time to solve the problem, problem recurrence rate, and impact of solutions on business performance).

Practice problem-solving on the shop floor

To understand problems, you need to go where value is created. Encourage managers to go on the shop floor to directly observe processes, interact with operators, and identify possible improvements.

Create cross-functional problem-solving groups

Form teams with members from different departments to tackle complex problem-solving. Integrating different angles, perspectives, and expertise broadens the point of view on the subject, enriches the analysis, and generates more creative ideas.

Adopt a coaching approach to skills development

In addition to basic training, use mentoring and coaching to develop problem-solving skills . Experienced employees can guide less experienced ones, sharing their know-how.

Conduct post-mortem reviews

When a problem is solved, conduct a post-mortem to discuss what went well, what didn't, and how processes can be improved.

Tracking and evaluating each solution implemented allows you to adjust strategies as needed, learn from past experiences, and foster continuous improvement .

UTrakk: Your ally in structuring and optimizing problem-solving

Using organized methods and analytical tools to tackle challenges is essential for manufacturers seeking to improve operational efficiency and product quality. UTrakk DMS is the perfect solution for this structured approach to daily problem-solving. With its multiple functionalities – rituals, actions, dashboards, and more – this Daily Management System can adapt to any problem-solving method to optimize every step of the process. Once a solution is standardized, it can be documented in UTrakk’s Knowledge Center to ensure compliance and prevent recurrence.

Adopting these problem-solving techniques not only enables manufacturers to respond effectively to today's challenges, but it also lays the foundations for continuous improvement, ensuring their competitiveness in an ever-changing industrial environment .

FAQ on problem-solving methods

What are the key problem-solving methods for manufacturers.

The key problem-solving methods for manufacturers include Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle. These methodologies focus on eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and implementing continuous improvement to enhance operational efficiency.

How can manufacturers effectively implement Lean principles?

Manufacturers can effectively implement Lean principles by identifying and eliminating waste, optimizing workflows, and improving overall efficiency through techniques like Kanban and 5S. Training employees and involving them in the continuous improvement process are also critical steps​.

What is the importance of Six Sigma in manufacturing?

Six Sigma is important in manufacturing because it provides a data-driven approach for reducing defects and variability in processes. This methodology helps in improving product quality and operational efficiency by following the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) framework.

Can technology enhance problem-solving in manufacturing?

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing problem-solving in manufacturing. Digital twins, augmented reality, and collaborative robotics are technologies that help improve precision, efficiency, and safety, facilitating better decision-making and process optimization​.

What benefits do continuous improvement practices offer to manufacturers?

Continuous improvement practices offer several benefits, including increased operational efficiency, reduced waste and costs, and improved employee engagement and customer satisfaction. These practices encourage a proactive approach to addressing inefficiencies and fostering innovation.

Turn your production challenges into opportunities for improvement!

In addition to providing the UTrakk solution, Proaction International supports you in implementing the best problem-solving methods and helps you achieve operational excellence.

Adeline de Oliveira

Writer and editorial manager for about 15 years, Adeline de Oliveira is passionate about human behavior and communication dynamics. At Proaction International, she covers topics ranging from Industry 5.0 to operational excellence, with a focus on leadership development. This expertise enables her to offer insights and advice on employee engagement and continuous improvement of managerial skills.

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200+ Problem-Solving Product Ideas for Dropshipping

Thomas Sleeth

Affiliate Links Dropshippinghustle.com posts contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission. These commissions enable me to continue writing free content for my readers. Get my full disclosure here .

We all have problems! Some people more than others but every single one of us has problems to a certain degree.

I woke up early this morning and it was freezing (Problem), I then went to the toilet but I had to go in the dark because I didn’t want to turn the light on and wake my wife (Problem). She woke up anyway and complained I was snoring during the night (Her Problem), so I decided it was coffee time! I went to the kitchen and was immediately welcomed by the smell of cat SH** (Problem), thanks Daisy…

As you can tell, I had a bunch of problems within the first 10 minutes of waking up. Many problems like these can be solved or reduced with products or in my case getting rid of my wife and cat.

When you really take a look at yourself and the people you know, you’ll be amazed at the number of problems people encounter. Many of these problems are much bigger than others. For example, my morning problems don’t compare to 99% of the problems faced by the world population.

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What are the Best Problem-Solving Products to Dropship?

A problem-solving product is an item that is specifically designed to address and alleviate a challenge faced by consumers. These products range from mitigating pain to removing inefficiencies in everyday life by not only fulfilling basic needs but also enhancing convenience, safety, and comfort.

When it comes to problem-solving products, the bigger the problem you solve for someone, the easier it will be to convince people to make a purchase. The best products to sell will be products that are aimed at a hungry audience of people and solve a specific problem.

Products that solve problems can be as big as reducing severe back pain or as small as a watermelon cutting device. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should always just pick a product that solves the biggest problem and assume it’ll make the most money. There are other things to consider:

• How big of an audience could use this product?
• How specific is the audience you’re targeting for advertising?
• How competitive is the product?
• Is the product unique or generic?
• Does the product require a lot of convincing to sell?
• Is the product a high or low-ticket item?

For some unsaturated dropshipping niches to sell , I suggest you read this article.

Problem-solving products are not the only thing you want to consider when deciding on dropshiping products. The other 2 main factors you want to consider is passion and the wow factor.

If the product has a passionate and hungry audience, advertising is easier as you can target a specific group and they will require less convincing to make a purchase.

I have a list of 40 unique products to dropship in this article if you are interested.

Wow factor is another important consideration. Wow factor basically means the product is something that stands out, is unique and/or may be difficult to find in a physical store. This is powerful as it will stop people in their tracks and make them take notice of your product/s.

Ideally, you want a problem-solving product with 1 or 2 of these other factors. This is not essential but it’s definitely a bonus.

Generally speaking, problem-solving products with a wow factor work best for Facebook ads. This is because with Facebook ads, your potential customers are not searching for your product, they’re busy stalking people on Facebook.

Your aim is to stop potential customers from scrolling through their feeds to take notice of your ad. What better way to do this than by marketing a solution to one of their problems right in front of them? At times people may not even know they have such a problem until they are presented with the solution, this is why interruption marketing can be extremely effective.

List of Problem-Solving Product Ideas!

Pet problem-solving products.

• GPS Tracker
• Glow in the Dark Collars
• Car Covers and Seatbelts
• Automatic Feeders
• Shedding Brushes
• Indoor Gates
• Dog Stairs/Ramps
• Training Devices
• Interactive Toys
• Warm Plush Beds
• Ergonomic Dog Beds
• Pet Backpack
• Scratching Posts
• Auto Aquarium Cleaners
• Litter Boxes
• Foldable Pet Bath
• Cooling Mats
• Grooming Products
• Paw Cleaners
• Indoor Pet Toilets
• Pet Strollers
• Automatic Fish Feeders
• Water Purifying Cubes
• 360 Degrees Dog Shower

Kitchen Problem-Solving Products

• Electric Food Mincer
• Metal Straws
• Defrosting Trays
• Bluetooth Scales
• Kitchen Storage & Dispensers
• Kitchen Trolleys
• Storage Containers
• Watermelon Slicer
• Eco Layer Lunch Box
• Donut Moulds
• Stove Protector
• Sushi Maker
• Avocado Slicer
• Sink Organizer
• Reusable Shopping Bags
• Beeswax Wraps
• Meat Thermometer
• Multilayer Shelf Organizer
• Electric Egg Scrambler

Home Problem-Solving Products

• Memory Foam Pillows
• Automatic Plant Waterer
• Solar Ultra Bright Lights
• Auto Face Tracking Tripod
• Mini USB Air Con
• Anti Fog Mask
• Weighted Blankets
• Clothes Folding Board
• Window Sun Blockers
• Mosquito Anti-Itch Pen
• Massage Chairs
• Bathroom Storage & Dispensers
• Robot Vacuums
• Shower Bluetooth Speakers
• Foot Massagers
• Smart Sensor Bin
• Home Security Cameras
• Automatic Window Cleaners
• Sleep Headphones
• Vertical Garden Beds

Beauty Problem-Solving Products

• Magnetic Eye Lashes
• Face Massager
• Teeth Whitener
• Blackhead Remover
• Laser Hair Device
• Beauty Lamp
• Hair Curler/Straightener
• Manicure Machine
• Sleep Masks
• Acne Treatments
• Electric Foot File
• Microdermabrasion Machine
• Mesotherapy Gun
• Wax Heaters
• Infrared Sauna Blanket

Baby Problem-Solving Products

• Reusable Diapers
• Nasal Aspirator
• Leak Proof Cups
• Baby Carriers
• Anti Fall Pillow
• Hands-Free Bottle Holder
• Electric Baby Swing
• Baby Walker Harness
• Toddler Shoulder Carrier
• Pregnancy Pillow
• Eco Baby Cutlery
• Fresh Food Pacifier
• Anti Slip Shoes
• Spill Proof Bowl
• Insulated Milk Storage Bag
• Baby Bed Fence
• Training Toilet Seat
• High Chair Foot Rest
• Waist Baby Carrier
• Nursing Bras
• Diaper Bags
• 360 Degrees Toothbrush
• Breast Pumps
• USB Bottle Heater
• Baby Monitors
• Electric Sterilizers
• Travel Crib
• Heart Rate Monitor

Camping & Outdoors Problem-Solving Products

• Luminous Fishing Net
• Pop-up Tent
• Waterproof Diving Watch
• Tactical Knife
• Survival Kit
• Ultralight Sleeping Mat
• Sandproof Beach Towel
• LED Headlamp
• Mosquito Net
• Indestructible Shoes
• Night Light Glove
• Night Vision Googles
• Barefoot Shoes
• Ultra bright Flashlight
• Shower Water Bag
• Portable Toilet
• Inflatable Pillow
• USB Thermal Vest
• Portable Refridgerator
• Thermal Clothing
• Fishing Line Clippers
• Shade Sails
• Digital Fishing Scale
• USB Solar Charger
• Roof Top Tents
• First Aid Trauma Pack
• Foldable Silicone Cup
• Glow in the Dark Tent Pegs
• Battery Camping LED Light
• Fishing Rod Holder
• Vehicle Covers
• Magnesium Flint

Medical Problem-Solving Products

• Posture Corrector
• Carpal Tunnel Magnetic Pads
• First Aid Kits
• Humidifiers
• Medical Skeleton Prop
• Blood Pressure Monitor
• Acupuncture Mat
• Arthritis Gloves
• Hearing Aids
• CPAP Machine
• Asthma Nebulizer
• Knee Support
• Neck Stretcher
• Blood Glucose Meter
• Toilet Stool

Profitable Problem-Solving Products! (My Opinion)

These have grown in popularity since the pandemic as more people have started working from home. The popularity will die down but they will continue to sell well.

Many different types of portable USB bottle warmers are currently on the market. A very sought after product and they’re becoming popular among dropshippers.

The worst part about having a cat is dealing with cat sh**. This is a high-ticket product that I’m betting many people would be willing to pay for.

These clocks remind people with dementia of the time, date and medication reminders. I’ve seen sites selling these for a small fortune.

This water bottle produces extra oxygen in 3 – 5 minutes which is supposed to help alkalize your blood. If it does what it claims, I believe it can be profitable.

A product many people could use. Hasn’t had a lot of orders off AliExpress yet but if marketed correctly this could be a winner.

Child-related products are evergreen and often a great option. This has the advantage of taking up less space and can be transported around much easier.

These eyelashes made dropshippers rich when they initially came out. Don’t assume it’s too late to jump on board as this is a very popular product.

Solves a problem in reducing the risk of running out of battery and can be targeted for outdoor activities such as, fishing, hiking and hunting.

What are the best problem-solving products?

The best problem-solving products to sell are anything related to improving appearance and reducing physical pain. These are deep-seeded issues and consumers happily pay for products that alleviate problems.

Most popular problem-solving products for 2022?

Donut pet peds, weighted blankets, robot lawnmowers, teeth whiteners, magnetic eyelashes, USB baby bottle warmers and barefoot shoes were some of the most popular products in 2022.

Are problem-solving products profitable?

Problem-solving products are extremely profitable because you are not just selling a product, you are selling a solution to someone’s problem. If you can convince someone that you can improve their life, it’s an easy sell.

How to Find Problem-Solving Products

Problem-solving products are clearly a smart option for dropshipping. They stand out for advertising and if targeted towards the right audience can be highly converting.

When selling these products your goal is to tell the consumer how the product will solve their problem and improve their lives. Your product descriptions should be persuasive and sell solutions to problems and benefits to the customer.

It’s important to prove that your product does what it claims and the best way to do this is with social proof. 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a friend or family member recommending it to them. I mean why should they trust you, you’re some faceless person trying to make money off them.

The best way to provide social proof is with reviews, testimonials and expert endorsements if you can get them. Another important way is with videos and GIF’s of the product being used. Custom videos of the product in a real-life situation is great proof it works and enables the consumer to imagine themselves using the product in their own lives.

For a complete list of dropshipping niches , I suggest you read my article as it will provide you with some ideas.

I hope this article will help you find your next profitable product. Good luck!

About the author

Hello! I’m Thomas, the proud creator of Dropshipping Hustle. Since 2016, I’ve been making a full-time income from dropshipping and e-commerce, managing several successful stores along the way. Dropshipping Hustle is my platform to pass on the knowledge and insights I’ve gained. Each article and recommendation is drawn from my personal 8-year experience in the industry. My aim? To help you achieve financial freedom. If my content has contributed to your success, I’d love to hear your story!

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37 Problem-Solving Products That’ll Come In Handy This Summer

We're here to help you soothe sunburns, prevent chafing, and easily cut up your favorite summer fruits.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. A privacy window film that'll help block up to 96% of UV rays and reduce up to 79% of glare, which may just help you save a little bit on energy bills this summer! Plus, it looks a little like having your very own stained glass window and creates a beautiful rainbow effect on sunny days. So many reasons to buy this, so just do it already!

Promising review : "I have a large window in my bathroom and you can see in from the backyard, not very private.   I like the light but needed privacy. Sheer curtains were not enough. This product is very easy to install, and I love the rainbows. This is this cheapest rainbow window cling I could find and it exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be doing more windows." — Ashley Barnes

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+  (available in 10 sizes).

2. Sweat-absorbing bra liners for those who get as sweaty during their summer morning commute as they would have if they went to the gym before work. We get the struggle and we're here to help.

Promising review: "I am a sweat-er and therefore it's very uncomfortable to sweat under your bra and then be wet. I am so happy with this product. No more being wet and having embarrassing sweat marks." — Lola

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 .

3. Anti-chafing thigh bands to help prevent the dreaded pain that comes anytime you decide to wear something that isn't pants. Plus, these are super pretty, so you don't have to worry if your dress or shorts don't cover them all the way!

Promising review: "We can finally toss the deodorant...these things work! I was hella skeptical because my thighs are resistant to any sort of chub rub defense. I wore them while walking at least five hours at a music festival and they stayed put without me ever needing to adjust them! I couldn't believe it! My delicate inner thigh skin was preserved; no chub rub and they're so feminine and romantic-looking that I didn't even care if someone caught a peek of that beautiful lace. Way sexier than my usual biker shorts. Love that I can wear dresses all day now without worrying about my thighs overheating." — OceanHips

Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in 17 styles and six sizes).

4. A cold brew coffee maker for the easiest way to prep your favorite cold drink right from the comfort of home. No waiting in the drive-thru line required!

It yields about four servings of delicious coffee, features an airtight, leakproof lid that helps to lock in freshness and flavor, a nonslip silicone handle, and fits in most refrigerator doors. Plus, it's dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. Need more convincing on this amazing coffeemaker? Check out our  Takeya cold brew coffee maker review .

I had featured this cold brew maker in articles several times before deciding my iced coffee-obsessed self needed to get one. Brewing hot coffee and pouring over ice just doesn't taste good and until they figure out how to grow money on trees, I will not be paying $5 every single day for Starbucks or Dunkin'.

I will admit I was hesitant at first. I'm not sure why considering this thing does have excellent reviews, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. You guys...my life is forever changed. I've never made a batch of cold brew in this pitcher that I DIDN'T enjoy. Not only does it make a deliciously rich iced coffee, but you can truly taste the flavor notes in whichever coffee you choose to use in this. It's so easy to make — all you need is ground coffee and water. Knowing that I have fresh cold brew waiting for me in my fridge at all times is the best — I really can't recommend this enough.

Get it from Amazon for $21.52+  (available in three colors and two sizes).

5. Or, a  HyperChiller  if you're looking for a quick and easy way to turn your hot coffee into an iced coffee in under a minute!

You can either brew your hot coffee directly into it or pour coffee from a mug or cup into the carafe. All you need to do is fill this with water, put it in the freezer, and it'll be ready when you want to use it!

Promising review: "This product is a must-have for iced coffee lovers on a budget. Using this avoids the sour flavor of cooling coffee, so it definitely replaced my trips going to a cafe and ordering coffee. I calculated how much I spend on coffee in a cafe vs. using this machine. Overall, a year of buying coffee outside would cost me $1,200-1,3000, which is a huge number. Using this with ground coffee from the super market reduces the spending to less than $100, which is a a huge save!" — Dave

Get it from Amazon for $19.90+  (available in three colors).

6. And as long as we're on the topic of iced coffee, a  coffee bean ice cube tray because why settle for diluted coffee when you can enjoy a bolder bev? Coffee ice cubes may spoil you because you'll never wanna go back to regular ice ever again after this.

Get it from Williams Sonoma for $13.95 .

7. A plant-based insect repellent to prevent pesky mosquitos from feasting on your blood for up to six hours. Plus its lemon eucalyptus scent will smell nice and refreshing!

Promising review: "This stuff works fantastic. It lasts for hours and no chemical smell. It has a definite lemon smell but not like a furniture polish lemon smell. I had no bites and I was out for about three hours. Bugs didn't bug me at all and it has no DEET. You would need to reapply if you're getting in and out of the water so just keep that in mind. Mosquitoes LOVE me so if it works on me, then it should work on anyone." — Gina Central

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99 .

8. And a  bug bite suction tool  that'll help get rid of itchy bites if little buggers do happen to utilize your blood during their next meal.

This works by suctioning up insect venom, saliva, and other irritants under the skin, which in turn prevents your body from producing a reaction to said irritant.

Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. It arrived on Monday and on Tuesday morning I woke up with a bug bite on my arm. I used this little tool (3x per the instructions) and documented with photos. Immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" — Rebecca

Get it from Amazon for $9.95+  (available in three colors).

9. Sanuk yoga mat flip-flops for a pair of seriously comfy and sturdy sandals you're gonna wear all summer long. Yes, it's possible to have both of those things in a pair of flip-flops, and they're right here.

Promising review: "These are my favorite. As a Southern Californian, I wear flip-flops year-round. The last pair of Sanuk yoga mat flip-flops I bought lasted through almost three years of constant wear (they were basically the only shoes I wore for three years, so I'm serious when I say constant). They're comfortable enough to wear for a day at Disneyland, even with arthritic joints." — beth

Get them from Amazon for $21.56+ (available in 20 styles, and women's sizes 5–11).

Psst: This item is included in Prime Try Before You Buy so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

10. Glossier Invisible Shield — a daily sunscreen if you're someone who hates wearing sunscreen (which I'm convinced must be all of us). It features a lightweight water-gel formula and won't leave behind a greasy film or white cast. Sun protection to make you feel like you're just applying a daily moisturizer? Yes please!

Plus, this SPF 35 sunscreen is cruelty-free and vegan!

Promising review: "I am a dermatologist. I have been searching for a facial sunscreen like Glossier for a long time. It is perfection!! The ingredients act as a radiation UV block/screen: UVB (radiation that causes burning) and UVA (radiation that causes aging). It goes on gently, without greasiness, and with a light summer scent. So happy with the product !!" — Michael D.

Get it from Glossier for $25 .

11. Or Black Girl Sunscreen — a moisturizing SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen crafted for women of color. Its lightweight, natural formula contains ingredients like avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil to soothe, protect, hydrate, and heal skin, all without leaving behind a white residue.

This is paraben-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone-, and aluminum-free. Plus, it's vegan and cruelty-free! Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black-owned brand that was created to a natural, nonwhite residue sunscreen for women of color. Be sure to also check out their BGS Kids SPF 50 Sunscreen !

Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-sized amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish. I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." — Target Customer

Get it from Target for $15.99 .

12. An SPF 30 scalp and hair sunscreen mist to help prevent that awful feeling of dread when you realize standing under your showerhead or brushing your hair is causing you PAIN.

This is clean, cruelty-free, vegan, and free of phthalates and parabens.

Promising review: "After shaving my husband's head during quarantine, we knew we'd need something to protect his now-exposed scalp during summer activities. Ya can't wear a hat in the pool! Anyways, we sprayed his head during our first beach day and he hasn't had a burn yet! It's not thick and doesn't leave any residue. Added bonus? It's vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, oxybenzone-free, and phthalate-free." — Heather Braga , BuzzFeed Editor

Get it from Target for $16.79 .

13. An anti-blister balm to apply before putting on your shoes so you can prevent those painful annoyances from even trying to happen.

This is made of allergen-free, plant-derived ingredients, and infused with vitamins A and C!

Promising review: "I thought this stuff was a bunch of BS, I was like, 'Pssh what a waste of $8 ON AMAZON FOR THIS LITTLE THING.' Well, I put it on today on spots where my flats rub on my skin. My feet survived an entire day INTACT! Highly recommend. This product made wearing shoes that rub on your ankles/backs of your feet doable!" — Jamie

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 .

14. A cooling mat that'll prevent your very good pet from overheating, because TBH pets deserve an award for dealing with summer heat while rocking a coat of fur.

This mat stays 5–10 degrees cooler than room temperature!

Promising review: "I have a pug and a toy fox terrier/Chihuahua mix and they absolutely love this thing. I just leave it sitting on the living room floor and they gravitate towards it whenever they need to cool down (they sometimes even fight over it). Both fit simultaneously if they are in the mood for sharing the space. The mat is tough, too! I don't think their nails can penetrate it." — E Marsh

Get it from Amazon for $28.50+ (available in four colors).

15. Grill mats to help prevent food remnants from your yummy burgers, steaks, kabobs, and more from falling, leaving you to have to spend forever cleaning up when you're done.

These are dishwasher-safe!

Promising review: "This product makes grilling and cleanup so amazingly easy that I now have the newfound confidence to grill more. I'm a vegetarian so I grill lots of veggies, tofu, and other vegan treats that require the use of a grilling mat." — V. Thompson

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $15.97 .

16. Magnetic barbecue lights so grilling up all your favorites for dinner doesn't have to feel like a race against the sun going down for the night. Anyone up for a late-night burger?

Promising review: "Just bought a new grill and needed some decent lighting since most of my meals are done at night. These two lights attach only to the lid of my grill because the side tables aren’t magnetic but the flex necks make the lighting very versatile. The light is bright and illuminates the grill well. The color of the light is good too. I'm very pleased so far. Seems durable. I plan on keeping it in its storage when not in use and hope to get plenty of use out of it." — Ryan Smith

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two colors).

17. And while we're on the topic of grilling, some Beyond Burgers  so you can enjoy a delicious vegan option next time you grill without sacrificing on the meaty taste and texture you love from real meat burgers.

I'm FULLY obsessed with Beyond Burgers — so much so that I actually just buy them in bulk now from Costco because I think they're just a super easy, super delicious lunch or dinner. If you've never tried Beyond Burgers, and you're on the fence about it, I highly recommend trying them. They don't necessarily taste EXACTLY like a hamburger, but they definitely do have a meaty texture and taste that makes you forget you're eating a vegan burger. Dress it up with a bun, cheese, and however else you like your burgers, and I doubt you'll even realize the difference.

Get a pack of two from Walmart for $3.98 .

18. A windshield cover that'll come in handy whenever you park your car for long periods of time in the blistering heart. When it's time to hit the road, your car won't feel like the inside of a boiling pot of water and your legs won't stick against the seats like glue.

And for the winter months, this thing will prevent you from having to spend all that extra time clearing snow and ice off your windshield!

Promising review: "Bought this and used it all summer to keep my interior cool. Works really well to protect the dash from heat and keeps the interior much cooler on those scorching hot days. I can’t wait to use it this winter — I’m sure it will make clearing my windshield a breeze!" — Rj

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 .

19. A canvas drink holder perfect for carrying around boba tea, cold brew, iced tea, or any other chilled beverage. It'll keep your hands free from holding an icy cold cup; plus it looks super cool.

The Dreamy Daisy is an Etsy shop based in Washington D.C. that sells handmade organic canvas bags.

Promising review: "These reusable drink holders are SO cute. They're high quality and the size is perfect. Also the packaging was very luxe, so it’d make a great gift! When I asked a question, they responded the same day. Will definitely order from this company again!" — Kyra Middeleer

Get it from The Dreamy Daisy on Etsy for $16.99 (available in nine colors).

20. A comfy inflatable lounge chair that's super lightweight — now you'll have the perfect spot to sit and read a book/soak up some rays without having to carry bulky, heavy chairs. 

Promising review: "This is one of those products where I see the commercial and I'm like, 'YEAH RIGHT!' These inflatable chairs just seem too easy. You just spin in a circle with them and suddenly you have a magically inflated chair? Seems unlikely. But now that I've tried them, I can confirm that they're (almost) that easy. It does take a couple of tries to get the hang of it, but pretty much anyone can figure it out in 5 to 10 minutes. Basically, it comes with two compartments that you need to fill with air by twirling in a tight circle. You switch compartments while spinning and then quickly roll the it up before the air escapes. Once you master the technique, you're in squishy, inflatable heaven." — Bek O'Connell , Former BuzzFeed Editor

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in two colors).

21. Oil-absorbing tissues  to keep on hand if your face tends tends to err on the side of oily. Just blot these on your face for some quick, sweet relief.

Promising review: "I've had oily skin my whole life and have used countless types of oil-blotting sheets because they're life savers. THESE ARE AMAZING. Great deal, big sheets, and they pull out one at a time so easily. I used to use Clean & Clear sheets or knock-offs of the same thing but I'll never go back. Give these a try — completely worth it. They work well and are easy to use. No negative things to say at all." — Kelsey

Get a pack of 100 sheets from Amazon for $6.95  (available in three scents).

22. A convertible swimsuit that can be worn SIX different ways — this means you won't need to pack multiple swimsuits in your suitcase and you'll constantly have versatile, trendy ways to wear the same piece. 

Check out this YouTube video from the brand on the various ways you can wear it! Nakimuli is a Black woman-owned small biz based in Brooklyn, New York that sells swimwear and sets on Etsy — you can find more great clothing items from the brand's official website !

Promising review: "I can’t explain how perfect this bathing suit really is, you must see the colors in person! So vibrant, you feel instantly cheerful when seeing all the colors against your skin! Never have had so many compliments in my life as when I went to the beach in this rad one-piece. Extremely fast shipping and fair pricing for how well-made the item is. Trust me, you need this swimsuit!!!" — Mychalmarie Leslie

Get it from Nakimuli on Etsy for $120 (available in women's sizes S–3XL).

23. A handy utensil to help slice, core, and scoop melons. Stop buying it pre-cut! It's more expensive that way, and this gadget will make cutting it up so much more simple. You're welcome!

Promising review: "This gadget is pretty neat; I am pretty happy with my purchase. I love eating watermelon, but hate dicing it. It is so easy to use and completely transformed how we eat watermelon. If you don't own one, try it. You will love it." — Jiajian Xu

Get it from Amazon for $12.37 .

24. And of course a  stainless-steel pineapple corer  because we can't forget about this classic summer fruit! It helps peel, core, and slice up that tropical goodness in a matter of seconds. Grilled pineapple anyone?

Promising review: "I have seen pineapple corers advertised before but never bought one. I figured that it would be difficult to use — WRONG! This corer worked exactly as advertised! It took very little effort to twist the blade down through the pineapple and was super easy to remove the fruit. If you love fresh pineapple but hate cutting them up, this is the gadget for you!" — Mockingbird50

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+  (available in five colors).

25. A vegan deodorant that's free of baking soda, harsh chemicals, phthalates, and parabens, but doesn't sacrifice on providing all-day, fresh underarm coverage.

JAKEALA is Black woman-owned small biz based in Norfolk, Virginia that sells natural skin and body products, home goods, and hair care for those with naturally curly, fine hair.

Promising review: "I recently tested this during 80+ degree weather and it held up really well, even with my tendency towards heavier sweating and odor. Excited to continue using this and see what kind of benefits it yields for me." — ElodieAdore

Get it from JAKEALA  on Etsy for $12.99 (available in four scents and unscented).

26. A rotating tower fan to add a nice breeze in any room. But it also stays quiet, because we're not here to add distractions to your life when you're just trying to sleep or get work done without overheating.

Promising review: "If you're like me and you don't have a reliable air conditioner, you'll likely benefit from picking this product up for the summer. I keep mine by the foot of my bed and can always count on it to add a much-needed breeze into my room. It has three speed settings and helps increase air flow. It really does make a difference!" — Heather Braga , BuzzFeed Editor

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 .

27. And while we're talking about fans, these ceiling fanpull chains so the next time you wake up all sweaty at 3 a.m. in dire need of a nice breeze, you can do just that without accidentally tuning the lights on.

Promising review:  "Absolutely adorable! They add panache to the fan, and you never have to worry about which pull to choose. The set also makes it easier for me to reach them. They do not get in the way and are a sturdy fit into the original chain. Would highly recommend to anyone." — Scholar Mama

Get them from Amazon for  $6.49  (available in two finishes).

28. Water shoes that are actually (!!!) comfortable, come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, and can withstand wear from water sports and other outdoor activities.

Promising review: "I purchased these with the intention of wearing them just for kayaking. Now, they've become my favorite house shoe. I couldn't take them off after trying them on. They were so comfortable and fit so well. I can't stand the feeling of being barefoot in the house and with spring being upon us, slippers are out of the question... So far so good in the house and they survived their first trip through the washing machine as well. I will most likely be buying more of these. Excellent!" — Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $8.68+ (available in 44 styles, and women's sizes 4–13.5 women).

29. An aloe and coconut oil after sun soothing cream formulated with a nourishing mix of aloe extract and coconut oil to hydrate sun-exposed skin and leave it feeling refreshed, moisturized, and itch-free after burning.

Promising review: "Best product ever for sunburns! No peeling or itching. Simply amazing! The photos are four days apart." — Carrie

Get it from Amazon for $10.02 .

30. Or if you prefer a spray over a cream, an after sun moisturizing spray  — it's made with vitamin E, French seaweed absolute, distilled water, calendula, lavender oil, sesame oil, geranium oil, roman chamomile oil, and sandalwood oil for a hydrating moisturizer that'll do a stellar job when it comes to soothing a sunburn.

Promising review: "I love this stuff! It is super hydrating and is amazing for sunburns. Honestly, I use it everywhere, all the time. I love using it as an all natural face mist. The most affordable all natural essential oil-based spray I have found. I highly recommend this and will for sure be a repeat customer!" — Leanne

Get it from Amazon for $24.95 .

31. Soundproof door strips that'll help prevent cold air from escaping your room in the summer. This is great if you live in a space without air-conditioning or a fan.

Promising review: "Product works really well! I needed a quick fix to my home office situation. I live in an apartment in Manhattan and never noticed how much sound comes in and out until I had to be on conference calls working from home! This little tape made a big difference and took me only a couple of minutes to install." — Sandra Hernandez

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in four colors and two sizes).

32. A customizable firepit  so you and your family can enjoy summertime bonfires and roasted marshmallows without having to build one yourselves or spend thousands. 

Big Creek Metalworks is a small biz based in North Vernon, Indiana that sells metal fireplaces, signs, and stakes.

Promising review: "First off, I got this thing sooner than planned which was awesome! It's made of a heavy steel and is easily assembled. Had a few fires with it so far, and I am very pleased! Hopefully will last a long time. This makes a really cool conversation piece." — Kurtis Harrington

Get it from Big Creek Metalworks on Etsy for $230 .

33. Extendable roasting sticks that'll make toasting marshmallows quick, easy, and free of having to get too close to the fire.

Promising review: "These roasting sticks will get the job done. They retract easily and will be perfect for light use (roasting marshmallows) with our fire pit. Not extremely sturdy but not flimsy either. The metal points are not sharp, which is a good thing if kids are handling them. I like the storage pouch it comes with too." — Sheri J. O

Get a pack from Amazon starting at $9.98+ (available in four pack sizes).

34. And of course, every good bonfire NEEDS marshmallows, and these chocolate-filled ones are bound to be a total game-changer.

These marshmallows come in two flavors: classic marshmallow stuffed with chocolate and chocolate stuffed with chocolate. 

Promising review: "A friend had come across these once when they had gone camping for making s'mores. I thought that they would be great for our 'camping' that we have done during our lockdowns. They make the s'mores making experience so much easier. I love how the chocolate gets all warm too. I have been brave and even tried some of their recipes for other uses for the marshmallows like making hot chocolate for the chocolate/chocolate ones. Super yummy, just make sure to cut them in half and that your milk is very warm before adding them." — MG.

Get both flavors (a pack of two) from Amazon for $13.49 .

35. A lightweight gel-cream moisturizer that'll feel like a "drink of water" for your skin. It hydrates and absorbs into skin without leaving behind an oily residue. In fact, reviewers rave about the cooling sensation this moisturizer gives their face.

This moisturizer contains lady's mantle (alchemilla vulgaris), known for its skin-nurturing properties, ceramide 3 to help skin retain water, and glycerin to help maintain the skin's moisture levels. Also, fun fact — this comes in recyclable packaging.

Promising review: "Aqua Bomb moisturizer is easily my desert island skincare product. Although I have dry-leaning combination skin, I hate most moisturizers because creamy formulas feel heavy and just yucky to me, especially under makeup. Aqua Bomb's gel-like consistency absorbs like a dream. It's soothing to stressed out skin in the winter and cooling through the heat of summer. I recommend it to friends of all skin types because it gives your skin that bouncy hydration it craves without feeling oily in the slightest. I've put it on every night and most mornings for years and have no plans of stopping anytime soon!" — Rachel Dunkel

Get it from Sephora for $22+ (available in three sizes).

36. A blanket to enjoy sunbathing or an outdoors picnic without worry of you and your belongings getting wet and dirty. This thing is no match for water, sand, grass, and dirt. 

Promising review: "I bought this for a music festival and it was perfect. I wish I had thought to purchase this for previous years. I got this in yellow so the colored band on one end made it a bit more visible in the dark. The material is lightweight and easy to fold. I used this on grass and dirt surfaces and it kept our bottoms clean and dry. We were able to fit about four people sitting down at the same time, or half sitting/half lying down. Someone did spit gum on it but was able to wipe it off. I am looking forward to having it for other hiking/camping activities." — hip_po

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in five colors).

37. A picnic table that converts into a folding bench. Sometimes you want to enjoy a meal outdoors at a picnic table, and sometimes you just want to sit on a bench with your favorite book, and this allows you to do both!

WoodWorksbyLeGrand is a small biz based in Houston, Texas that sells outdoor wooden furniture.

Promising review: "Exceptional quality. But even better, these are wonderful folks to deal with. Excellent response time and lightning fast shipping. Love the product! Highly recommend!!" — Clacey Goodlett

Get it from WoodWorksbyLeGrand on Etsy for $549+ (available in 11 finishes including unfinished and two sizes).

If you need me, I'll be in my pool from now until it's cold enough to wear sweaters and leggings again.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion check out all of buzzfeed’s gift guides .

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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4 Ways to Explain How Products Solve Problems

September 7, 2017 • pamela hazelton.

The most successful companies make or distribute products and services that solve common problems. The smartphone, for example, solves many problems, such as not being able to check email while grocery shopping, or having access to the Internet where laptop use isn’t feasible. Fitness watches can now count steps, identify and track exercises, and even measure a user’s heart rate. A single-serve coffee maker speeds up the process and cuts down on wasted pots of coffee.

One of the best ways to describe a product is to explain exactly how it’s a problem solver. In this post, I’ll look at few different ways to deliver the message.

How to Explain Problem Solving

Use simple and consistent branding of the site, company, or products. Through a series of scripted videos and relatable images, Poo-Pourri has experienced an immense amount of success. The Poo-Pourri lady handles embarrassing situations with humor and grace. If it weren’t for tackling the problem (toilet odors) head-on in a way we can all relate, this product — packaged in a floral designed bottle — probably wouldn’t be as popular.

Poo-Pourri relies on simple imagery and statements to promote its product as a real problem solver.

Use images and video to show specific uses. For more than a century, people have relied on the Swiss Army Knife for its versatility. There are many brands that produce a similar item. Sales of this type of problem solving product rely heavily on context-of-use imagery and video demonstrations. Bullet points listing all the different uses also helps convert.

A primary image that shows all the integrated tools is key in describing this type of knife.

Additional product images showcasing various uses help sell more product. Image: Amazon.

For enhanced versions of tried-and-true products, emphasize the upgrades. Sharpie is a popular maker of pens, markers, and highlighters. Sharpie’s Clear View tip improves the highlighting process by eliminating blind spots and allowing for more precision. It’s a helpful improvement to an already successful concept: highlighting text on pages.

Sharpie’s Clear View tip is a helpful improvement to an already successful concept: highlighting text on pages.

Address multiple audiences and uses. Some products have multiple purposes. One of the best examples of this is duct tape, which has been used to make everything from storage boxes to clothing. Years back, Duck Brand embraced the desire of creative folks to make designer items out of its product by introducing colors and patterns of duct tape. Today, the company focuses on both crafters and do-it-yourself fixers.

Duct tape embraces a product’s alternate uses to sell more. Source: Duck Brand.

In short, when writing headlines and descriptions, keep in mind that the most successful products are simple ones that solve serious problems. Even products that have many features can still be showcased as having simple solutions. The key is to first identify your target audience’s pain points, and then explain how the products address them.

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How To Find Problem Solution Fit For Your First Product

mins read ⋅

December 12, 2022

Finding the Problem-Solution Fit for your first product is not easy. You have no bearing on the right customer problem, no paying customers, and close to zero customer input while building the product. Unsurprisingly, one of the key reasons startups fail is “trying to build and sell solutions that customers don’t want.” According to a CB Insights report.

The Problem-Solution Fit process is a marathon of identifying customer problems whilst hustling to find your early adopters to get early traction.

Great founders recognise these risks and start small by working closely with a small set of “early-evangelists”. They find long-term customers to grow with. 

In this post, I’ll simplify the theory behind Problem-Solution Fit, then I’ll show us a step-by-step process to find Problem-Solution Fit for your startup, and I’ll wrap up with steps to help you find your first set of evangelist customers. 

Let’s get started…

Where Does Problem-Solution Fit in Your Startup Journey? 

In The Startup Owner's Manual , Steve Blank highlighted all successful startups start with learning about problems:

The first stage of a successful startup begins with finding a Problem-Solution Fit. This is when founders have discovered a deep customer problem in an underserved market. There is a lot of pivoting and working closely with a few sets of customers.

Then they move on to Product/Market Fit,  where the startup has found a way to sign up customers, retain them and get healthy revenue in a large enough market. 

Lastly, the startup moves into the Scale stage, focusing on expansionary growth and telling even more customers about their products.

So, What Is Problem-Solution Fit? 

Problem-Solution Fit (PSF) is when founders have discovered a deep customer problem in an underserved market. This stage is generally very early and often in the seed or pre-seed stage.

Take Airbnb as an example. The founders identified a problem when they started renting out their rooms to earn extra money. Then, they created a platform to help even more people earn extra income—the solution. Their Problem-Solution Fit moment came when they received their first bookings during the Industrial Design Conference in 2008, then again via the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

They learnt that large events with hotel shortages were their secret sauce for growth. Armed with the problem-solution opportunity, they applied for Y-Combinator and got in. They expanded into New York (where there are always hotel shortages), and the rest is history.

Every successful startup starts from finding Problem-Solution Fit ➡️ then Product-Market Fit ➡️ then Scale.

Where are you now on that journey?

So, How Do You Find Problem-Solution Fit?

As a founder, the moment you’ve thought of your idea , you’ve subconsciously started looking for PSF. The Problem-Solution Fit takes shape slowly from a blurry gassy form to a fluid liquid form and eventually a tangible, solid form. Some founders do this consciously, some intuitively: 

Blurry Gas Form : 

In this form, founders identify a problem and a solution that makes perfect sense in their minds. They either write it down or keep it in their minds. The product lives in the founder’s imagination, without evidence.

Fluid Liquid Form:  

Next, the founders identify a solution and ascertain whether their audience resonates with it. They’ll attempt to attract early-evangelists and iterate through landing pages, demonstrations, or prototypes. 

Tangible Solid Form:  

In this form, founders leverage demonstrations from digital prototypes, videos, sticky-tape solutions, and experiments to assess the efficacy of their proposed solution. The savvy founders will try to convert some early-evangelists into paying customers.

During these 3 phases, it’s best to use a tool to capture the idea as it evolves from gas, liquid and solid forms. It’s important to highlight the assumptions as the idea evolves and validate them. Here are 3 great tools to help you with this:

The Opportunity Canvas Tool

1. Jeff Patton’s Opportunity Canvas is my favourite tool as it focuses more on product discovery and customer problems.

The Lean Canvas Tool

2. The Lean Canvas is always a great choice for startup founders. The Lean Canvas is more holistic for your startup, whilst the Opportunity Canvas focuses more on the product.

The Business Model Canvas Tool

3. If you’re building a B2B product, the Business Model Canvas is a great option as it highlights partner channels and key resources you need to get you started.

Write down your idea, and spend the time to validate your problem-solution with your early customers. From my experience, it takes 3 -5 rounds of validation to arrive at a clearer understanding of the problem, the customer, and the solution.

Problem-Solution Fit vs Product-Market Fit

Problem-Solution Fit and Product-Market Fit are often a point of confusion for early founders. On the surface, these two definitions are virtually identical =  find a valuable product in a big enough market. However, the solutions in the Problem-Solution Fit stage are often different to those in the Product-Market Fit stage.

This is because Problem-Solution Fit focuses on a tiny group of early-evangelists who are comfortable with missing features, as long as it solves their core problem. (Bad UX, no onboarding, and manual work-arounds are part of the fun!) 

Whilst solutions during the Product-Market Fit stage focus on selling your product to a larger mainstream market. These solutions need to have a more robust set of features. (Reliability, Security, Reporting, and a decent UX is a common ask for these customers).

Problem-Solution Fit Example

A great example I’ve experienced recently was assessing a content moderation tool for the company I currently work for. 

My company is on a mission to create the most trusted destination on the internet. We want to moderate all content hosted on our platform to protect visitors.

Our team scoured the internet to find a tool that fit our requirements. After weeks of searching, we came across a startup that friends in the industry highly recommended. Their product was easy to use, had an AI engine that makes our lives easier, and had a few customers using it - a great demonstration of Problem-Solution Fit! 

However, due to the size of our remote-first workforce, information security was a key need for us. We require features like Single-Sign-On and specific security certifications that the startup didn’t offer. 

As a result, we ended up choosing another tool with fewer features but focused on a more robust set of features on information security. When we broke the news to the founders, they were disappointed but understood their product wasn’t right for us.

We departed amicably, and the startup will reach out again when they have the security features we require.

Now… could the startup have built the security features that we need? Absolutely. 

But more importantly, was my company the right customer for them? Probably not.

They were focused on smaller startups with different sets of needs. To change their product just for my company would’ve meant overheads that were not worth it for them.

The moral of the story is that “everyone” is not your customer. When you’re trying to find Problem-Solution Fit, your customers must be your “early-evangelists”—these are customers that would scream and shout about your product.

Once you’ve found a strong base of “early-evangelists" you can move into a bigger market to find Product-Market Fit.

Here is a quick comparison between your PSF customers vs your PMF customers: 

Selling to your early evangelists

Your early-evangelists are the catalysts of your product. These customers are willing to risk buying an unfinished product to gain an early competitive advantage or purely for bragging rights. (P.s. Bragging rights are never long-term strategies but it can get you off the ground).

• In the B2C space, they might be your techy friends who are always trying out new things.
• In the B2B space, this could be an executive testing a new business opportunity or a head of a function trying to solve a burning problem.

The ultimate test for early-evangelists is their willingness to pay for your product. When presenting your product idea to your ‘evangelists’— don’t be afraid to ask for a sale. If there are signs of hesitation (from both sides), you are not solving a problem deep enough. Go deeper and ask: “What would make you pay a small deposit for this product?”

Early-evangelist hierarchy of needs

Like a product, the early-evangelist goes through 5 stages of pain. The ideal customer is someone who is at the highest level and has the budget ready to buy something to solve their problem.

These are the five stages of pain your early-evangelists goes through:

• Pain Level 1: They have a problem or a need 
• Pain Level 2: They understand they have a problem (or you’ll need to help them discover a problem) 
• Pain Level 3: They are actively searching for a solution to the problem, and have a timeline for finding it
• Pain Level 4: They problem is so painful that have cobbled together an interim solution
• Pain Level 5: They have committed budget or can quickly acquire budget to purchase a solution

The closer to the top of the pyramid, the more likely they will buy your product, and even spread your vision for you.

So, where do these early evangelists hang out? 

Let’s think about the last time you were in a market to purchase a property or looking for a place to rent. Where did you go?

You’d probably start with a google search on a suburb or use a real estate website. You might ask your friends and family or even walk into your local real estate agency. 

If you’re looking for your early-evangelists, they won’t come to you directly—you need to go where they are looking. Cold-calling rarely works because it’s hard to identify your customer's pain level in one single call. Better to invest your luck in one of the five strategies below.

These are 5 Key Strategies To Find Early-Evangelists:

1. Leverage your network

Ask your existing friends, family, colleagues, investors or even LinkedIn to connect with people experiencing the problem you’re trying to solve. Offer to advise, free work, kudos, or anything your network finds valuable in return. 

Practice give-give-get. Always give more value to your network than you get from them, and people are willing to help you. 

2. Find the virtual “Gathering places”

These are online or offline gatherings where your early evangelists go to find a solution to solve their problems. Places like forums, social media groups, Twitter, slack groups or even shared offices.

Be active and generate conversations around the problem you’re trying to solve, and of course, give-give-get. 

Attend conferences, seminars, trade shows and meetups where your early-evangelists go for pleasure or work. Or, if there are no events for your problem space, create one yourself and use your network and the ‘gathering place’ above to spread the word. 

You’ll make a conversation topic that shows you deeply care about helping your customers solve their problems.

Find a way to access the attendees' list so you can reach out beforehand and set up 1:1 time with potential prospects. The networking starts BEFORE the event begins.

4. Paid advertising

In some instances, paid advertising might be a great way to get your startup in front of people. I’m broadly using the term ‘paid advertising’ to involve more than just google ads. Think about paid sponsorships, paid ads in a newsletter, paid influencers, or anything that you can use the money to acquire attention. Make sure you have a clear “what’s-in-it-for-me” call to action to turn your prospects into conversations.

5. Agents, partners or consultants  

For more complex industries, you might have to go through agents, consultants or partners that already have an established footing with your customers.

A typical example is breaking into the enterprise sector would require you to go through a few ‘approved’ vendors for you to have a ‘ticket to play’. You can sell your product through existing vendors/consultants or build apps through a marketplace like Slack Apps or Salesforce Marketplace. Partnerships are great for getting your foot in the door and finding early customers.

Play long-term games with long-term people. Grow with your early evangelists, and they’ll spread your product for you.

Finally, develop the product for the Few, not the Many

The sweet spot for startup success lies in the intersection of a meaningful problem and a right solution. In a startup, the first product is not designed to satisfy a mainstream customer, and that’s okay. No startup can afford to build a product that suits every customer and be successful at it.

All great products starts with finding a Problem-Solution Fit. Be prepared to pivot, persevere and even kill off bad ideas. Always remember: 

• You’re creating a product for your customers, not your ego.
• Find your early-evangelists to pay for the problem you solve, and solve it well.
• As a founder, time is your most valuable resource, not money. Do everything to preserve it.

On that note, happy building!

Dave is a global product leader with 15 years of experience working for brands like Airtasker, Linktree, CBA and Expedia. He also lectures at General Assembly, Harvard Innovation Labs and Product Academy to help founders build world-class products.

More resources

TAM, SAM & SOM: How To Calculate The Size Of Your Market

Unicorn Companies Explained: How Startups Achieve the $1 Billion Valuation

Defining Your Value Proposition For Early-Stage Startups

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How To Define A Product Problem

As product management has evolved over the last few years, so has the way we write, spec, and develop features. Product teams are far more thoughtful and deliberate in the way they carry their work, with outcome-focused work at the forefront of solutions they execute on.

But what does it mean to focus on outcomes ? And how do you begin spec’ing things in a different way?

That’s where defining your product problem comes in handy.

Say goodbye to old school product requirement documents, and say hello to your new product problem template!

The Product Problem Template

In the past, extensive product requirement documents (PRDs) were used to detail features .

This also meant that before one team received the template, another team had to write pages and pages of documentation , just to prepare the next group of people to add to that document and prepare to pass it on to the next group.

That’s not only a lot of work, but a lot of complicated specifications to read through.

This is likely still the case in many waterfall environments, but with Agile now becoming the standard for SaaS products, it’s time to change and adapt how we write specs.

The core tenant of Agile is that we focus on your customer and their needs, slowly releasing updates to our products based on their feedback.

Having a template that helps teams focus on those problems is key.

Step 1: Outline the “What”

The first step to defining the core problem is describing the ‘what’ – that is, what problem are you trying to solve.

By understanding the problem first, you remove some of the bias involved in defining the potential solution. This allows you to then focus on what the real core problem is for the customer, not what the perceived solution might be.

Now – if someone tells you they want a blue button, is the solution then to just change all your buttons to blue?

Dear product manager – you know better than this!

The actual problem: The user is colorblind and could benefit from more accessibility solutions added to your platform.

Step 2: The Hypothesis

The second step is to define a hypothesis . What were to happen if you fixed this problem?

It is ok to make assumptions at this point. After all, during discovery what you will attempt to do is rip that hypothesis apart and invalidate it as much as possible, allowing you to find potential loopholes and build a better solution.

Knowledge in what you don’t know is powerful, so don’t assume you know it all!

Step 3: What Value Would it Provide to your Customers?

To truly be customer-centric, you must always consider the value and impact anything you build will have on your users.

It might be difficult to formulate this at first, but it’s really important to have this written down to understand that this isn’t just about the value to your company or business, but to the people using your product.

Step 4: Measuring Success

Provided that you decided to move ahead with this, how do you know if you were successful once the problem is solved?

Product managers must always consider success measurements, whether this be in adoption, retention, or potential churn. Be sure to always link success when finding problems to solve, and that these are linked to your outcomes.

Step 5: Main Action Points

This is your opportunity to start outlining small tasks that may spin off the idea you are evaluating. This may include small discovery, interviews, or surveys you may run that will allow you to understand whether to move forward with this or not.

It’s always a good idea to log everything you do so that you can trackback decision-making, but also learn from the process of what worked and what didn’t.

Writing Specs

Provided that your initial idea assessed and passes the initial discovery process, now it’s time to add additional information and spec it. This will allow you to expand on some of the user experience and technical details that your design and development teams require to implement this.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all, but some of the information you may choose to include are:

Feedback and Research

Any feedback that you have from potential or existing customers is a must. This may also include any feedback or research from interviews you did during your initial discovery process, or feedback relayed from your sales and other business-facing stakeholders. Make sure you include this and have it handy to support moving forward with the feature.

Mockups and Prototypes

This is where collaboration with your design team kicks in. Whether it’s a quick wireframe, mockup, or a fully-functional and interactive prototype, include this as part of your documentation. It’s key to have the evolution of various designs as well, so you can understand where you started and where you’re going.

User Personas

A user persona is a representation of the type of user who interacts with your product in a particular way. It isn’t something you build based on guesses and it isn’t fictional. Personas are based on research and qualitative and quantitative data collected through user interviews and surveys. It’s important to outline what persona the feature might affect so that you can design their experience and journey more accurately.

User Stories

As your specs begin to get more technical, it’s time to start writing user stories. Stories describe how particular personas will interact with the solution and what their expected outcomes are. Need help? No worries, we’ve got a gherkin template ready for you!

Additional Documentation

Use this to add anything that may be part of your decision-making process. This could include resources such as analytics, product KPIs, analysis of your competition and market research, and any additional user data that may help support solving the problem at hand.

Why this template works to define your product problem

Having a simple template like this one gets your entire team — not just product — to think about outcomes and problems to solve.

Here are just a few of the benefits:

Establish product-thinking

It changes the conversation from “let’s work on this solution” to “do we understand what we are doing and why?” and establishes product-thinking throughout your entire organization.

For anyone looking to add product sense or product thinking to their organizations, being able to take a step back and think through things first, as well as understanding problems from the customer point of view is the first step to achieving that.

Remove bias and be more inclusive

It also helps remove bias from the solution and helps you direct the thought process to what the problem actually is, promoting insightful and dynamic thinking both for the person submitting the idea, but also for the product team.

Extend this to your sales, marketing, and support teams – and help them understand what it takes for a solution to be implemented. You can now respond to their needs more empathetically as well, as you all will have a more clean understanding about real problems, as well as raising undiscovered voices from team members that may not know how to communicate what their customers are experiencing.

Remember, the vast majority of users know they are having a problem, but they don’t know what the solution might be. This is your opportunity to engage and learn from your audience.

Solve the right product problem

Most importantly, it will certainly prevent you from solving the wrong problem and realize what every product manager wants: to build better products. There is a difference between adding features and solving problems – the latter highlighting user needs. The template helps identify the real problem and removes the need to jump to the solution, allowing you to achieve success and reduce the risk of business failure.

It also gives you the opportunity to fix problems in a unique way – providing you with a way to differentiate yourself from the rest of the market.

So the next time your team comes up with new ideas, always start with asking the question: what problem are we trying to solve?

It’s a great catalyst for a conversation! Talk it through, find insightful feedback from your customers , and always identify the problem first.

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7 problem-solving strategies to overcome project hurdles

Unexpected problems are unavoidable in business. Whether it’s a workplace conflict between two coworkers or a sudden change in industry regulations, problem-solving strategies and skills are crucial if you want to be successful.

Each industry and individual career has its own set of unique challenges that require different approaches. The trick is to have a fully loaded problem-solving toolkit ready to go when problems arise.

In this article, we’ll break down the problem-solving process and then dive into seven of the most powerful problem-solving strategies.

What are problem-solving strategies?

Problem-solving strategies help you break down, analyze and resolve problems. They take you beyond obvious answers and help you find the best solution to your specific problem.

Whether your problem is a business challenge, personal conflict or technical work issue, problem-solving strategies help replace random guesswork with detailed blueprints.

In sales and marketing, problem-solving strategies are used as guidelines to figure out the best way to resolve industry challenges. These strategies can be put in place ahead of time so that when fires arise, you have the tools required to put them out.

Different problem-solving strategies are designed for different types of problems. While one problem requires a strategy that uses creative thought and experimentation, another problem might require a heavily analytical approach.

Before we dive into specific strategies, let’s take a look at the foundations of good problem-solving.

Key takeaways from this problem-solving strategies article

Seven powerful problem-solving strategies: Overcome project hurdles with these strategies, including trial-and-error, the 5 Whys, problem tree analysis, SWOT analysis, means-end analysis, consulting an expert and working from experience. How problem-solving helps: Effective problem-solving strategies help identify root causes, generate solutions and implement effective actions, ultimately improving project outcomes and fostering a proactive approach to challenges. Pipedrive aids in problem-solving by providing tools for tracking project progress, managing tasks and analyzing performance metrics, ensuring efficient resolution of issues and optimization of project workflows. Try Pipedrive free for 14 days .

The four essential steps to problem-solving

To solve a problem, you need to identify it, conceptualize solutions, decide on the best solution and then put the solution into action.

While all problem-solving strategies approach these steps differently, each step is integral to the process, so let’s take a look at the four steps in detail.

1. Identify and define the problem

To solve a problem effectively, you need to know exactly what it is. Trying to solve a vague problem is like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. Any solutions you implement will be based on guesswork and probably won’t solve the problem in its entirety.

To identify your problem, remember:

Clarify with a statement. It’s far easier to solve a clear problem. Use journalistic questioning (who, what, where, when, why and how) to clarify the problem as far as possible. Then create a problem statement that defines your problem in simple terms.

Break the problem down. Problems are often complex with a lot of distracting information. The trick is to identify key parts of the problem and, if necessary, break it down into smaller problems that you can solve individually.

Visualize the problem. If the problem you’re dealing with is abstract or particularly complex, it can help to try to build a mental picture of it. For example, if your problem is with your sales software, visually map out the elements of the program and how you use it. This lets you see each step and pinpoint where issues may originate.

Example: Your team’s sales productivity is lower than it should be. You investigate and realize that your sales process is disorganized, causing opportunities to slip through the cracks. You break the problem down to look at each part of the process and find that your sales reps don’t have a standardized way of tracking customer interactions.

2. Brainstorm possible solutions

With the problem clearly defined, your next step is to generate an exhaustive list of potential solutions. The purpose of this step is to work out everything you could possibly do so that you can narrow it down later.

Here are some tips for effective brainstorming:

If you’re working with a team, have them brainstorm ideas before the meeting. Prior to the brainstorming meeting, provide background information so everyone has some ideas ready by the time you meet and you can get to a solution faster.

Include key stakeholders. Who does the problem mainly affect? This is the group of people you should include in the solution-finding process, as they will have the deepest understanding of the problem.

Include every solution and narrow them down later. Begin by getting as many ideas written down as possible. This will get the creative juices flowing and help you consider all angles to develop a more effective solution.

Example: You send out your findings about the gaps in the sales process in advance and ask each sales team member to bring a few proposed solutions to share. During the meeting, you set a ground rule that you won't discuss or critique ideas until they’re all on the table. By the end, a series of solutions are suggested, including introducing new tools to track the customer journey, automate repetitive tasks and set follow-up reminders.

3. Decide on a single solution

Now that you have a list of solutions, it’s time to decide which are likely to be the most effective. To do this, you need to evaluate each in order until you have a short list of promising solutions.

To help evaluate your solutions, consider whether:

The solution will achieve your desired outcomes without causing additional issues

The solution aligns with your organizational goals

The solution is affordable and realistic with your current resources and constraints

This step is often the most difficult and requires effective decision-making abilities in addition to problem-solving skills. Often, there will be several solutions that vary in their projected cost, effectiveness and difficulty to implement and you’ll need to take all this into account when making a decision.

Example: Based on your brainstorming session, you decide that the best solution is to invest in a customer relationship management (CRM) system. This will allow you to set up a consistent process and will easily pay for itself in increased productivity. The CRM’s reporting features will also provide greater insight into your sales team’s performance, helping you improve processes further based on what’s working.

4. Implement the solution

Finally, it’s time to put the solution in place. Depending on the complexity of the problem you’re trying to solve, this may require additional steps. For example, you might need to develop a detailed action plan for several team members and then monitor their effectiveness going forward.

To ensure that your solution remains effective:

Schedule regular feedback meetings. Regular feedback from the people closest to the problem will help you gauge whether the solution has been effective and how and when you may need to make adjustments over time.

Decide on key metrics before implementing the solution. Which metrics will tell you whether your solution is working? For example, if your problem is tech-related, you could judge whether the solution worked based on how many IT requests come in each month. Determine what you’ll need to measure upfront.

Don’t be afraid to try again. If your solution didn’t work, it’s time to go back to the drawing board. Get your short list of possible solutions out again and reevaluate them based on what you’ve learned. You might find that another solution works better now that you have more data.

Example: You invest in a CRM solution for your team. A week after onboarding your team, you meet to discuss how the software is working for your team. Based on the discussion, you discover ways to optimize your sales process further.

Seven powerful problem-solving strategies

The type of problem you’re facing will determine how you approach each step in the problem-solving process. Different problems require different creative thinking, critical thinking and brainstorming techniques to come to a solution.

To help you sort out your approach, here are seven different strategies you can use to tackle different kinds of problems:

1. The trial-and-error approach

Trial-and-error is a step-by-step problem-solving approach that’s most effective for problems with many possible solutions. As you test each solution rapidly in order, you’ll find the best fit as quickly as possible.

For this reason, trial-and-error problem-solving is incredibly useful in fields like tech support.

For example, imagine your internet connection drops out. There could be more than one possible cause for this, so quickly running through a checklist of solutions (like checking if your provider is down and restarting the router) is the most effective method.

However, when you’re dealing with large, serious issues, the trial-and-error approach is tantamount to guesswork and may introduce more problems than it fixes.

2. The 5 Whys

The 5 Whys process is a systematic problem-solving method with a simple premise: Keep asking “Why?” until you discover the root cause of an issue.

In good problem-solving, people will often try to solve a surface-level issue without investigating any deeper. The problem many surface-level problems are themselves caused by prior problems that went unchecked.

The 5 Whys process helps uncover these root causes. It also provides a framework for you to work through more complex problems. With the framework in place, it’s much easier to develop a plan to solve each part of the problem in turn.

How to use the 5 Whys:

Write down the surface-level problem.

Ask why the problem has occurred and write the answer below the original problem.

If the answer isn’t the root cause of the problem, repeat step 2 until you find the root (five times is usually all it takes, hence the name).

Here’s what this looks like in practice:

The overarching problem: You aren’t generating enough sales leads. Why #1: Your website isn’t receiving enough traffic. Why #2: Your website isn’t optimized for sales lead generation . Why #3: You don’t have any landing pages or effective calls-to-action (CTAs). Why #4: You haven’t allocated enough of your marketing budget to hire an in-house marketer or agency.

Once you find the root cause, you can easily develop a solution by working backward. In this example, you can clearly see that a potential solution to the overarching problem is to invest in a role that can drive website optimization for lead generation .

3. Problem tree analysis

Problem tree analysis is the process of mapping out the causes and effects of a problem. The causes become the roots of the tree, while the consequences become the branches. Once mapped out, the tree can be inverted to become a solution tree.

Here’s how a problem tree might look for a company struggling to move prospects past the sales demo in their sales process:

This format helps break a problem down into manageable chunks so you can prioritize key objectives. Here’s how to use problem tree analysis:

Identify and write down the problem. Write it in the center of a piece of paper in negative form (for example, “sales process stall after on-site demos”). This will be the “trunk” of the tree and is the focal issue.

Work out the causes of the problem. Write these below the problem and use arrows to connect them – these are the “roots” of the problem tree. Dig deeper to find whether each cause has further causes (you can use the 5 Whys process for this).

Write down the consequences of the problem above the cause. These are the “branches” and connect to the “trunk” in the same way that the “roots” do.

Analyze the tree to ensure it’s complete. If you’re certain that everything is covered, highlight the most serious causes and consequences, as well as the ones that are the easiest to address.

Create a solution (or objective) tree. Flip all negatives into positives. For example, the problem “sales process stall after on-site demo” would become the desired outcome “on-site demos help close deals”. Replace each cause and consequence with its positive counterpart to see how to correct the problem. Turning root causes into root solutions quickly establishes solution starting points.

Double-check your solution tree. Make sure each of your solutions is clear and realistic and there are no gaps between causes or consequences.

Implement a solution. Select your preferred solution and begin to work toward it using the solution tree as your blueprint.

4. SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning and sales management technique that can also be used as an effective problem-solving strategy.

Start by identifying the problem and coming up with a list of solutions. You can then use SWOT analysis to determine which solution is most suitable for your situation:

What are its strengths? Why is this solution the best fit for the problem at hand? How does it solve the problem better than other solutions might?

What are its weaknesses? Are there any ways this solution is lacking? Can you do anything to remove or strengthen those weaknesses?

Does it open up any opportunities? Does this solution provide any further benefits or opportunities?

Does it introduce any threats? Are there any risks involved with this solution? Could it backfire in any way?

This will help you compare solutions and choose the best one.

This approach works best with complex problems that have multiple possible solutions as it helps you consider their potential impact within your organization.

5. Means-end analysis

Means-end analysis is a problem-solving strategy that involves working out what you need to do (the means) to get to a certain outcome (the end).

You start by defining both your current situation and your ideal situation. You then determine solutions to get from one to the other.

For example, say your problem is that you want to increase sales performance . Your starting point is your current sales metrics while the outcome (end) is the number of sales you want to reach.

Then, develop a list of likely obstacles that might prevent you from reaching your goal and devise solutions to overcome each.

In the above example, you might find that a competitor is offering better deals on their products. You can then devise the solution of creating a new sales promotion or focusing your messaging on a unique attribute of your product.

6. Consult an expert

While this isn’t a creative problem-solving methodology, it is effective.

When problems arise that are completely outside of your expertise, attempting to solve them yourself is often time-consuming and costly. Most organizations simply don’t have the time or resources to create detailed strategies for complex, highly specific problems.

In many industries, there are expert consultants you can hire to help you solve your issues in a fraction of the time that it would take you on your own.

You wouldn’t attempt to replace your home’s hot water system with no experience in plumbing, you’d call in an expert. Sometimes it’s best to approach complex problems with the same mentality.

7. Work from experience

Use your experience with similar or related past problems to work out a solution based on a calculated guess. Working from a framework or strategy you’ve already established (such as an algorithm or formula, often called a heuristic approach), is a mental shortcut that helps you come up with answers quickly.

For example, say a previous organization you worked for reduced customer complaints by having sales reps follow up with customers within one week of purchase. When your current company has an urgent need to improve customer feedback, you draw from your experience and propose implementing rapid follow-up. The team then compares the solution with your current problem to gauge whether it might help in this case, too.

Heuristics are a quick way to get to a solution, and though it may not be the optimal final solution, this is a helpful approach when you need a fast fix.

Supplemental strategies for optimal problem-solving

Here’s a list of general strategies that can be applied to any problem-solving technique to help you devise a better solution in less time.

Don’t reject any ideas (at first). Fully consider your options when coming up with a solution. Many solutions could work, but some will be quicker, cheaper or more effective than others. Likewise, team members may hold back potential solutions for fear of immediate rejection. Instead, list them all at first and narrow them down later.

Set a deadline. Some problems are tedious to solve so they get put on the back burner. To keep easily fixed issues from remaining on hold indefinitely, set a deadline. Establishing a stopping point will increase the chances that you’ll find a solution within the time frame.

Introduce a mediator. If you have a sensitive issue like a personal conflict between two employees, it can help to introduce a neutral third party. A mediator can help reduce tensions and approach the conflict from an unbiased perspective.

Drop the assumptions. Assumptions can be one of the biggest obstacles to successful problem-solving. If you’re biased toward a particular solution or have unfounded presumptions about particular constraints, you may pass over effective solutions.

Reframe the problem as an opportunity. If you approach every problem with a negative mindset, you’ll think of the solution as an unwanted burden or cost. Instead, try to think of the problem as a challenge or opportunity. When you see it as a chance to improve your results and further your business, you’ll be eager to implement solutions.

Distance yourself from the problem. Problem-solving can require intense discussions and deep critical thought. It can help to distract yourself from the issue for a while and then return with a fresh mind. Instead of dwelling on a problem, try sleeping on it. You might find that your mind is open to new ideas when you return.

Final thoughts

Problems are a constant when you’re running a business. The key to success is preparation. With the right tools and problem-solving methodologies, nothing can stop you.

Look for strategies that address your specific problems and don’t forget to celebrate when you crack a tough problem.

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4 Ways to Problem-Solve During Product Development

At some point during the product development process, you are likely to encounter a problem so large it leaves you feeling completely stumped. How can you successfully solve problems during the product development process?

How to solve problem during product development

Take a look at these four tips that originated from advice offered by expert problem solvers.

1. Start small

You’re in the midst of developing a prototype and have just found a massive flaw in your product design . Don’t panic: your problem might be huge, but the key to successfully tackling it is to start small. Consider the story of Sidney Farber. Dubbed the Father of Modern Chemotherapy, Farber took one enormous problem, which was cancer treatment, and focused on one incredibly small aspect of it, examining leukemia treatment on literally a microscopic level. Farber successfully developed a treatment that went on to become the foundation of treatment for many other types of cancer. The first step in tackling large complex problems is to find solutions to micro-problems — solutions which can then be extrapolated to bigger issues.

2. Don’t define your problem too rigidly

“Most businesses set goals in terms of ‘we need to improve X by Y percent,’” explains data scientist Mark Stringer. “On closer inspection, improving X by Y percent is often just a partial solution to a bigger, more ambiguous problem. Improving X by Y percent may incrementally improve your business, and using the define-plan-execute method will get the job done on a number of projects. However, if you don’t revisit and redefine the problem, you run the risk of misusing valuable time and resources.”

3. Take time to understand the problem

Just because you think you understand the problem you’re trying to solve doesn’t necessarily mean that you actually do. Consider the famous Netflix example. Back in 2006 Netflix offered a staggering $1 million award to anyone who could manage to figure out a way to improve the company’s viewing recommendation algorithms by 10 percent. Competing universities and teams worked for three years to solve the problem, but nobody ever quite hit the nail on the head. In the end, the solution that won the $1 million dollar prize was never fully implemented. Basically, it was a major problem-solving flop.

Why? Well, it has to do with the way Netflix defined the problem. Netflix needed to improve recommendations, but in order to do that, it didn’t actually need to change the algorithm. They should have taken a broader, more ambiguous look at the situation. Fast-forward a few years, and Netflix was actually able to find a simple way to improve their recommendations: they segmented recommendations by different household users.

The takeaway? Don’t define your problem too concretely. It will narrow your focus—which isn’t necessarily a good thing. “Businesses should also look to set concrete goals while defining problems ambiguously. Problem solving methods for ambiguous problems aim to continuously redefine the problem,” Stringer insists. “They start with a big, ambiguous problem and take an iterative approach to testing out solutions and changing course.”

4. Ask yourself, “Who else has solved this problem?”

More likely than not, your problem is not totally unique. Somebody somewhere along the line has likely faced a similar problem—and solved it. “The whole idea behind creative problem-solving is the assumption that you know something that will help solve this problem, but you’re not thinking of it right now,” explains Art Markman, a cognitive psychologist. “When you begin to realize that the problem you’re trying to solve has been solved over and over again by people in other areas, you can look at the solutions they came up with to help you solve your own.” Of course, their exact solution might not fit your dilemma perfectly, but the inspiration should help get your creative juices flowing.

Pivot International is a product design, development, and manufacturing firm with strengths in software development, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial design. If you are interested in engineering a new product or updating an existing product, contact us at 1-877-206-5001 or request your free consultation today.

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Explained: 8 Disciplines of Problem Solving for Improved Product Quality

Table of content.

1 What Exactly is an 8D Problem-Solving Method?

2 Benefits of Implementing 8D Problem-Solving Approach

3 Steps Involved in 8 Disciplines of Problem Solving for Improved Product Quality

For manufacturers, it is quite common to encounter quality issues in products and services repeatedly. This may result in numerous problems. Some of them can be directly reported by customers while some may be identified by an internal audit team. In any case, quality issues may hamper the brand reputation and customer loyalty.

That’s the reason; the method of 8 disciplines was introduced to manage the quality issues by addressing their root cause and preventing the recurrence.

What Exactly is an 8D Problem-Solving Method?

8D is commonly referred to as “8 Disciplines” or “8 Critical Steps” for solving quality problems . It is a team-oriented method of managing quality issues, which is highly disciplined and effective. Based on the teamwork, this method offers stepwise guidelines to identify the root cause, define and implement the segregation actions, and finally develop and implement CAPA to mitigate the problem lastingly.

Benefits of Implementing 8D Problem-Solving Approach

8 Disciplines are an effective approach especially for manufacturers regardless of the industry they serve. It drives multiple benefits such as:

• Identification of real factors that led to the problem.
• Address the potential causes that could result in an undesirable situation or challenge.
• Allowing the team to perform a detailed analysis before making any conclusions.
• Preventing the recurrences of similar product and process quality issues.

Steps Involved in 8 Disciplines of Problem Solving for Improved Product Quality

D1: team building.

You should create a separate team to resolve the quality issues and improve the overall implementation process. All the team members should be competent enough in terms of skills and knowledge to perform the duty assigned. In addition to the competency of the team, it is very important to understand the number of members required to efficiently manage the quality issues.

D2: Stating the Problem

Make sure you state all the details of a particular problem clearly and thoroughly to validate and verify the problem from all the possible resources including who, when, where, etc. It is also called the 5W2H methodology. It includes all the details like:

• (W)ho reported the problem?
• (W)hat is the actual problem?
• (W)hen exactly the problem started?
• (W)here it happened?
• (W)hy it is happening? (Complete Explanation Required)
• (H)ow often the problem has occurred? (To Understand the Pattern)
• (H)ow much quantity of products is affected?

Hence, stating the problem simply won’t work. You will have to describe it for creating and implementing an appropriate action plan.

D3: Define the Interim Containment Action

Once you have tracked all the details of the problem occurred, you need to identify the appropriate containment measures to prevent the problem from becoming continued adversity. The focus should be on the main issue rather than the symptoms. You can discontinue production, in case of defective products, to prevent any harm to customers.

D4: Determine the Root Cause

Kickstart the process by listing all the potential causes to determine the root cause of the problem. You can test and check every probability to identify the actual cause of the problem. Then, you can proceed to define the relevant corrective actions. The most commonly used method is 5M1E. These 6 elements are reevaluated every time a disturbance in the product quality is observed. The six elements are Man, Machine, Material, Method, Measurement, and Environment.

However, you can use multiple tools in the process of identifying the root cause of the problem. Some of the commonly used tools are Pareto Charts, Affinity Diagram, Brainstorming Session, 5-Whys Process, Fishbone Diagram, Fault Tree Analysis, Statistical Analysis, ANOVA, DOE, Regression Analysis, Hypothesis Testing, GR&R, Flow Charts, Audits, and FMEA .

D5: Define the Permanent Corrective Actions

Define the scope of improvements with a list of all the possible solutions. You must remember it is not about mitigating the issues for once; it is about implement the corrective actions that can resolve the issue permanently. You must focus on long-term corrective measures to avoid recurrences and other respective problems. Moreover, you should verify the improvements done if they are effective enough.

D6: Resolve the Issue and Perform Effectiveness Review

Once you have implemented the 5th Discipline and eliminated the root cause of the problem, verify the result. It will help you understand the effects of the solution implemented on the production processes. Remember that the effectiveness review is not a one-time activity; it should be an ongoing process to drive continuous improvement.

D7: Prevent the Recurrence and Standardize the Processes

The problem once resolved shouldn’t occur again and you have to ensure that in the Discipline 7. For this, you need to standardize all the processes, systems, and procedures. You can use a quality management software system to do standardization right. This will further help you to identify the changes required at every level or stage and maintain the continuous improvement cycle.

D8: Appreciate your Team

If all the disciplines are followed and implemented rigorously and you have noticed improvements, it’s time to appreciate your team for their sincere efforts. Also, plan the future activities in orientation with continual improvement to improve your business bottom line. Keeping your team involved makes them feel an important part of the process and they are likely to contribute best efforts.

Truth be told, the 8D process is quite an effective method than all other problem-solving methods. Implemented appropriately, all the process and problem-related quality issues can be easily implemented.

[Bonus Tip: Don’t keep appreciation discipline limited to say thanks to your team. Communicate with them openly to understand their needs whether they need any training or any other assistance to match the competency required to perform the jobs and duties assigned. It may work as a permanent corrective action as well.

You can also implement a training management system to manage their training needs effectively and efficiently. It is preferable to go for a cloud-based training software like Qualityze that offers them a flexible way of learning new skills regardless of the geographical locations they are placed at.

Besides all the important steps we have discussed above, you should know three important things about the 8D process and report that will be of great help in the long term.

• The 8D report is not for your customers. It is just for you to identify the root cause of a problem, resolve the same, and prevent the recurrence. Customers will evaluate everything with the quality delivered to them. However, you can keep and maintain the records to prove that you hear the customer complaints and concerns seriously and addressed them at earliest. It works as evidence for FDA visits.
• Implementing the 8D problem-solving approach is possible when the organization’s top management encourages it with complete authorization and commitment. On the other hand, the involvement of all other team members is equally important. Make sure you have established standardized quality management systems, processes, and procedures to bring the entire organization together to meet the business quality objectives.
• Always prepare a valid 8D report since it will help you improve the product quality and build more customer confidence in your brand. It is key to achieve customer satisfaction. Hence, record the entire process step-by-step to make most of the results you get.

Hope this post has helped you understand the benefits of implementing the 8D problem-solving process for your business. You can automate and standardize this approach using Qualityze Enterprise Quality Management Suite .

If you want to know how our software can help, get in touch with our customer success team at [email protected] or call us on 1-877-207-8616.

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• What is Product Management?

What isn't Product Management?

What is the product management process, the people of product management, what are the most important product management skills.

• Product Management and Roadmaps

Product Management Tools

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Optimizing Product Management Operations

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• Agile Product Management Operations
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• Conclusion: Product Management Strategy
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The question, “What is product management?” comes up pretty often, even from experienced business people. One reason is that product management encompasses a wide-ranging area of responsibilities. Indeed, the role itself means very different things in different organizations.

Here is the most concise response we’ve come up with for the “What is product management?” question: Product management is the practice of strategically driving the development, market launch, and continual support and improvement of a company’s products.

Of course, that is an abstract explanation of the role. So what is product management? What does the job entail? 

The day-to-day tasks include a wide variety of strategic and tactical duties. Most product managers or product owners do not take on all these responsibilities. At least some of them are owned by other teams or departments in most companies.  

But most product professionals spend the majority of their time focused on the following:

• Conducting Research: Researching to gain expertise about the company’s market, user personas, and competitors .
• Developing Strategy: Shaping the industry knowledge they’ve learned into a high-level strategic plan for their product—including goals and objectives, a broad-strokes overview of the product itself, and maybe a rough timeline.
• Communicating Plans: Developing a working strategic plan using a product roadmap and presenting it to key stakeholders across their organization: executives, investors, development teams, etc. Ongoing communication across their cross-functional teams throughout the development process and beyond.
• Coordinating Development: Assuming they have received a green light to move forward with their product’s strategic plan, coordinate with the relevant teams—product marketing, development, etc.—to begin executing the plan.
• Acting on Feedback and Data Analysis: Finally, after building, testing, and introducing the product to the marketplace, learning via data analysis and soliciting direct feedback from users, what works, what doesn’t, and what to add. Working with the relevant teams to incorporate this feedback into future product iterations.

Product managers owning the day-to-day details of a product’s development is a common misconception. As we describe on our product management vs. project management page, this is the role of a project manager.

Product management’s strategic function

Product management is a strategic function. Tasking product managers with determining a product’s overall reason for being—the product’s “Why?”  

They’re also responsible for communicating product objectives and plans for the rest of the company. They must ensure everyone is working toward a shared organizational goal.  

Product management encompasses a broad set of ongoing strategic responsibilities. They shouldn’t be responsible for the ground-level details of the development process.

Innovative organizations separate this function and assign tactical elements to project managers, such as scheduling and managing workloads. This distinct division leaves the product manager free to focus on the higher-level strategy.

There is no single “right” way to manage a product. Processes will evolve and adapt to the organization, the product lifecycle stage, and product team members’ and executives’ personal preferences.

But the discipline has developed some consensus regarding best practices. So while rigid adherence isn’t required and there isn’t the same level of zealotry as one might find when discussing Agile, the basic tenets are widely accepted.

Defining the problem

It all begins with identifying a high-value customer pain point . After that, people or organizations are trying to do something, and they can’t. Or, if they can, it’s expensive or time-consuming or resource-intensive or inefficient, or just unpleasant.

Whether it’s moving a person or thing from Point A to Point B, finding the perfect gift, reaching the right audience, keeping people entertained, or some other objective, what’s currently available isn’t quite cutting it. People want something better or something they don’t have at all.

Product management turns these abstract complaints, wants, and wishes into a problem statement looking for a solution. Solving that problem and easing that pain is the spark and motivation for everything that comes next. Without a clearly articulated goal that directly impacts that pain point, there’s not much hope that the product will gain traction or staying power.

Quantifying the opportunity

There are many problems and pain points, but not all are worth solving. This is when product managers swap their customer-centric hats for a business one.

To justify investment in building a new product or solution, product management must answer the following questions and be able to build a business case based on the answers they find:

• What is the total addressable market ?
• Is the problem or pain severe enough that people will consider alternative solutions?
• Are they willing to pay for an alternative solution (or is there another way to monetize the solution)?

Once product management has evaluated the potential market, they can then try to address it if there’s a significant enough opportunity.

Researching potential solutions

With a target in mind, product management can now thoroughly investigate how they might solve customer problems and pain points. They should cast a large net of possible solutions and not rule anything out too quickly. For example, suppose the organization already has some proprietary technology or IP or a particular area of expertise to give the company an advantage. In that case, those potential solutions will likely leverage that somehow.

However, this does not mean that product managers should start drafting requirements and engaging the product development team. They’ll first want to validate those candidates with the target market, although it is prudent to bounce some of these ideas off the technical team to ensure they’re at least feasible. Product management will often develop personas to see whether there’s actual interest among those cohorts using any of the table’s ideas. 

Skipping this step and jumping right into building something can be a fatal flaw or cause severe delays. While there are no guarantees, getting confirmation from potential customers that the idea is something they’ll want, use, and pay for is a critical gate in the overall process and achieving product-market fit .

Building an MVP

After validating a particular solution’s appeal and viability, it’s now time to engage the product development team in earnest. First, the bare minimum set of functionality should be defined, and then the team can build a working version of the product that can be field-tested with actual users.

Many bells and whistles will intentionally be excluded from the Minimum Viable Product , as the goal is to ensure the core functionality meets the market’s needs. Nice-to-haves can wait for a later stage in the product lifecycle since there’s little point in expending additional resources on an unproven product.

MVPs can test how the product works and the overall messaging and positioning of the value proposition in conjunction with product marketing. The key is finding out whether this nascent product is something the market wants and if it adequately meets its core requirements.

Creating a feedback loop

While customer feedback is essential throughout a product’s life, there’s no time more critical than during the MVP introduction. This is where the product management team can learn what customers think, need, and dislike since they’re reacting to an actual product experience and not just theoretical ideas tossed out in a conversation.

Product management must make it easy for customers to provide feedback and create frequent prompts soliciting it. But, just as importantly, they must process, synthesize, and react to this feedback, turning this input into actionable ideas that make their way into the product roadmap or backlog.

And, not to be forgotten, product management must also establish a method for closing the loop with customers so they know their complaints and suggestions were heard and, when applicable, have been addressed.

Setting the strategy

Assuming the MVP is well received, it’s time to invest in a product strategy . The team now knows they’re onto something that can get some traction, so goals and objectives must be established to improve the product, bring it to market, expand its reach, and align with the overall company strategy and desired outcomes.

The strategy should be based on reasonable, incremental progress toward achievable goals, with key performance indicators and other metrics defined to evaluate success. These measurables should track with the organization’s general objectives and complement what the company already does well (assuming it’s not a startup still in its infancy).

Driving execution

With a viable product concept, a scalable feedback management system, and a sound strategy, it’s time to turn ideas into reality. This means prioritizing potential development items and plotting out the product roadmap.

Product management doesn’t have too many subspecialties, primarily because product people are expected to do a little bit of everything. However, this career has some variety, along with expected tiers of seniority and additional responsibility.

First, some jobs often get lumped in with product that doesn’t belong there. This includes project management , program management, product marketing, and scrum masters.

Each of those critical roles interfaces with the product management team quite a bit. Some organizations may even arrange those jobs into the same groups, such as making product management and product marketing part of the overall marketing organization. But these positions aren’t product management jobs, as they don’t actively define what is in the product or report to the people who do. 

Product Management Jobs

The ideal product management job is—unsurprisingly—being a product manager. A product manager will usually own one or more products or a horizontal function across multiple products, such as “user experience” or “e-commerce.” 

Associate product managers and junior product managers are typically new to the domain and have more limited responsibilities. A senior product manager will have a little more seasoning and a broader scope of their role. But these are essentially slightly different flavors of your basic product manager.

Technical product managers are another critical variation of the role. These individuals are often transitioning from a role in the engineering or IT teams and tasked with managing aspects of one or more products requiring a deeper understanding of technical issues, such as infrastructure and APIs.

Agile product managers

In an Agile organization, product owners also may be part of the puzzle. While there’s some debate, product owners are often considered part of product management. However, they are distinct from product managers. A product owner is embedded in one or more scrum teams, but their focus is mainly tactical, helping ensure the strategy laid out by product managers is appropriately executed. 

As one moves up through the ranks, more senior product management roles have more significant distinctions. For example, a product line manager will own multiple products that are typically related to each other, sometimes overseeing individual contributor product managers that manage a single product or sub-component.

The Product Executive Track

The executive track begins with Director and Senior Director roles. Depending on the company’s size, this may be a loftier title for a “lone wolf” product management professional. But, on the other hand, it may indicate an even broader portfolio of products and the corresponding direct reports to support that. 

Vice President and Senior Vice President are similar escalations up the corporate ladder. Those holding these jobs may see more diversity on their staff as they may also end up owning business analysts, UX, product marketing, or other related functions. The apex of a product management career is Chief Product Officer . Although not as common, this increasingly seen role elevates product management to the C-suite. It gives the product the same political weight as Engineering or Marketing, which often indicates an organization is committed to product-led growth. A CPO is typically supported by a larger team and provides directional guidance and coaching rather than diving into the nitty-gritty details of particular products.

With a shared understanding of product management’s scope, we can dig into what it takes to be a product manager. Product managers find their way by following the paths of those who came before them. And those more experienced in the profession have plenty of lessons to offer their peers and newcomers . 

You can’t get a degree in product management. There’s no single career path to get there. It’s more about the skills required to do the job well than a particular pedigree. Here are some of the key hard skills in product management.

Communication  

Communication skills leap to the top of the list when considering what it takes to be a successful product manager. So many aspects of the job rely on prowess in this domain. 

To solicit and gather feedback, product managers need to be great listeners. They must also know how to work those relationships and exhibit significant customer empathy .

Of course, customers aren’t the only source of input to the prioritization process. Product managers must also work with various stakeholders to understand their goals and needs . 

After that, product managers must succinctly convey the product’s mission. It should be a synthesis of all those inputs turned into something easily consumable that others can be inspired by.

Evangelizing and alignment

With vision, goals, and the roadmap defined, product managers must socialize and evangelize these pillars of the product to the entire organization. It’s all about creating alignment , generating buy-in, and getting the whole company on the same page, including leveraging public forums such as all-hands meetings , as well as smaller forums and one-on-one sessions.

Once the product plans begin taking shape, product managers must work extensively with the product development organization. This collaboration includes engineers  along well with product managers, architects, and quality assurance teams. 

Collaboration

To create a fantastic user experience, product managers must also collaborate with UX designers . Nurturing a true partnership and not being merely transactional is key to delivering exceptional products. 

Finally, as the product gets ready to launch, there’s another round of communication and coordination. Product management must educate and edit marketing plans for the product. They also must provide the sales team with the necessary training and talking points they’ll need.

Technical skills  

There may be no debate quite as polarizing in the product management community as this subject. Just how technical must a product manager be ? Will non-technical product managers become extinct ?

There’s no debating that a product manager must have some level of technical understanding. Luddites don’t make great product managers, at least not for software products.

Product managers must be conversant enough in the fundamentals for meaningful dialogue with engineering. They must understand if they’re creating a massive amount of technical debt with their decisions and managing down existing debt . And they should probably be knowledgeable enough to use their product and relate to the customers it’s intended to serve.  

And in organizations where there is an actual need for product managers with in-depth technical know-how, they can always hire a technical product manager to fill that role.  

Business savvy

When product managers dub themselves the “CEO of the product,” they’re generally referring to this category of skills. Product managers may or may not carry responsibility for a product’s revenue. But they’re integral to making sure the product is financially and strategically successful.

It starts by defining a vision and goals for the product. While these may come from the founder or executive team, product management must own them once established. Then, translating those abstract ideas into the tactics required to make them a reality is all part of the job.

Other duties, such as finding product-market fit and assessing requests from customers and prospects , also require keen business smarts. 

To do so, product managers must think strategically, even when dealing with minutiae. No choice is inconsequential. They must dynamically consider all possible repercussions to avoid negative impacts on the customer experience or sales.

And then there are the numbers. Product managers must be conversant in the metrics that matter. They must use data-driven decision-making to propel the product forward. Growth, revenue, and profitability all fall under product management’s purview, even if they’re not directly responsible for them.

We might be a bit biased, but there’s no single aspect of product management as pivotal as a product roadmap. It’s the culmination of countless hours of research, negotiations, strategizing, and consensus-building.

Watch the webinar, Key Ingredients for Successful Product Roadmaps, for more on what goes into a roadmap.

Product roadmaps set the agenda and set expectations for the entire organization. They set a course for the future and provides a point of reference to inspire the whole organization. They turn the mission and vision into a concrete plan for making grand ideas a reality.  

But what’s on the roadmap is only half the battle. The other part is figuring out what kind of roadmap makes the most sense for the audience , the product’s maturity , and the timeframe it covers . One size does not fit all (although one tool can help you with every kind of roadmap you might want to create).

The first step is prioritizing the various initiatives and features using a prioritization framework . Define the parameters of your roadmap. Will it be feature-less? Based on themes ? 

Setting the ground rules for the roadmap’s scope and level of detail are the hard part. Plugging in everything is easy. Then it’s time to rely on those communication skills and showcase the final product .

Product managers have more options than ever when it comes to tools . They cover a wide range of tasks and areas that product managers are responsible for.

But a product manager’s job involves a lot more than gather product insight, tracking the backlog, and reviewing the product roadmap. Whether you’re a new product manager or a seasoned PM just wanting to make sure you’re not missing a key component of your role because you’re lacking the proper tool—the following is a list of product management tools to help you excel in your role.

These include solutions for tracking user behavior, including heat mapping and session replays. Plus, there are surveying tools for gathering feedback. There are also a host of new options for collaboration. It encompasses asynchronous messaging, voice chats, file sharing, and document editing.

For demos, presentations, and onboarding, product managers can turn to web conferencing tools that support screen sharing and recording. These can also be co-opted for low-budget usability testing, as product managers can “ride-along” while users complete tasks using their products.   Quickly visualize concepts and workflows with wireframe tools and flowcharts.

Project management tools have also made a massive impact on how product managers keep track of things. There’s no excuse to be managing your life and projects in a spreadsheet .

Asking for a tools budget

Product managers shouldn’t be shy about asking for a tools budget ; their time is just as valuable as other contributors. Requesting budgets for a tool is still a relatively rare occurrence for product teams, who traditionally haven’t had any dedicated budget and rarely ask for anything financial other than approving travel expenses or a new laptop. So, how do you successfully broach this subject with the executives holding the purse strings?

1. Make assumptions

2. Strength in numbers

3. Acknowledge the alternatives

4. Try the free-trial

One common belief in product management is that there is a vast difference between working on B2B and B2C products . While there are certainly some distinct aspects between those two worlds, they have plenty in common.

For B2C, your users are generally also your buyers, and you’re serving a single persona. For B2B, the person controlling the budget is often unrelated to the person who regularly uses the product. After identifying each persona, product managers can tailor the product and the pitch for each one of them. 

Both situations require multiple value propositions. Even single consumers are looking for numerous reasons to buy and use a product. Therefore, messaging should always speak to practical, emotional, and financial justifications for taking the plunge.  

It impacts the sales process, as B2B sales take a lot more convincing and win over many hearts and minds for a single transaction. And the cost of acquisition will be higher, and the growth rate slower for a B2B product.

But with proper expectations, there’s no reason the same skills and experiences can’t be transposed from one market to another. Product managers shouldn’t feel pigeonholed into only working in one market or the other. It just might take a little more convincing during the hiring process to shake them out of their false preconceptions.

Product managers have an often overwhelming amount of obligations. Time is a precious commodity. They must be efficient and organized to conduct the necessary conversations and meetings while still having enough bandwidth actually to get some work done.

Process around decisions

Making decisions—and getting internal consensus on those decisions—can be a huge time suck. To get through them all promptly, product managers must find a scalable way to get to an agreement quickly . Clearly defined roles and a consistent process let the parties involved focus on the subject at hand.

A divide-and-conquer approach is another tactic for getting more done in less time. Recognizing the core strengths of everyone available, splitting up tasks, and delegating things lets product managers focus on what they do best while not neglecting anything else that’s important. 

Product managers can also borrow some useful skills from their project management counterparts . This includes defining explicit scopes and sticking to them, cutting down on diversions and ratholes. It’s additionally helpful to create clear action plans and communicate them to relevant colleagues to be sure everyone knows what they’re responsible for and understand the expectations.

Even how product managers schedule their day can lead to increased output and higher-quality working sessions. By minimizing context switching , product managers can cluster similar tasks together to maintain focus and limit distractions.

This includes making time for strategic thinking . It’s tough to take a deep dive into a particular subject when there are constant interruptions. Product managers must carve out time for this critical task and create an environment where they can concentrate.

Meetings are unavoidable for product managers. They have the potential to offer tons of value. But when mismanaged, they can turn unproductive and suck up time they don’t have to spare.

Among our meeting tips for product managers , the focus is on efficiency. Whether it’s limiting attendance or defining a narrow scope, the goal is to have a purpose, stick to the plan and get it over with as fast as possible.

Follow-through is also essential. Product managers should take notes, circulate key information, and clarify any action items before everyone leaves. Of course, the best advice might be skipping the meeting altogether if it proves to be more distracting than beneficial.

Capitalizing on Customer Meetings

While internal meetings may seem like a chore, meeting with customers is one of the best parts of the job. It’s an opportunity to capture an unfiltered influx of feedback, ideas, and inspiration that can help product managers power through the less-than-awesome aspects of the situation.

Meeting directly with customers is always preferable to relying on coworkers in sales or support to funnel information back to the product team. Of course, this may not always be possible, but product managers should seize these opportunities when they arise. 

While sales and support might bring back valuable tidbits, they’re conducting conversations with customers through the lens of their particular jobs. The sales team is trying to gin up more business; support aims to solve the customer’s problems and move on quickly.

As a product manager, the only goal is to understand the customer better so the product experience can be improved and enhanced. These conversations can yield invaluable context for using the product and where they’re encountering challenges. Product managers should also take some worthwhile detours to explore other ancillary opportunities where the product could potentially be even more valuable or helpful to users.

Product management needs an established process for handling this feedback . First, ideas worth pursuing must be captured and tracked. Whether they’re eventually slotted into a release or discarded, customers who provided suggestions should be informed either way. This follow-up will encourage future feedback, and it shows customers their input is appreciated.

And while it may not always be pleasant, it’s also great to have conversations with ex-customers. Using “exit interviews” to collect churn feedback can shine a spotlight on key product flaws or shortcomings that might cause other users to call it quits. It may also uncover disconnects in product-market fit or pricing that motivate some customers to abandon the product.

Agile has been around for a while in the product development world. However, Agile Transformation is a newer concept that brings the dynamic, nimble, responsive qualities of Agile to the entire organization.

One permutation of this approach is the concept of product squads . Pioneered by Spotify, they are autonomous teams with a group of developers and one product owner. Assigned to a particular functional area of the product, they’re able to attack the challenge freely. As a result, they can rapidly deliver value to the market while building in-house expertise on the subject.

Product squads may or may not make sense for a particular company or product. But they’re a great example of how product teams can reconfigure themselves to respond to opportunities more dynamically. Freed up from bureaucratic oversight, ad hoc or permanent groups can take ownership and drive rapid innovation.

After the product ships, product managers don’t get to kick up their heels and relax. There’s still plenty of work to be done.

Before the dust settles

Quickly following a launch, product managers should lead a product retrospective session . This post-mortem meeting looks back on how the release went. It ensures lessons are captured and brought forward to improve things the next time around.

As things mature

While everyone’s always excited about version 1.0, a product’s lifespan will include many ups and downs along the way. Likewise, the role of product management also evolves as a product matures and travels through the various phases of its lifecycle .

Before launch, subject matter expertise was the priority for product managers. So they’re trying to learn as much as they can from as many sources as possible. In addition, they’re prioritizing features for the MVP to make sure they’re delivering something with real benefits to the market.  

After the initial launch, the focus quickly shifts to growth. Product management worries about scale while adding functionality that continues to propel growth.

Once all those new users are onboard, the emphasis transitions to retention. It’s all about what’s required to keep customers happy and minimize churn .  

Most products inevitably begin to decline in usage, which presents new challenges. Product managers must consider how the product can be repurposed, extended, or pivoted toward new verticals. This maximizes the company’s value for an asset they’ve invested time, effort, and dollars into over the years.

Final farewells

Sadly, sometimes it’s time to say a final goodbye to a product. Product managers don’t get to skip out on the tasks related to the end-of-life process , either. They must take the lead, bringing the same consideration they spent on the product’s birth and subsequent iterations.  

A proper shutdown requires extreme attention to detail. Product managers must map out all possible ramifications that may arise from pulling the plug. From contractual and financial obligations to data portability and migration assistance — there’s plenty to juggle.

Most important of all is how the event is communicated. Customers must be handled carefully (particularly if you want to retain their business with other products). Stakeholders, customer service, strategic partners, and sales all require education, talking points, and escalation plans.

Ultimately, our answer to the “What is Product Management?” question is that the role is all about strategy. First, product managers develop the product’s strategy and persuasively communicate it. Then they ensure all decisions concerning development, marketing, etc., reflect and support the strategy.

If you are interested in what makes a competent, successful product management professional, read the “Five Traits a Successful Product Manager Needs” section on our What is a Product Manager’s Job? page. Also, check out our ultimate guide to resources for product professionals to help you in your career development with all the best books, podcasts, and conferences our team recommends. Curious to learn the trends of product management in the upcoming year?

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The power of diversity and inclusion: driving innovation and success.

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Jason Miller helps influential brands and celebrities create generational wealth with their businesses | CEO, Strategic Advisor Board .

Diversity and inclusion is a strategic advantage that promotes innovation in organizations, better decision making and stronger workplace cultures. See the strategies for building a diverse and inclusive organization to achieve long-term business success.

The value of diversity and inclusion has become increasingly recognized in society and in business. Organizations that promote diversity and cultivate inclusive environments are reaping huge rewards in terms of innovation, better decision making and better performance overall. The positive impact of diversity and inclusion extends beyond social responsibility; it is a strategic imperative that drives success and positions companies for long-term sustainability.

The Business Case For Diversity And Inclusion

Diversity can stimulate innovation by challenging conventional thinking, encouraging fresh ideas and promoting creative problem-solving. In research studies, diverse groups with people who have different backgrounds, genders, experiences and perspectives consistently generate more innovative solutions than homogeneous groups. Embracing diversity unlocks the potential for innovative products, services and approaches.

Enhanced Decision Making And Problem-Solving

Organizations can make better decisions by leveraging their workforce's diverse expertise and knowledge. Individuals are empowered to share their opinions and unique insights in inclusive environments. Organizations can benefit from well-rounded discussions and comprehensive evaluations by valuing and incorporating diverse perspectives. As a result of considering a wider range of possibilities and challenging groupthink, diverse teams are more effective at solving complex problems.

Benefits Of Diversity And Inclusion For Organizations

The financial performance of companies prioritizing diversity and inclusion consistently outperforms their peers. Financial returns are strongly correlated with diverse executive boards. Although, it’s important to note that diversity and inclusion should come from a place of increasing better work environments and employee satisfaction, and not firstly from a financially charged approach.

Increasing market share and customer loyalty is easier for companies that focus on diversity since they are better equipped to understand and connect with a broader customer base. Diversity can also foster a competitive advantage for companies attracting and retaining rockstar employees.

Enhanced Employee Engagement And Productivity

An inclusive culture cultivates a sense of belonging, respect and psychological safety, which increases employee engagement and productivity . This is because employees are more likely to feel valued for their unique contributions when they are celebrated and recognized. This type of environment encourages collaboration and innovation, as individuals from a variety of backgrounds bring with them different skills, perspectives and life experiences.

Strengthened Employer Brand And Reputation

Companies prioritizing diversity and inclusion are considered employers of choice by top talent. In today's socially conscious world, committed and dedicated employees are more likely to feel valued for their unique contributions if they are committed and dedicated to achieving organizational culture and promoting diversity in their workforce. This positive perception attracts diverse talent and strengthens relationships with customers, partners and the community.

Benefits Of Diversity And Inclusion For Employees

Creating a diversified workforce provides equal opportunities for all employees to grow and advance in their careers. Employees can then be inspired to push harder if they are celebrated for achieving organizational goals and given the ability to continue developing as staff members and individuals.

To strive towards an inclusive workspace, promote employees' sense of belonging, acceptance and well-being. In addition, you can promote improved mental health by creating supportive environments that encourage open communication, empathy and work-life balance. If employees associate good feelings with their workplaces, they can perform better.

Expanded Cultural Competence And Global Perspective

Diversity and inclusion can expose employees to various cultures, traditions and perspectives. This exposure can foster cultural competence. In my opinion, employees must be motivated, committed and dedicated to achieving organizational goals to feel valued for their unique contributions. Employees can learn and benefit from one another, better navigate diverse markets and build relationships based on cultural understanding and empathy. This cultural competence goes far beyond the workplace and creates stronger communities and a better world.

Strategies For Embracing Diversity And Fostering Inclusion

Creating a diverse and inclusive organization begins with leadership commitment and accountability. Senior leaders must champion diversity and inclusion as strategic priorities and set the tone for the organization. By leading by example, they can inspire others and strive to ensure diversity and inclusion initiatives are integrated into business strategies and practices.

Inclusive Recruitment And Hiring Practices

Organizations can promote diversity by adopting inclusive recruitment and hiring practices. This includes widening the candidate pool, leveraging diverse sourcing channels and hiring individuals from underrepresented communities. Establishing clear diversity goals and promoting diverse representation in all levels of the organization, including leadership positions, is essential and demonstrates the organization's commitment to inclusive practices.

Building Inclusive Work Cultures

Organizational culture can take some time to cultivate, but the effort is worth it. Organizations can achieve this by encouraging collaboration on projects across departments, honest communication and teamwork, and providing opportunities and resources. Training programs and workshops on unconscious bias, cultural competence and inclusive leadership can also help cultivate understanding and awareness.

Continuous Evaluation And Improvement

Building a diverse and inclusive organization is an ongoing journey. It is essential to continuously evaluate diversity and inclusion efforts through metrics, surveys and feedback mechanisms. By gathering data and insights, organizations can identify areas for improvement and develop targeted strategies. Your employees are one of your greatest resources as a business owner. Ask for feedback regularly and work to incorporate new ideas and suggestions generated by employees from all levels of the organization.

Inclusivity is not only the right thing to do, but it is a strategic advantage for organizations aiming to thrive in today's evolving workplace. By building diverse workforces, organizations can propel innovation, improve company decision-making and create an engaging and supportive work environment. Through leadership commitment, inclusive recruitment practices and cultural development, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams and position themselves for long-term success. Let us embrace diversity and foster inclusion, not just for the benefit of our organizations but society at large.

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