A presentation given at the University of Mostaganem during an informational session about University-induced entrepreneurship

1. Problem Solving
Done Right
A pragmatic approach to what a young entrepreneur
should not do when solving problems

2. Hello!
• Communication Manager (North and Northwest
Africa), Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust
in the Western Region, Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations
• Consulting Teacher, Digital Marketing, Higher Institute
of Management and Planning (ISGP)
• Coach, Facilitator and Representative, Techstars in
Algeria (Startup Weekend, Startup Week, Startup Digest)
• Ph.D Student, Digital Marketing, University of
Mostaganem
I am Yasser Abdesselam

3. Abraham Maslow
If you only have a hammer, you tend
to see every problem as a nail.
Intro.

4. 10 Mistakes
Beginners make when solving problems
A pragmatic approach to what a young entrepreneur
should not do when solving problems

5. Falling in love with
the solution!
Mistake #1
Let’s roll the mistakes

6. Never fall in love
with the solution
One common pitfall young entrepreneurs
encounter is becoming overly attached to their
initial solution without considering its viability in
the market. Falling in love with your solution can
blind you to valuable feedback and hinder the
adaptability required for success in the dynamic
business landscape.
Fall instead for the problem Entrepreneurs must recognize that their initial solution is a hypothesis,
not an infallible answer. Instead of clinging to a preconceived notion,
embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. For instance, consider
the cautionary tale of Kodak, which, despite inventing the digital
camera, couldn't adapt due to its fixation on traditional film. Stay open
to iteration, pivot when necessary, and let the market guide the
evolution of your solution.

7. Approaching the problem
from one point of view
Mistake #2
Let’s roll the mistakes

8. Do not look through
the keyhole
Another misstep young entrepreneurs often
make is adopting a narrow perspective when
tackling problems. By focusing solely on one
aspect and neglecting the broader context, they
risk missing crucial insights and innovative
solutions.
Find the key, open the door! Entrepreneurs should avoid the tunnel vision that comes with looking
through the keyhole of a single viewpoint. Take, for example,
Blockbuster's failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Their
insistence on a traditional rental model obscured the broader shift
toward digital streaming. To overcome this mistake, actively seek
diverse perspectives, encourage collaboration, and consider the
problem holistically. Embrace the panoramic view to uncover
innovative solutions that might be obscured when peering through the
keyhole.

9. Thinking about solutions
instead of counter-measures
Mistake #3
Let’s roll the mistakes

10. The problem is not
really the problem
A common error in problem-solving for young
entrepreneurs is the inclination to focus solely
on crafting solutions rather than considering
proactive counter-measures. This oversight can
leave businesses vulnerable to recurring
challenges.
It’s your way of solving the problem Entrepreneurs should recognize that effective problem-solving goes
beyond just devising solutions; it involves implementing preventive
counter-measures. Take, for instance, a startup grappling with
frequent customer service issues. Instead of solely addressing each
complaint reactively, implementing robust training programs for
customer support agents or employing advanced chatbots could serve
as preventive measures. By anticipating challenges and implementing
strategic counter-measures, entrepreneurs fortify their businesses
against recurrent issues, fostering long-term sustainability.

11. Thinking that innovation
means disruption
Mistake #4
Let’s roll the mistakes

12. Disruption is
almost mythical
A prevalent misconception among young
entrepreneurs is equating innovation solely with
disruptive change. Overlooking the significance
of incremental innovation, which involves
continuous small improvements, can lead to
missed opportunities for sustainable growth.
Step by step is more realistic Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of associating innovation
exclusively with groundbreaking, disruptive ideas. However,
incremental innovation, characterized by consistent small
enhancements, is equally crucial. Consider the success of Apple,
known for its blend of both disruptive products (like the iPhone) and a
steady stream of incremental improvements across its entire product
line. Recognizing that innovation takes various forms allows
entrepreneurs to harness the power of both radical and incremental
advancements, providing a more balanced and sustainable approach
to growth.

13. Innovate
Simply

14. Innovate
Simply

15. Innovate
Simply

16. Innovate
Simply

17. Relying on opinion
instead of data
Mistake #5
Let’s roll the mistakes

18. In the end, numbers
are numbers
An often-overlooked error in decision-making is
the reliance on subjective opinions over
concrete data. Entrepreneurs must recognize
the importance of data-driven insights for
informed and objective choices.
Data equals reality Entrepreneurs can err by making decisions based on personal
opinions or gut feelings rather than leveraging the power of data.
Blockbuster's dismissal of the growing trend of online streaming is a
classic example of a company relying on opinions instead of adapting
to data-backed insights. To avoid this pitfall, establish a culture of data-
driven decision-making within your organization. Utilize analytics,
customer feedback, and market trends to inform strategies, ensuring
that every choice is grounded in empirical evidence rather than
subjective beliefs.

19. Thinking that Business
Model means BMC
Mistake #6
Let’s roll the mistakes

20. A knife is not
the butcher
A common misconception among entrepreneurs
is equating the concept of a business model
solely with the Business Model Canvas (BMC).
Limiting one's understanding to a specific tool
can hinder the comprehensive exploration and
optimization of the entire business model.
Tools help, they don’t do the work Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of constraining their perception
of a business model to tools like the BMC. While the canvas is a
valuable framework, a business model encompasses a broader view of
how an organization creates, delivers, and captures value. Consider
the case of Nokia, which once dominated the mobile phone market
but failed to adapt its business model adequately to the smartphone
era. To avoid this error, entrepreneurs should view the BMC as a tool
within the larger context of crafting a robust and adaptable business
model that aligns with the dynamic market landscape.

21. Thinking "Social"
instead of "Business"
Mistake #7
Let’s roll the mistakes

22. You’re not
chocolate
Entrepreneurs may fall into the trap of
prioritizing social impact over fundamental
business considerations. While social
responsibility is commendable, neglecting core
business principles can lead to unsustainable
ventures.
You can’t make everyone happy Entrepreneurs sometimes make the mistake of placing an excessive
focus on social impact to the detriment of fundamental business
aspects. For instance, a startup emphasizing its commitment to a
social cause may overlook essential factors like revenue streams and
profitability. Striking a balance between social responsibility and sound
business practices is crucial for long-term success. Recognize that a
sustainable business model provides the foundation for meaningful
social impact. Integrating both perspectives ensures that your venture
not only makes a positive difference but also remains financially viable
in the competitive market landscape.

23. Thinking Money
instead of Value
Mistake #8
Let’s roll the mistakes

24. Money expires,
value lives
Entrepreneurs sometimes prioritize immediate
financial gains over delivering long-term value.
This narrow focus can undermine the
sustainability and reputation of the business.
Build trust, build trust, build trust! Entrepreneurs can err by fixating on immediate monetary gains rather
than emphasizing the creation of enduring value. In the pursuit of
short-term profits, businesses might compromise on product quality,
customer experience, or ethical practices. An illustrative example is
Enron, whose pursuit of financial gains at the expense of ethical
considerations led to its notorious downfall. To avoid this mistake,
shift the focus from purely monetary metrics to the value your product
or service brings to customers. Prioritize building strong, value-driven
relationships that lead to sustained success, recognizing that financial
gains are a natural byproduct of delivering significant and lasting
value.

25. Thinking B2G
as a Beginner
Mistake #9
Let’s roll the mistakes

26. Government is
not your client
Novice entrepreneurs might make the mistake
of entering the business-to-government (B2G)
realm without a comprehensive understanding
of its intricacies. Navigating this sector requires
specialized knowledge and strategic
considerations.
Sorry, you’re too insignificant Entrepreneurs entering the B2G sector as beginners may
underestimate the complexity involved in government-oriented
business transactions. Unlike traditional B2C or B2B models, B2G
interactions often require a nuanced understanding of governmental
processes, regulations, and procurement procedures. Failure to grasp
these intricacies can lead to missed opportunities or legal challenges.
To overcome this mistake, invest time in acquiring specialized
knowledge, establish strong relationships within the government
sector, and tailor your business strategies to align with the unique
dynamics of B2G interactions.

27. Chasing Trends
rather than Needs
Mistake #10
Let’s roll the mistakes

28. Artificial Intelligence,
Blockchain, bla bla …
Entrepreneurs may fall into the trap of blindly
chasing industry trends without ensuring that
these trends align strategically with their
business objectives. Following trends without a
clear purpose can lead to wasted resources and
missed opportunities.
It’s business, not Tiktok Entrepreneurs entering the B2G sector as beginners may
underestimate the complexity involved in government-oriented
business transactions. Unlike traditional B2C or B2B models, B2G
interactions often require a nuanced understanding of governmental
processes, regulations, and procurement procedures. Failure to grasp
these intricacies can lead to missed opportunities or legal challenges.
To overcome this mistake, invest time in acquiring specialized
knowledge, establish strong relationships within the government
sector, and tailor your business strategies to align with the unique
dynamics of B2G interactions.

29. In
Conclusion
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, pitfalls are inevitable, and mistakes are an inherent part of the learning process. By highlighting
common entrepreneurial missteps, we aim not to discourage but to empower. Recognizing these potential pitfalls equips entrepreneurs with
the knowledge needed to navigate challenges more adeptly.
Understanding that mistakes are permissible, even expected, fosters an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. Each misstep
is an opportunity for growth, a chance to refine strategies, and an invitation to evolve. The key lies not in avoiding mistakes altogether but in
learning from them, adapting, and using newfound insights to steer towards success. Armed with awareness, resilience, and a willingness to
learn, you possess the tools to transform mistakes into stepping stones toward entrepreneurial excellence.
Go make mistakes!

30. Thanks.
It was a great pleasure sharing some of the
little knowledge I have with you, please feel
free to contact me.

31. Contact