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Get
Unstuck

July 2022
 

THIS MONTH'S THEME: NEW PRODUCTS & APPROACHES

We’re halfway through the calendar year, so it’s a natural time to check in, reflect on what’s been accomplished over the first two quarters, and adjust your plan for the next six months. It’s also a time when many entrepreneurs feel stuck. 

You have a brilliant idea for a new product, but you keep hitting the same wall. You can’t figure out how to get from Point A (your vision) to Point B (a revenue-generating product or service). You don’t see as much customer demand as you hoped. You keep running into bottlenecks in getting your hardware manufactured. And, the list goes on . . . and on . . . and on. 

Let’s be real—this isn’t a pleasant feeling. Feeling stuck sucksThere’s nothing wrong with feeling the way you do. Whether you’re a fledgling founder drawing up your first business plan or a tried-and-tested tech star growing your team, all entrepreneurs hit a point where they feel stuck.

The good news is you’re not alone. Our community of entrepreneurs is here to help. So in July, we’ll help you push that rock up the hill, get unstuck, and finish the year strong. Don’t give up—you’ve got this!

Our free events and curated resources will help you:

  • Validate your business idea and talk through your toughest business challenges
  • Learn about the essential elements of a high-impact new product development process
  • Gain new tools to efficiently and effectively track the development of new products or services 

JULY EVENTS

Coworking Day + Office Hours

Mix up your work routine & join us for a FREE coworking day at Ascender. While you’re here, take advantage of Office Hours with our Executive Director and Innovation Director. Check back often and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future Office Hours opportunities.

New Product Development Process

Led by Kevin Murphy, owner of Greenshaw Consulting, this interactive workshop helped entrepreneurs understand and implement an effective process that turns your vision into a revenue-generating product. View resources from the workshop below.

JULY RESOURCES

> Explore the presentation and templates shared during our July 26th workshop on implementing a new product development process.
Slides | Product Charter Template | Product Development Plan Template

> Read through this post by Kevin Murphy to see the 8 critical components you want to include in your next product development project.
Article

> Bookmark Greenshaw Consulting’s Insights page if you want a regularly updated place for blog posts and downloadable templates designed to help you improve your business.
Resources

> Putting your plan on paper (or in a spreadsheet) can help you get unstuck. Use this simple Action Plan template to move your business forward.
Template

Address everyday business problems by thinking like a designer—check out our blog for a list of 6 online tools for entrepreneurs new to design thinking and visual collaboration.
Article

Spend time with Techstar’s mini-course on the importance of checking in on your progress and adjusting your goals.
Guide

> Take a look at this article for help with thinking critically about why your business may be stuck.
Article

> Apply to our Founder’s Hat program if you’re eager for a safe space to talk through your challenges and connect with other Pittsburgh entrepreneurs.
Founder’s Hat

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