Initial Assessment: A senior director from BDO approached me with uncertainty about whether he needed a full software platform or a high-quality advisory website. From the first conversation, it was clear that the real challenge wasn’t technology — it was clarity. Without structured thinking, he risked over-investing in a product he wasn’t ready for.
Discovery & Validation: We spent five hours unpacking his goals, audiences, workflows, and long-term vision. Instead of rushing into a solution, I intentionally increased the number of explored variables — two potential paths: a premium advisory website and a full software product called “Nudge Letter.” This allowed us to apply proper reasoning rather than emotion or assumption.
Strategic Decision: Once the priorities, scope, and constraints were defined, I asked the budget question. With £10k available, it became clear that building and maintaining the Nudge Letter platform would push far beyond budget and introduce unnecessary technical and financial risk. I advised focusing on his tax dispute advisory services first — generating revenue, learning the market behaviours, and understanding customer workflows before investing in software. He agreed.
Execution & Planning: With the high-risk option deferred, I designed a premium website structured around his expertise, casework, and credibility signals. The goal was to position him as a trusted specialist, generate qualified leads, and validate demand — all without committing to heavy engineering prematurely.
Outcome: Instead of wasting budget on a product built too early, he launched a strategic, high-impact website aligned with his advisory practice. He now has a clear path: grow his service revenue, gather real market insight, and return to the Nudge Letter software only when it becomes a commercially justified next step.
If you want help deciding whether to build software now or wait until the market proves the need, feel free to book a consultation.