Client Requests

As a growing startup, when we first started, we used client requests to prioritize our product development. Now that we have a core feature set, we take a more nuanced approach.

The temptation is to say "yes" to every client request. This can lead to losing focus on product strategy.

My trick for evaluating requests:

Pretend the request isn't from a client, but a feature idea from the product team that needs validation.

This approach helps:

• Assess how the request fits the overall strategy
• Maintain product team ownership
• Recognize that the product team is the domain expert

Important perspective:

Client feedback is just one part of the product process... synthesizing all feedback, not overreacting to one specific client.

The goal is to build a product clients will love not just today, but in the future.