Export Internal Solutions
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A framework for taking internal corporate solutions and turning them into standalone products/services that can be sold to other companies.
Core Concept
- Take solutions developed for internal use at large companies
- Generalize and package them as products/services for broader market
- Target similar companies facing the same challenges
Example Case: Chick-fil-A's Tech Infrastructure
- Currently has 100+ smart devices in stores
- Uses machine learning algorithms to optimize operations
- Helps $16/hr workers be more effective
- Increases sales per square foot
- Demonstrates how traditional companies are deeply investing in tech
Two Business Opportunities
- Export Internal Solutions
- Engineers could spin out of company
- Package internal solution as general product
- Offer to other restaurant chains
- Leverage existing $50M+ development investment
- Make proprietary tech available industry-wide
- Tech Consulting Service
- Build new "McKinsey-style" firm focused purely on tech
- Target traditional companies needing tech expertise
- Differentiate from traditional consulting:
- All engineers, no "suits"
- Focus solely on technical implementation
- Hire top talent from Google/Facebook/Stanford
- Specialized in ML/AI implementation
- Both build solutions and teach internal teams
Evolution Path
- Start as consulting service
- Work with multiple clients to understand needs
- Eventually develop proprietary software
- Transform into bootstrap software company
- Use consulting experience to inform product development
Key Advantages
- More straightforward path to building software company
- Deep understanding of customer needs from consulting
- Revenue generation while building product
- Natural transition from services to software
51:22 - 51:50
Full video: 01:05:37SP
Shaan Puri
Host of MFM
Shaan Puri is the Chairman and Co-Founder of The Milk Road. He previously worked at Twitch as a Senior Director of Product, Mobile Gaming, and Emerging Markets. He also attended Duke University.