Import Export Business Framework

A framework for identifying business opportunities by looking at what companies need to "import" (solutions they need) and what they could "export" (solutions they could provide to others).

Core Concept

• Look for pain points within companies that require external solutions (imports)
• Identify internal solutions that could be valuable to other companies (exports)
• Focus on problems companies would pay significant money to solve

Real Example: All Hands Meetings

• Problem identified at Twitch (2000+ person company):

  • Weekly all-hands meetings required multiple tools
  • Needed streaming capability for remote employees
  • Required Q&A functionality
  • Needed presentation capabilities
  • Had to be secure and reliable

• Business Opportunity:

  • Companies would pay $25-50k/year for an integrated solution
  • Market exists for enterprise-level all-hands meeting software
  • Need for secure, streamlined, all-in-one platform

Workshop.com Case Study

• Built internal communications platform
• Features:
  • Employee engagement tracking
  • Change management tools
  • Company alignment features
  • Hybrid work solutions
  • Internal marketing capabilities
  • Performance measurement
  • Analytics for tracking engagement and open rates

Key Success Factors

• Identify problems you personally experienced
• Look for companies stitching together multiple tools
• Focus on problems companies would pay significant money to solve
• Validate with potential customers before building
• Target enterprise customers willing to pay for solutions

Framework Application

• Work at a company to identify pain points
• Document 5-10 ideas companies would "import"
• Look for solutions that could be productized
• Validate willingness to pay with potential customers
• Build MVP based on validated needs