Shiny Object Syndrome: Why Tech Founders Chase Trends That Don't Pay Off

In this episode of the Building Great Tech podcast, hosts Simon Hook and Anastasija Krysa delve into the phenomenon of shiny object syndrome that often plagues tech founders. With over 17 years of experience in the tech space, they explore why many businesses are drawn to the allure of new ideas and trends, despite the fact that a staggering 64% of tech leaders report seeing no return on investment from cutting-edge technologies like AI. Simon and Anastasija discuss various trends, from gamification to the metaverse, and share real-life examples of when these innovations succeeded and when they fell flat. They also introduce a validation framework designed to help founders avoid costly mistakes and focus on what truly adds value to their customers and their business. Tune in for insights that could save you from the costly trap of chasing the latest tech fads without a clear purpose. Simon and Anastasija discuss the allure of gamification, highlighting its effectiveness in contexts like fitness apps but cautioning against its misuse in serious applications like loan applications, where it may not resonate with stressed users. The hosts reflect on the hype surrounding the Metaverse, noting how many companies invested heavily in it without clear user demand, ultimately leading to significant financial losses, particularly for Meta. Simon and Anastasija emphasise the importance of focusing on existing features and making incremental improvements, sharing a success story where optimising error messages led to a 154% increase in user sign-ups, demonstrating that small changes can yield substantial results. Follow us on Linkedin! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasijakrysa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonvhook/ Building Great Tech is the podcast that helps mission-driven tech businesses become more profitable and customer-focused. Whether you're just starting out or optimising what you’ve already built, each episode helps you drive conversion, retention, and real business growth. We dive into customer-focused strategies, killer product experiences, ethical tech, team dynamics, and smart roadmaps. Expect expert interviews, startup case studies, and practical advice to help make your tech profitable, scalable, and deeply aligned with your mission.

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