Global products
Many products are built with multiple markets in mind. For example, remember, the COVID vaccines from PFizer, Moderna etc. which were launched worldwide for people to consume. Like that there are day-to-day products, which are launched worldwide for people to consume. It is easier to manufacture at scale instead of manufacturing by country. While there might be minor differences in different markets, their essence and purpose might be the same in all. Instead of building duplicate products, it has been my experience to replicate the same product in different markets. It helps with pricing as well.
Consequences of duplicate products
Regulatory laws for especially medical products and software vary by region and even countries. When we build separate products for different countries, then we have to seek approvals from different bodies like FDA, NHS etc. and thereby it isn’t scalable across regions.
How do you get operate across timezones?
A very valid question - You need to set some ground rules for the same. Regardless where you live, you need inputs from different stakeholders. Asynchronous communication is one way to do it. Meeting over TEAMS few times a month and resuming your conversation over chat can help you keep your conversations alive. The sales and marketing folks can be your link to the customer. If possible, record necessary conversations like the one with the customers so that the other teammates can heard information first hand.
Give each other the freedom to operate. If you have less overlap then you can come to an agreement on when each of you would work late. It might be a great idea to learn about each other’s cultures so as to avoid misunderstandings. This might help you get rid of the biases you may have about each other.
One of the most important things is to share credit with your teammates. For example, if your leadership is in California and you partnered with your colleagues in India on discovery and later on in delivery, then ensure that they are mentioned! They will go the extra mile for you, if needed!
Running low-tech pilots with customers
It might be hard to meet with the customers weekly. But you can send across emails and run some low-tech pilots with them over email to verify if your product is valuable to them. Ironing out workflows with multiple customers can help them strategize how they will use your product in the future.
In the context of healthcare, interoperability is key so that your records cam be shared with physicians as needed and you get timely care. During COVID, the lack of proper out-of-hospital care led to millions of people not receiving proper care.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to build robust global products.When smart minds collaborate what you get is great products! Smart API-interoperable or micro-UI strategies will enable us maintain out-of-hospital records for patients. It requires us to plan properly and address the low-hanging fruits constantly so that we continue providing value to the patients constantly. Value your customer’s time. Check for their preference. Try to understand their primary job. They may be doing their secondary jobs while neglecting their primary jobs. So, try to find that out and it will do you a great deal of good!!!