How to Introduce People to New Ideas
An Intro to “Crossing the Chasm”
Hello, world changers!
It’s very difficult for people to adopt new ideas. Whether it’s Henry Ford’s Model T, Intuit’s idea of an automated accountant, or the teddy bear — people are skeptical of new inventions.
So how do you “bridge” the gap between people’s current thinking and new ideas?
On today’s episode of Mission Daily, Mission CEO Stephanie Postles shares her take on what she calls “bridging” — a concept you may know as “crossing the chasm”.
What is Crossing the Chasm?
Geoffrey Moore first described the “Crossing the Chasm” theory in his 1991 book of the same name. The gist is that there’s a gap between those who are eager to take risks and try new technology (the early adopters) and those who need more convincing before they adopt (the early majority).
So, how do you overcome this chasm and bring your tech (or new idea) to the masses?
In the most basic sense: you need to understand the difference between these early adopters and the early majority. The latter wants practical benefits, reliability, and a proven track record. They are more cautious and need more proof that a technology is useful before they adopt it.
How do you Cross the Chasm?
Let’s use Henry Ford’s Model T as an example. When Ford first introduced the Model T, many people were hesitant to adopt it as a mode of transportation. They were used to horse-drawn carriages and didn’t see the practical benefits of an automobile.
So how did Ford cross the chasm? Through innovative production techniques and marketing campaigns that highlighted the practical benefits of the Model T, he was able to attract the early majority and revolutionize the automotive industry.
(Shameless plug: Tune in to today’s Mission Daily episode to hear exactly how Ford did this.)
In other words, to cross the chasm, you need to change your approach to marketing and product development to meet the people where they are at. It doesn’t have to be dramatic changes, but it is a crucial step in taking your tech to the masses.
That’s it for today. Keep changing the world!
-Lacey
Worth Checking Out
The Bessemer Venture Partners Anti-Portfolio — A fun list of investments Bessemer Ventures should have made — and a list Albert likes to reflect on regularly. Includes great examples of companies that figured out how to cross the chasm.
Cathie Wood, Ark Invest — Stephanie LOVES Cathie and is a long-time follower of Ark Invest. Ark Invest is a publicly traded investment management firm that specializes in disruptive innovation and focuses on investments in robotics, AI, energy storage, and biotechnology. Follow along for insights into disruptive technologies that may cross the chasm in the next several decades.
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