What do you do if your product marketing interview reveals common mistakes in discussing product positioning?

When someone objects to your positioning, it's important to really hear them out and understand their concerns. Don't confront or argue. Think of it as if you're explaining your product to potential customers. Show them how your position aligns perfectly with what your targeted customers are looking for. Try to fit into the shoes of customers, see things from their point of view, and explain how your approach addresses their needs.

Start a deep dive into those errors to not only see how you can resolve them, but also to understand what they originated from. Only by understanding the full context can you take the right action to resolve them.

Here's a positioning framework that helps: 1. State the problem that the Product is solving 2. Talk about a user persona (Pick common one) for whom this would be a problem 3. Mention how the solution by Product will address the problem of these target audience 4. Define the Point of Difference (PoD which differentiates the Product's solution and how 5. While positioning, state the 'functional considerations' and 'imagery considerations' that draw a clear comparison with competitors - Functional considerations define how the product is functionally different - Imagery considerations define how the product is perceived differently either by price or heuristics or target segments

First step, define your target market by finding out what prospects are looking for. Start by asking what they want and why? What problem are they looking to solve or conquer? You need to know their strongly defined need and touch it with target specific messaging in this "need trough" to get legitimate actionable feedback . Welcome disconnects with appreciation and adapt accordingly. Leverage what you learn to trigger more interest from that market segment with specifically defined messaging to that audience. NOTE: This is not a broad intersection of multiple product offerings. You build out your targets individually for each product. The biggest mistake marketers make is trying to sell everything to everyone all at once.

Every feedback on product positioning mistake is a gateway to rectify Mktg strategies to win over the competition and get free suggestions from the reviewers who is passionate in pointing errors on ur Mktg flaws to show his intellectual ability whilst giving free n valuable insights. Tactfully justifying the product positioning and the reason behind its spot in mktg n company' s vision n future plans from it is a rightful approach but it's not a debate competition so having a open ear n hearing sensitivity on flaws should be there..the reviewers might not be fully correct but since he cn be insightful so this discussion should be healthy n meaningful

Work with the negatives, they make the most powerful impact in the marketplace. Focus on their pain and frustration in headlines, that's where the power lies in getting attention. Example: Are you frustrated, irritated, upset, suffering with (their need here). If it's a yes they'll be investigating what you say next. You have their attention, suffering gets much more attention than leading with benefits. Solving problems wins business, explain how your product will do just that.

Once you have a prospects attention build out your messaging by pushing on their hot pain spots. Address the pain with how your product will alleviate or eliminate their suffering. Example: Are You Frustrated and Worried About ___? Here's The Solution Our Product Offers And Why We Promise It Will Work For You!

When you discover mistakes or disconnects this is your chance to authentically bond with prospects. By acknowledging these with humility and inviting greater feedback you win respect. Build your brand on integrity and accountability and people will loyally follow through the ups and down and refer to their colleagues. Trust is the most valuable asset you can accumulate for success.

Treat people the way you want to be treated. Don't overstate your competence, don't fake it till you make. Collaborate with mutual respect and build a solid rapport, even if it's with an antagonist. Keep the antagonists close by being friendly ... they can become your strongest advocate. This is better than triggering a boycott or negative social media shame campaign. Words matter in marketing especially when spoken to a listening ear.