However, the challenge is we haven't started a full blown cycle yet. So we really have only 1 "client" so far. This is in a space where customers are not very innovative which is where we come in.
Seems like we do have to start the customer development process.
Yes, they definitely have. They are getting traction - and fast.
I agree with they buy "solution" and even if better, they will stick with that old one for a while - which is why it's more important to get selling early I think.
The product is "much" better. However, once they get a few key customers - it's all about traction and they can sell others based on the first few. That's the worry here.
I think you are right - and we're leaning towards that. Just get the conversation going so we can get some traction since the sales cycle will most likely be 3 months at least. Our product will be production ready by then.
My only worry is talking about products and someone really wants to go and we won't be able to right away.
Because
a) we're mid-way through all of the modules we're building.
b) Those are the pieces that would differentiate our offering. If we didn't have those, it would be the same as the competition which means we're late in the game with almost the same product and no customers yet
c) if we cut, we would have to start over again for the ones we left hanging - or at least have to do quite a bit of rework
Note: we have a team of 6 developers working on this, so it's not a 1 person thing.
In addition to the standard ones mentioned below (seobook, seomoz etc) - you should go check out
bluehatseo.com
wolf-howl.com
stuntdubl.com
http://www.jimboykin.com/index.php