I understand that 98% of Freshbooks users recommend the product to their friends and colleagues. That is a fantastic achievement for Freshbooks that should be applauded.

The product is still in the early adopter stage though, the next couple of years will really see a move towards online and net-based applications as people seek greater savings and reduced overheads, and more people begin to generate revenues online.

I see Freshbooks becoming a mass adopted product within this timescale, as exponential growth is seen – providing the product stays as good, the customers remain joyous and the marketing allows the word to spread and the sales funnel to grow.

Rob

I adopted an online billing solution a few years ago, and have loved it since Day 1. But I think I am unusual, because of how little I knew about the subject at the time, and how fanatical I have always been about the cloud even before it was called the cloud. (I was an early adopter of efax technology, was one of the first to dump Outlook for “all web-based email client, all the time, for all my POP accounts,” etc.

A lot of people “know” too much about invoicing. So they’ll use the 800 lb. gorilla.

And those that know very little about it may not know exactly what it is they should be looking for.

Somehow this is all about reaching that second group, not the first.

I also feel like the lack brand power is also a big obstacle for new businesses. It’s hard for good content or a good product to tip if the person behind it is not well known etc which gives them leverage.

So because of that, I feel like people try to copy their competitors. However, doing what the big guy does to market themselves may not be appropriate for you. Overall, start-ups need to recognize their position in the market and market themselves from that unique position.

Cheers

I’m signing up for freshbooks tonight. Rock on.

The scope of most new entrepreneurs simply focus on the product … but I guess that is how it all starts.