The way consumers access information has evolved significantly. Gone are the days of flipping through the Yellow Pages – today, the internet offers instant access to services and goods at any time, thanks to smartphones. Smartphones are now a part of consumers’ lives, Statista reports that in 2024, the U.S. has over 310 million smartphone users, with a staggering 96% penetration rate. With Americans checking their phones roughly every five minutes and spending 88% of that time on apps, it’s clear why app development presents such lucrative potential for new ideas and solutions.
Given the stats, it’s clear that first-time app developers are faced with a tremendously competitive market, and for those who have an innovative app idea, but lack technology-focused skillsets, launching a successful app can be a daunting task.
For California-based Bita Safari, CEO of GiGO Clean Technology, limited technical, coding and design skill set was not an insurmountable obstacle to overcome in launching a revolutionary app offering on-demand cleaning services. The app, which is available on an easy-to-use technology platform connects customers to home and business cleaning services directly.
According to Bita, her app idea seemed simple and revolutionary but dealing with the complexities to make it a success relied heavily on her extensive experience as a successful CEO with a history in the service industry. According to Bita, it’s easy to get caught up in the tech hype. “You see people on their phones every day and everywhere – and most of them are using an app. They could be using WhatsApp, comparing prices for imported tea or purchasing a ticket to a heavyweight boxing match – but each one of them is using the technology to make life simpler and get answers faster.
However, Bita stresses that a lack of technical knowledge can hamstring those with an entrepreneurial mindset and an app idea unless they have a firm grasp of strategic fundamentals, something that she has cultivated over 22 years as a business development professional. Bita notes, “My experience was invaluable during the early stage development process. Like most people, I felt a bit out of my depth with the programming and technical aspects of app development. Still, there are several foundational business approaches that I employed to make my concept a reality.”
Back to Basics
Anyone with an entrepreneurial mindset may be drawn to the idea of launching an app, yet taking an app from concept to market can be a daunting task for those without a tech background. For Bita, tackling this complexity meant returning to the foundational skills she developed over her career. She has since developed a framework to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of tech rollouts—a simple yet essential approach that, according to her, is crucial for ensuring a smooth launch.
Bita emphasizes that successful market entry begins with a deep understanding of the industry and clearly defining the product’s unique selling proposition. She cautions against being overly invested in an idea or technology before conducting a thorough competitive analysis. “Before launching the app, I started an entrepreneurial venture in the cleaning services field, which required research into equipment, organizational structure, competitive landscape, and finding the right people,” she explains. “I had to pay close attention to every detail.”
This experience taught Bita valuable lessons, as she reflects, “There’s a big difference between plugging in a home vacuum cleaner and doing a deep clean in a hospital. Entrepreneurs in the app space need to do their research carefully before committing to the project.” Her insights serve as a reminder that the journey to a successful tech launch is rooted in strong foundational planning.
Time Management
According to Bita, bringing an app to market on time and on budget requires a commitment to a set strategy, as she puts it, “You cannot expect your team of devs to create something that reflects your vision and provides the consumer with business value if they are not aware of the strategy and the path to maturity.”
According to Bita, “One of the biggest challenges in any tech rollout is staying on schedule. Entrepreneurs need to set clear development milestones and ensure that the team meets them consistently.” Bita goes on to compare developers to architects, ‘You can’t just arrive at an architect’s office and tell them that you’d like a house. They’re professionals, they need a plan and a timetable. Entrepreneurs need to stick to that plan and manage devs – while at the same time educating themselves in the unique app development environment. You can’t manage what you can’t measure – and you can’t measure progress if you don’t know what you’re looking at.”
The concept of time management is one that Brita emphasizes again and again, saying that if entrepreneurs don’t manage timeframes they’re going to run out of time – and inadequate time management has financial consequences.
Bita explains, “Missing milestones has a snowball effect, continually pushing your launch date back. The longer it’s delayed, the more costs pile up for the entrepreneur. Wait too long, and you might find yourself spending your lunch money just to get the product to market.”
The journey to launching the GiGO Clean app has been filled with challenges, but Bita’s years of experience as a corporate advisor have given her the insights needed to navigate them. Beyond her career lessons, Bita draws inspiration from boxing, a sport she admires for its physical intensity and mental demands. “Boxing reminds me of the challenges I’ve faced in life, in my career, and as an entrepreneur,” she says. “Athletes train hard, knowing they’ll take hits in the ring, yet they step forward, ready to get back up if they fall. That resilience is essential in the startup world, where preparation, grit, and the courage to recover from setbacks are key to success.”
To learn more about Bita’s professional qualifications, her successes and the entrepreneurial journey she is taking, visit her LinkedIn site or her website.
