"You have to match the convenience of the gasoline car."

Matching the convenience of a gasoline car is about creating something just as easy and reliable. Think about it—when people say this, they’re emphasizing the need for alternatives to be as user-friendly as what we're used to, otherwise folks simply won’t make the switch.

Historically, this has a lot to do with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). For years, people have relied on gasoline cars because they're convenient—gas stations are everywhere, and filling up takes only a few minutes. So, when electric cars started becoming a thing, there was this huge challenge: could they really offer the same level of convenience?

Imagine this: It's 2012, and you're considering buying an electric car. You're drawn to the idea of being environmentally friendly, but there are so many question marks. Where will you charge it? How long will it take? What if you run out of battery on the highway? Back then, the convenience just wasn’t there. But fast forward to today, and the landscape is different. Companies like Tesla have built extensive networks of fast-charging stations, and now charging your EV can be almost as quick as filling your tank with gas. Plus, with the increasing range of new models, range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past.

To illustrate this in a real-life example, take Jane, a busy mom with a tight schedule. Every morning, she’s got a routine—drop the kids at school, hit the gym, then go to work. For her, getting stuck somewhere without a quick refuel option would be a nightmare. She needs her car to be ready to go at a moment's notice. Initially skeptical about switching to an EV, she found that the convenience factors she worried about had been addressed. She could charge overnight in her garage—like filling up while she’s sleeping. And with more public charging stations popping up, she’s got options if she’s ever in a pinch.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life or business? Well, if you're working on a product or service, think about the existing habits and conveniences your potential users enjoy. How can you match—or even surpass—that level of convenience to remove any friction in adopting your product? Let’s say you’re developing a new app. People are already comfortable with the apps they use daily. If yours requires too many steps to get started, they might just skip it, no matter how great it is. Make it easy, and you’re more likely to win them over.

Picture this: You're at your favorite coffee shop, chatting with a friend who’s just launched an online business. She’s excited but worried—her site has lots of cool features, but it’s slow to load. You nod, thinking about how frustrating it is when you're trying to quickly buy something online. You suggest she streamlines the site, making sure it’s as fast and intuitive as possible. After all, if customers find it inconvenient, they’ll head straight to a competitor.

In essence, whether it’s cars, apps, or any other product, making sure it’s convenient is crucial. People are creatures of habit—they’ll stick with what they know unless something better comes along. And “better” often means “just as easy to use, if not easier.” So, as you venture into creating or choosing new innovations, remember: it’s got to be as convenient as what you’re replacing. Otherwise, it’s just not going to catch on.