In a recent LinkedIn post, Jason Feifer highlights a surprising yet potent business strategy inspired by a simple experiment: attaching googly eyes to food containers to deter seagulls. Feifer uses this anecdote to illustrate the significant impact of addressing minor customer frustrations and innovating around a core product.
The post begins by recounting the experiment’s results: “Scientists put googly eyes on food containers. Seagulls attacked them 72% less.” Feifer immediately connects this to business potential, suggesting a beachside restaurant could gain a competitive edge not by offering a fundamentally different menu, but by ensuring a more peaceful dining experience.
“This is fascinating — and also a powerful business lesson.”
Feifer argues that while perfecting the core product is essential, it’s often not enough in today’s competitive landscape. Competitors are likely developing similar core offerings, making differentiation through peripheral improvements crucial. As Feifer puts it:
“Yes, it’s important to get the core product right. But our competitors are building similar core products.”
He elaborates on the concept of innovating around the product, emphasizing the need to deeply understand the customer’s experience and identify small pain points that can be solved. This approach, according to Feifer, can transform a mundane aspect of the customer journey into a memorable and positive one.
The Power of Solving Small Annoyances
Feifer suggests that these seemingly minor solutions, like the googly eyes on containers, can act as powerful marketing tools. Customers who experience a smoother, more pleasant interaction are more likely to become repeat patrons and advocates.
“The containers become free advertising. People love using them. They tell others. They return for more.”
This strategy, he explains, is about demonstrating a superior understanding of the customer’s needs and making their interaction with the business easier and more enjoyable. This focus on the customer’s holistic experience, rather than just the product itself, can be the key differentiator.
Identifying Your ‘Googly-Eye Solution’
Feifer encourages business leaders to critically examine their customer journey and identify opportunities to implement similar ‘googly-eye solutions.’ This involves looking beyond the primary function of a product or service and focusing on the surrounding experience.
“That’s why we must constantly innovating AROUND the product — zooming into our customers’ lives and experiences, showing that we understand them the best, and making their time with us easier.”
In essence, Feifer’s message is that true competitive advantage often lies not in reinventing the wheel, but in elegantly smoothing the ride for those who use it. By focusing on these small, often overlooked details, businesses can create significant value and stand out in crowded markets.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Jason Feifer on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 14, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →