Turning Problems into Profits – How Brands Did It

Amazon. Zomato. Starbucks. Taj Hotels. Nike. American Airlines.

They all faced significant problems.

But instead of running, they used the problems to grow.

Let’s break it down.

Amazon Solved Slow Delivery with Prime

The problem:

In 2005, Amazon customers were getting frustrated.

Shipping was slow. Some waited 8–10 days.

The fix:

Amazon launched Prime — a membership with 2-day delivery.

It made shopping faster and smoother.

The result:

People loved it. Millions signed up.

Today, over 200 million people use Prime.

Fast delivery became Amazon’s biggest strength.

American Airlines Solved Competition with Loyalty

The problem:

In 1981, airline prices were dropping.

The competition was killing profits.

The fix:

They started AAdvantage, the first frequent flyer programme.

Fly more, earn miles, get free upgrades.

The result:

It built loyalty. People stuck with American Airlines.

Today, it’s one of the most significant loyalty programmes in the world.

Starbucks Fixed Store Chaos with an App

The problem:

In 2011, stores were crowded.

Long lines. Confused baristas. Impatient customers.

The fix:

Starbucks launched a mobile app.

Order ahead. Collect points. Pay with your phone.

The result:

Easy orders. Faster service.

Now, over 60% of customers use it.

It also helped Starbucks make $3 billion in prepaid balances alone.

Zomato Solved Restaurant Wait Times

The problem:

People hated waiting at restaurants.

Booking tables were a mess.

The fix:

Zomato launched online reservations and live wait-time tracking.

Then came food delivery.

The result:

Millions now order food at home.

Zomato became a household name in India.

Ola Solved Transport Hassles

The problem:

Finding a reliable auto or cab was tough.

The fix:

Ola built an app to book rides easily.

The product comes with upfront pricing and GPS tracking.

The result:

It changed daily travel for millions.

Now, Ola does cars, autos, and even electric scooters.

Jio Solved Expensive Data

The problem:

Mobile data in India was costly.

Internet access was limited.

The fix:

Jio launched free data and cheap smartphones.

The result:

Hundreds of millions got online.

Jio became India’s top telecom brand.

Taj Hotels Solved Guest Retention with Loyalty

They introduced the Taj InnerCircle programme.

Guests earn points, upgrades, and personalised service.

Now, it drives repeat business and VIP experiences.

Nike Solved Drop Hype with SNKRS App

Too many people were missing limited edition shoes.

So, Nike created the SNKRS app — alerts, drops, and early access.

It turned scarcity into excitement. And fans into collectors.

The Takeaway: Every Problem is an Opportunity

Big problems feel scary.

But the best companies flip them into growth.

Don’t avoid problems.

Use them to build something better.

That’s how you win big.