Pain Point Detection

Overview

This skill teaches how to identify buying signals and pain points from publicly available information. It covers signal taxonomy, interpretation, and how to translate signals into conversation angles.

Usage

The company-researcher sub-agent references this skill when:

• Analyzing job postings for scaling signals
• Reviewing Glassdoor/review site content
• Interpreting news and announcements
• Detecting competitive pressure

Signal Categories

High-Intent Signals (Act Now)

| Signal | Source | Interpretation | |--------|--------|----------------| | Relevant job posting | LinkedIn, careers page | Active need in your domain | | RFP/vendor review | Industry sources | Formal buying process | | Budget cycle timing | Industry knowledge | Decision window open | | Contract expiration | CRM data, research | Replacement opportunity |

Medium-Intent Signals (Engage Soon)

| Signal | Source | Interpretation | |--------|--------|----------------| | Funding announcement | News, Crunchbase | Budget likely available | | Leadership change | LinkedIn, news | New priorities possible | | Expansion news | Press releases | Growth = new needs | | Competitor mention | Social, reviews | Considering alternatives |

Low-Intent Signals (Nurture)

| Signal | Source | Interpretation | |--------|--------|----------------| | Industry conference | Event listings | Educating themselves | | Content engagement | Social media | Interest in topic | | General hiring | Job boards | Company growing |

Detection Techniques

Job Posting Analysis

What to look for:

• Roles in your domain (suggests need)
• Seniority level (indicates priority)
• Number of similar postings (scale of need)
• Tech requirements (compatibility)

Example:

"Seeking 3 Data Operations Managers" = scaling ops team, likely overwhelmed

Review Site Analysis

Glassdoor patterns:

• "Fast-paced" / "scaling quickly" = growing pains
• "Tool sprawl" / "disconnected systems" = integration need
• "Manual processes" = automation opportunity
• "Communication issues" = collaboration tools

News Analysis

Positive signals:

• Funding (Series B+ especially)
• Expansion to new markets
• Large customer wins
• Strategic partnerships

Timing signals:

• Q4 budget planning mentions
• "2024 priorities" articles
• Annual report releases

Resources

• resources/signal-taxonomy.md - Complete signal classification
• resources/job-posting-signals.md - Job posting interpretation guide
• resources/review-sentiment-signals.md - Review site analysis guide