What are potential obstacles companies might face when applying the product positioning strategy discussed in Crossing the Chasm?

Yes, there are several examples of companies that have successfully implemented the product positioning strategy outlined in "Crossing the Chasm". One of the most notable is Apple, which has consistently positioned its products as innovative and user-friendly, thus successfully crossing the chasm to mainstream market. Another example is Salesforce, which positioned itself as a pioneer in cloud-based CRM, making it easier for businesses to manage their customer relationships without the need for on-premise software.

One of the most innovative ideas presented in "Crossing the Chasm" is the concept of the technology adoption lifecycle, which identifies five distinct groups of technology adopters: Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, and Laggards. Another innovative idea is the 'Chasm', a gap between the early adopters and the early majority. Many tech start-ups fail because they can't cross this chasm. The book also presents the idea of product positioning as a crucial factor in purchase decisions. It suggests that the most effective positioning strategies are those that require the least amount of change from the consumer, making the product easier to buy.