More work on new ideas (Fri Sep 6, lect 3) | previous | next | slides |

High level review of TLS and more work on fresh ideas

Reminder: Readings are your responsibility. You will be expected to come to class prepared, having read the material, and ready to participate in the discussion

Quick Review

  • It’s a methodology not a religion
  • Goal is to build the right product, at the right time, for the right customer
  • Did I (Pito) use Lean Startup methodology in my startup?
  • Build-measure-Learn: Always iterate, learn from information you gather; apply the learnings and go again
  • Validated Learning: Learning with empirical evidence in support of conclusions (learnings)
  • Make sure you know who really needs what you are creating
AskNot "Can this product be built?" but "Should this product be built?" and "Can we build a sustainable business around this product?

Ideas are Cheap

  • Everyone has a million ideas
  • Few know how to turn the idea into a successful product or service
  • Venture capitalists say: “It’s all about the team!”
  • Execution is far more important than the idea
  • The important role of “Domain Expertise” (what is that?)

So: Don’t be so secretive!

  • This is a classic trap!
  • You (almost) always gain more from sharing your idea and getting feedback
  • Keeping it secret usually only provides an imaginary competitive advantage
NB If your idea is so simple that a 10 minute description is enough to allow someone else to beat you.... then your idea wasn't really worth that much anyway!

Big Idea Bazaar

  • Everyone participate
  • Tell us what your product ideas are
  • Speak loud, slowly and clearly so I can write!

Product Ideas Breakout - Purpose

  • Continue to get to know each other
  • Practice describing a product idea succinctly (elevator pitch)
  • Practice listening openly to feedback without getting defensive
  • Learn from each other how to think critically about entrepreneurial projects

Activities - Break into your teams

  • Each student introduce yourself, and mention an idea if you have one
  • Discuss among the teammates which ones of all of them you like best
  • When we come back together each team presents their top concept in 3 minutes
  • This is non-binding!

Thank you. Questions?  (random Image from picsum.photos)