How to Create a Value Proposition Table (Lean Product Process)

Three members of a business team looking at a value proposition table on a screen in an office

Is your product truly meeting your customers’ needs? How can you outperform your competitors in satisfying those needs? A value proposition table can help you answer these questions. This tool, a part of Dan Olsen’s Lean Product Process, lets you compare your product’s features against those of your competitors—focusing on the needs your product will address. You’ll gain clarity on where your product stands in the market. Keep reading to learn how to create and use a value proposition table to boost your product’s appeal and effectiveness.

Creating a Customer Acquisition Plan: The 4 Essential Elements

Two professionals in a conference room with a white board and a large table are creating a customer acquisition plan

What does it take to successfully introduce a new product to the market? How can you determine the best launch strategy for your specific market situation? A customer acquisition plan is crucial for any business looking to make its mark. From setting clear objectives to implementing positioning strategies, launching products effectively, and generating sustainable demand, there are proven methods to help your business succeed in any market type. Read on to discover practical strategies that will help you navigate the complexities of market entry and build a strong foundation for your business’s growth.

Agile Product Development: How to Build & Optimize Your Product

A small business team of two men and one woman in an open workspace using a Kanban board for Agile product development

Is your product development process feeling slow and inflexible? Are you looking for ways to improve collaboration and customer-focused thinking? Agile product development might be the solution you’re seeking. This approach breaks projects into smaller, manageable cycles, allowing for greater adaptability and faster delivery. You can use popular methods such as Scrum and Kanban—or hybrid approaches that combine the best of different approaches. Keep reading to discover how Agile can transform your product development process and help you achieve greater success.

How to Run a Business Model Test With Your Customer Base

Five professionals working in a conference room with a white board are running a business model test

What does it take to successfully run a business model test before scaling up? How can you position your product effectively in different types of markets? Understanding your sales approach and market positioning is crucial before expanding your business. The process involves testing your sales strategy with early adopters and determining how to shape public perception of your product based on your market type. Let’s explore the essential steps to validate your business model and create a winning positioning strategy that resonates with your target customers.

Tenacity in Business: What You Need to Endure the Long Haul

A man working at his desk at night with his sleeves rolled up illustrates tenacity in business

Why does building a successful business take so much longer than most people expect? What can keep you motivated when traditional success metrics don’t show immediate results? Growing a business requires patience, curiosity, and internal motivation. In The Messy Middle, Scott Belsky explores how entrepreneurs can maintain their tenacity through the long journey toward success, offering practical strategies to stay energized when external validation is scarce. Keep reading to discover how tenacity in business can transform your entrepreneurial journey.

Using Customer Interviews to Assess Needs & Validate Products

A woman conducting a virtual customer interview on her laptop with a bearded man wearing glasses

Is your product truly meeting customer needs? How can you gather meaningful feedback to improve your offering? Customer interviews are a powerful tool for understanding your target audience. By speaking directly with potential users, you can gain valuable insights into their preferences, pain points, and expectations. This process helps refine your product and ensure it resonates with your intended market. Read on to learn how to conduct effective customer interviews to assess their needs and validate your product.

When Is a Startup No Longer a Startup? 3 Signs You’ve Arrived

When is a startup no longer a startup? A professional team in an open office celebrates with champagne

When is a startup no longer a startup? What must a new business do to transition into a mature company? The journey from startup to established company entails specific changes in market approach and organizational structure. Steve Blank’s framework in The Four Steps to the Epiphany outlines three essential transitions that signal when a startup is ready to graduate into a larger enterprise. Read on to discover how to successfully navigate this crucial and exciting transformation.

How to Handle Success With Grace & Good Sense (Scott Belsky)

A business professional at his desk who is leaning back in his chair and smiling illustrates how to handle success

What does it take to maintain humility when your startup succeeds? How can you avoid self-sabotage right before crossing the finish line? Knowing how to handle success is just as crucial as knowing how to build a business. Scott Belsky’s The Messy Middle provides insights on maintaining poise and good judgment when your venture approaches its final stages. Keep reading to discover practical strategies for managing success, staying humble, and preparing for your next chapter.

How to Choose MVP Features to Satisfy Each Customer Need

A sales team looking at MVP features on a whiteboard, with one person pointing to a sticky note

Is your product idea ready for the market? How can you determine which features to include in your minimum viable product (MVP)? Choosing the right MVP features is crucial for product success. In The Lean Product Playbook, Dan Olsen explores effective methods for brainstorming, evaluating, and prioritizing features. Continue reading to learn how to create a standout MVP that meets your users’ needs and sets your product apart from the competition.

How to Validate a Product Idea: 2 Methods From Dan Olsen

A sales team of four people evaluating data on a screen in a conference room illustrates how to validate a product idea

Is your product idea truly viable? How can you be sure customers will want what you’re offering? Validating a product idea is crucial for any entrepreneur or business. It involves testing your concept with potential customers to ensure there’s genuine interest and demand. This process can save you time, money, and heartache in the long run. Keep reading to explore how to validate a product idea effectively and give your customers what they ask for.