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.

How to Know Your Target Market (The Lean Product Playbook)

An arrow hitting a bullseye on a target illustrates how to know your target market

Is your product missing the mark with potential customers? Are you unsure how to connect with your ideal audience? Understanding your target market is crucial for creating successful products and services. By understanding your customers’ needs, behaviors, and characteristics, you can tailor your offerings to meet their specific demands. Read on to explore how to know your target market and create products that resonate with your audience.

Dan Olsen: Product-Market Fit Is Paramount to Success

A puzzle piece labeled "Product" fitting perfectly into a puzzle labeled "Market" illustrates product-market fit

Is your product truly meeting customer needs? How can you ensure it stands out in a competitive market? According to Dan Olsen, product-market fit is paramount to your product’s success. His method focuses on understanding your target market, identifying high-value customer needs, and creating a compelling value proposition. Keep reading to learn Olsen’s strategies for designing products that customers will love and buy.

How to Take Care of Yourself as a Woman (Jemma Roedel)

A female business leader doing meditation in her office, showing how to take care of yourself as a woman

Why do female leaders need to look after themselves? When is a good time to delegate tasks at work? Jemma Roedel argues that to be a good leader, you must remember to look after yourself in addition to taking care of others. You can’t help anyone if you’re burnt out and don’t have any motivation to lead a team. Keep reading to learn how to take care of yourself as a woman.

How to Identify Customer Needs Your Product Should Address

A young woman shopping in a grocery store, looking at products on a shelf, illustrates how to identify customer needs

How well do you know your customers’ needs? Are you meeting those needs better than your competitors? Knowing how to identify customer needs is crucial for any business. By understanding what your target market truly wants, you can create products and services that stand out from the competition. This process involves calculating the value of each need and crafting a compelling value proposition. Read more to learn the steps you can take to pinpoint and address your customers’ most pressing needs.