http://hbr.org/2013/05/why-the-lean-start-up-changes-everything/
As I was thinking of what to write for this blog, I checked the Harvard Business Review and it turns out the methodology I started my company with is being praised. The Lean Startup process of starting any type of company requires the curator to validate what one thinks is correct by actually taking your idea or product to market at its inception. The skeletal theory that one has to create an in depth business plan is no longer what needs to happen in order for a business to come to fruition. In fact, innovative entrepreneurial leaders, teachers, and mentors advise using the the Lean Startup Methodology in order validate your business rather than base it off of assumptions. The Lean Startup is an approach for launching businesses and products, that relies on validated learning, scientific experimentation, and iterative product releases to shorten product development cycles, measure progress, and gain valuable customer feedback. The approach works for both existing and new business ventures. The whole concept revolves around science and testing business ideas before just launching them without consumer feedback. I chose this specific article because it is how I validated a business model based on actual consumer acceptance. My company ThreadMeUp.com went through an intense 20 week incubation with the Lean Startup Methodology and it really provides you with an infrastructure to building and carving out your business model. This type of process allows the entrepreneur an opportunity to pivot or iterate their model based on consumer feedback as opposed to a business plan which is not as adaptable. The framework for what I used in Lean Startup was called a “Lean Canvas” (Attached). My whole company and executive team is sold on Lean Startup and operating lean. We only do what we need and spend when we need it. I cannot praise this model enough because in a little under two months of business my company has reached $40,0000 in sales and rapidly growing. Much of this due to the methodology and train of thought learned in the Lean Startup.