The Lean Startup methodology does not advocate using optimization techniques to make startup decisions. That’s right. You don’t have to listen to customers, you don’t have to split-test, and you are free to ignore any data you want. This isn’t kindergarten. You don’t get a gold star for listening to what customers say. You only get a gold star for achieving results.
What should you do instead? The general pattern is: have a strong vision, test that vision against reality, and then decide whether to pivot or persevere.
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Eric Ries Go read the full article ”Learning is Better than Optimization” because the idea that we don’t have to use optimization techniques to make startup decisions is heresy in a lot of circles and this quote just doesn’t capture the whole article. |
