A Smart Bear: On Framework

This eight-step process brought WP Engine from an idea to a Unicorn. While there are other roads to Product/Market Fit, consider copying some of these ideas. —December 2023 | 6,500 words.

Many startups fail despite identifying a real problem and building a product that solves that problem. This explains why, so you can avoid their fate. —April 2023 | 6,800 words.

“MVP” implies a selfish process, abusing customers so you can “learn”. Instead, make the first version SLC: Simple, Lovable, and Complete". —August 2017 | 2,200 words.

This simple method positions your product to be more valuable, especially against competitors who aim to disrupt you, or you them. —June 2023 | 3,800 words.

Why do startups typically fail? It turns out that “avoiding those things” is already a plan for success. —March 2024 | 4,000 words.

Most so-called “strategies” are vague, wishful thinking, written once and never seen again. Don’t do that. These are the characteristics of great strategy. —August 2023 | 5,900 words.

Not “enabling constraints”, not “weaknesses”, not even “strengths”. The concept of a “Pivot Point” grapples with the same reality, but more constructive and useful. —September 2024 | 4,400 words.

A novel system for selecting and presenting product KPIs, satisfying not only the product team, but also stakeholders, executives, and customers. —July 2023 | 2,600 words.

Why do smart, driven founders fail, despite having great ideas and execution? This model offers an answer, and a path to increase the chance of success. —February 2025 | 2,800 words.

When to prioritize individual autonomy, and when to standardize for global optimization. —August 2024 | 2,200 words.

Why “expected value” doesn’t work; here’s a better framework for making long-term investments in your career, startup, and life. —February 2024 | 2,700 words.

Stop talking past each other. Translate between the three “languages” of customer desires, product features, and business goals. —May 2024 | 1,500 words.

Traditional fairytale structure fits naturally in our brains, and thus can guide strategic problem-analysis, and a plan that everyone understands. —November 2023 | 4,100 words.