A Smart Bear: On Validation

“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.

A simple but effective system, used to vet what is now a Unicorn, for generating insights about how your potential customers think, what they need, and what they’ll buy. —September 2022 | 4,200 words.

This isn’t the humble-brag you think it is; The most common origin story is also common to startups that fail. But it’s a start. —March 2025 | 1,800 words.

A short pep talk I delivered to kick off a Three-Day Startup challenge event. And overwhelming confirmation that the lesson is correct. —November 2013 | 1,100 words.

How to find potential customers to interview before you have a product, a website, or even a name. —December 2024 | 3,700 words.

How to tell the difference between a truly great startup idea, and people saying “Sure, sounds good” when they really mean “No, I’m not buying.” —June 2012 | 1,500 words.

Blogger with tens of thousands of subscribers launches a new venture… and gets only 2 signups. Not the advantage you thought it was. —October 2010 | 1,200 words.

Have a great idea? Prove it by finding ten customers ready to hand over cash. Everything else is avoiding the truth. —August 2010 | 1,400 words.

Technical founders, step away from the code. Gather insights from non-buyers, rather than just adding more features. —September 2009 | 1,100 words.

Your idea probably sucks, and it doesn’t matter because your business will probably turn out to be something completely different. —December 2008 | 800 words.