Modern startups recognize that the path from initial concept to successful launch is not a straight line. In fact, it involves almost literally going in circles.
The lean startup methodology replaces the lengthy business plan phase with a period of rapid iteration and learning. For any given hypothesis, the team builds a test, runs an experiment, evaluates the results, modifies the hypothesis, and then repeats the whole process over again until they know what is true. This is called the “build-measure-learn” loop.
While this lean startup methodology is best understood in terms of product development, I believe that it also applies to strategy.
When I work with startups, I encourage them, very early in their life, to develop what I call the Startup Strategy Strawman.
The Startup Strategy Strawman captures the key initial hypotheses behind the startup concept, with the expectation and hope that flaws will be found and the overall strategy significantly strengthened before actual business launch.
For this SDG Games startup business idea, the Startup Strategy Strawman is:
- Problem: When most Christians read the Bible, they don’t know much about the geography being discussed, and so they lose important context in the stories that God has provided “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Solution: Develop games that Christians of all ages will enjoy playing that will engrain in their minds an understanding of Biblical geography so that they will naturally envision the places and journeys involved as they read God’s Word.
- Cash Flow: We will sell these games for a profit to Christian families.
In the spirit of lean startup and strawman proposals, please let me know your reaction to these hypotheses!
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