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Growth Hackers Need to Stop Focusing on Optimisation
The need for two prioritisation frameworks
Growth hacking is all about prioritisation frameworks; most growth hackers have some abbreviated framework in their back pocket, whether you go for ICE, PIE or RICE.
These frameworks can be beneficial. First, they reduce the subjectivity of decisions, allowing you to weigh and compare options rather than listen to the room’s loudest voice. Sure there is still a slight subjectivity in opinions (is it a 4 or 5?), but it is better than gut feeling.
So are they enough? Does using such a framework lead to strong decision making?
Sadly not. Let’s explore the fundamental flaws of such frameworks using RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) as an example before looking at a better way to make those big decisions.
As a way to stop getting caught up on optimisations but find the big needle-moving ideas.
Why RICE falls short
RICE is calculated as follows:
(Reach x Impact x Confidence) / Effort
Let’s say idea 1 has high confidence and low effort, whilst idea 2 has a far higher impact but slightly lower confidence and higher effort.
