Removing the Haze

So I wrote a post earlier why startups aren’t productive (nor should they try to be). I got a question from Carlo about “removing the haze”.

That’s because a startup should be discovering the path, not accelerating forward without a set destination. The path is hazy so you need to remove the haze first.

How to remove the haze:

1. Research. A lot of people have gone through similar tests and trials before. Your finish line might be between the lines in one book, research paper, blog post or journal somewhere.
2. Test. This is the better way to get clarity since it gives you first hand experience. Sell something to test the market. Continue building prototypes until something works. Network and talk to people to see if your vision is compelling enough for them to join your team.
3. Adopt. Why reinvent when the solution is already there? You just need to adopt it and adapt it to your local niche, market or industry. You’re still innovating cause your bringing a new solution into the mix.

Bear in mind that you need to remove the haze quickly. While it doesn’t cost you money to study and experiment, it does cost time.