Moving from Ideas to MVPs

Do you have dozens of great ideas that could make money, delight and inspire people, and improve the state of the world? Do you have a spectacular idea or two that accomplishes all three? If so, here’s the hard truth: You’re not alone. I’ve learned that great ideas are not all that rare. What is rare is for someone to have the confidence, skills, and focus to go from idea to minimum viable product (MVP). Of course, making the MVP - whether it’s a physical good, a detailed service offering, or digital product - requires resources. While resources such as money, time, and human talent can be difficult to acquire or allocate, many projects can start small. 

And this lesson doesn't just apply to entrepreneurs. It applies to teachers and students, employees and managers, and volunteers hoping to make an impact in their communities.

I find the following guiding questions helpful:

• What’s my proof of concept?
• What makes my idea a deliverable?
• How can my vision be represented in the world for someone to see, buy, or use?

Answering these questions leads to more specifics and more problem solving. Remember, the MVP is a first draft. The faster you make it, the easier and more energizing it is to keep building. To keep refining. And before you know it, you’ll be ready to publish, to produce, and to put your work into the world.