The Lean Startup: Test every assumption, systematically eradicate waste!

I was recently recommended to read The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. The fact that my colleagues could not stop raving about it, and the subject appeared topical drove me to start reading it straight away. And boy, was I in for a treat?! It has been a while since a book inspired me so much.

I am not the biggest of readers, but the language of the book is really simple, and easy to follow. Although the title speaks of Startups, the core principles of the book apply to managing any business – startup or otherwise! And the book provides plenty of examples of startup and established companies.

At the heart of what the book is all about, I feel are 2 very simple concepts – honesty and eradicating wastefulness in everything we do! Yes, I want to be brave enough and say it is as simple as that! But like anything else that is simple, it is not always as easy as that!

It scares me when I think back about the various projects and marketing programs I have planned and executed in the past. I honestly admit I have achieved much success with most of them. But when I apply some of the lean principles, some of the fundamental assumptions I had made which could have just as easily been wrong, is terrifying! Thank my lucky stars, I was right – but the key lesson learnt is, they could have all been so easily tested.

I still strongly believe there is no one-size fits all. The concepts, ideas and examples discussed in the book are really exciting, and insightful. It is already having a huge impact on some of the work I am involved in at my new job in a start up. But I really do respect the open mindedness of the author to acknowledge the fact and encourage improvement and change in his epilogue.

I honestly feel Marketing as a discipline involves as much if not more assumptions and uncertainty than any other discipline of business. When I first moved to marketing from software development, I recall, I used t be amazed at the amount of waste I felt was produced (mostly intangible, like effort, plans, reports, lack of automation etc). Most developers have it in their DNA to systematically reduce waste and increase productivity constantly.

My goal now is to remember that feeling again, and hold on to it. I will aim to ensure I explicitly state all my assumptions in future, and systematically test them before building and fulfilling a plan!

Has anyone else read “The Lean Startup”? Has this book or similar principles had similar profound effect on how you work and what you do? Please do share your insights as comments.