Developing a product or service without validation is like playing the lottery: the odds of success are minimal.
You spend months preparing your solution to a problem, and when you finally launch it... nobody wants it. The frustration is immense, but what if you realized this sooner? Validating your idea from the start can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
Yes, I know it’s easier to write than to do. We all fear launching something “imperfect” because we worry it might harm our reputation or lead to public failure. I understand how you feel.
There are methods like Lean Startup (which includes the Customer Development process) or the KISS (‘Keep It Simple, Stupid’) principle that help us navigate this “imperfect” path. Both philosophies are based on the same core idea: “Build, Launch, Repeat.” That is, fail fast, fail cheap, and learn a lot. In other words: Build, Launch, and Iterate.
How can you apply this idea and overcome the fear of imperfection?
Communicate that it’s a test: Let your network know that you’re testing an idea or a preliminary version of your solution and that their feedback is essential for improvement.
Share with your trusted network first: Before a public launch, share your idea, prototype, or solution with people you trust to gather feedback.
Don’t fear failure. Failing fast means learning fast, and done is better than perfect because it allows you to move forward, adapt, and ultimately create something people truly want.