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Bootstrapped startup lessons from "Zero to Sold" by @arvidkahl I'll tweet my learnings
and actions 
as I read Arvid's book.A thread
I'm applying most of these learnings to my upcoming #EdTech startup.
First off, focussing on the market.
I have a fair understanding of the market as I know several small organisations quite well who would be the long-term target for the paid version of the SaaS.
First off, focussing on the market.
I have a fair understanding of the market as I know several small organisations quite well who would be the long-term target for the paid version of the SaaS.
In fact, I work *in* the industry in question.
I'm aiming to use this as my unfair advantage (as Arvid recently said to me!)
But, ok. I may see a problem clearly because I work in the sector, but is it a
CRITICAL problem?
I'm aiming to use this as my unfair advantage (as Arvid recently said to me!)
But, ok. I may see a problem clearly because I work in the sector, but is it a
CRITICAL problem?
Well, the pain point I want to help improve is something that learners in the UK *have* to do as part of their specific type of programme (yes I'm keeping it vague at the moment!)
It's a legislative requirement.
It has to be done.
It's a legislative requirement. It has to be done.
So that's good for me, right?
Also, anecdotally and from personal experience I know it is often a struggle.
Something that tends to be left until the end (when that's definitely the worst way to do it).
It's painful and stressful and feels like a box ticking exercise.
Also, anecdotally and from personal experience I know it is often a struggle.
Something that tends to be left until the end (when that's definitely the worst way to do it).
It's painful and stressful and feels like a box ticking exercise.
What if I could gamify the process so learners actually *want* to do it.
Better yet, they'll be doing it without even realising they're doing it.
But woah there Jon.
Who would be paying for this? How big is the market? And how can I validate the need beyond anecdotes?
Better yet, they'll be doing it without even realising they're doing it.
But woah there Jon.
Who would be paying for this? How big is the market? And how can I validate the need beyond anecdotes?
ACTION #1 Figure out the market size
The training organisations I would be targeting have to be on a government managed register.
It's public.
You can download a CSV of all the company names.
There are 2000+ of these organisations.
Nice
Some of those organisations will be too large for me: a small number of national leaders who will likely have their own tech.
The remainder, as long as they're active, should be prime targets.
The remainder, as long as they're active, should be prime targets.
ACTION #2 (Todo)Reach out to more of these organisations and have a structured conversation with them about the identified problem.
In the process, new critical problems might be identified.
I can also start to ask how valuable a solution would be (i.e. price points)
More learnings and actions to follow.
Here's Arvid's book on Amazon* in case you want to check it out.
Arvid told me Amazon was the best place to get a physical copy
* affiliate link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zero-Sold-Start-Bootstrapped-Business/dp/3982195705?dchild=1&keywords=zero+to+sold&qid=1619118354&sprefix=zero+to+sold&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=netwatch-21&linkId=28260600a378136b361abe15f1f81eb1&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Here's Arvid's book on Amazon* in case you want to check it out.
Arvid told me Amazon was the best place to get a physical copy
* affiliate link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zero-Sold-Start-Bootstrapped-Business/dp/3982195705?dchild=1&keywords=zero+to+sold&qid=1619118354&sprefix=zero+to+sold&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=netwatch-21&linkId=28260600a378136b361abe15f1f81eb1&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
"Great products happen at the intersection of your skills and the opportunities of a niche market you care about. Make the most of your transferable knowledge."
- @arvidkahl
This is just razor sharp
- @arvidkahl
This is just razor sharp
On problem intensity
"Nobody pays you to find their remote when it falls down the back of the couch. They will just find it themselves."
Unless you're Apple and you just released AirTags
"Nobody pays you to find their remote when it falls down the back of the couch. They will just find it themselves."
Unless you're Apple and you just released AirTags
Note to selfQuestions to ask (B2BC) prospects: see pages 86-89 of the print book. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zero-Sold-Start-Bootstrapped-Business/dp/3982195705?dchild=1&keywords=arvid+kahl&qid=1619298959&sprefix=arvid&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=netwatch-21&linkId=9ec4821db7c1b26eb268bd252062ba0e&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
A mini revelation:The exploratory conversations that startup founders should have with prospective customers are a bit like the participatory research involved in Action Research.
This is my academic brain joining up dots with the practical startup world!
Learning from "STEP THREE: YOUR SOLUTION" Validate the solution(s) before building a product.
This happens by talking to prospects about your proposed solution and assessing the +/- impact and risks.
My take: iterate aggressively before you even touch any code.
"Understanding the emotional impact of changing from an existing solution is an integral part of the solution validation process."
Engage your prospects
Ask about their fears of change
Ask about painful experiences with other solutions
Avoid causing new problems!
Engage your prospects Ask about their fears of change Ask about painful experiences with other solutions Avoid causing new problems!
Hope you're enjoying my tweets on "Zero to Sold" by @arvidkahl.
More to follow as I continue to glean actionable insights for my own EdTech venture
Have you already read it? Or reading it at the moment? Share your insights!
And do
and 
any tweets you enjoyed! 
More to follow as I continue to glean actionable insights for my own EdTech venture
Have you already read it? Or reading it at the moment? Share your insights!
And do
and any tweets you enjoyed!
