I like the idea behind the post (your startup idea does not come from the mouth of God, a fallacy many have had including yours truly), but it's basically just saying "do Lean Startup instead of a big launch." Why not both?
It's possible to run "in Stealth" and "Lean" and do a number of key learnings and Product/Market Fit tests ahead of time, then come out of "Stealth" with a big launch. (Case in point is Betable, where our Sheila, our Head of PR, ran a great launch). I really do think you can have your cake and eat it too. It's possible to be a Lean Startup and have a big Launch. You just need to put a Chinese wall between your marketing ("off the radar") and your PR until Launch time.
Edit: It's worth noting that what Justin is advocating that startups not do, which is a Color-style massive launch before any tests are done, is a completely valid point.
Comments
I like the idea behind the post (your startup idea does not come from the mouth of God, a fallacy many have had including yours truly), but it's basically just saying "do Lean Startup instead of a big launch." Why not both?
It's possible to run "in Stealth" and "Lean" and do a number of key learnings and Product/Market Fit tests ahead of time, then come out of "Stealth" with a big launch. (Case in point is Betable, where our Sheila, our Head of PR, ran a great launch). I really do think you can have your cake and eat it too. It's possible to be a Lean Startup and have a big Launch. You just need to put a Chinese wall between your marketing ("off the radar") and your PR until Launch time.
Edit: It's worth noting that what Justin is advocating that startups not do, which is a Color-style massive launch before any tests are done, is a completely valid point.