Producing events always meant that we had a clear deadline. The date for the event was clear at the start of the preparations. It was great, it took out one of the variables in what the event could be like.

In business, it is a lot more flowing. It is very easy to fall into the trap of improving, rather than getting something out there. It is probably one of the inventor diseases.

To overcome that, I set a date: 31 May 2008, the date of our launch. And to make it even more serious, we committed to being part of World Environment Day.

It was actually a whole month before the original plan. It was a crazy date, but it helped us to focus on the essential things.

And we made it. The SolarPay website was ready. The other marketing materials were ready. The partners were lined up. The team had given everything to make it.

Most importantly though, we had cut out all “nice-to-have’s”. Absolute focus on the core of the business model.

A fantastic way to get things done.

1. Set a date
2. Link it to something outside of your control
3. Collect a list of nice-to-have’s for future improvements
4. Refocus on the core of your business model

Due to bad weather the actual launch did not go ahead, because the event we wanted to held it at was postponed. But we had achieved our goals.

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Alexander

After working as a consultant for the past 4 years, I have finally taken the jump into starting my own business. I mean, real business, not just consulting.

Once the idea was clear, I looked for a partner. That was the best decision, because it brought clarity and focus to my idea. He kept pestering me about proving the business model before committing too much time and money to it.

On one hand I think with more money, we’ll have much bigger impact. On the other hand, I can see the wisdom of starting with a bare bones business model, until it is clear that the market accepts (and craves for) our services.

So I am listening to my own advice in Market Driven Inventions. I’ll continue sharing as we progress.