‘The Art of the Start’ for Media Founders
24-07-2023, Written by Editorial Team
Guy Kawasaki’s book ‘The Art of the Start’ offers valuable insights for tech start up founders that can be applied to the journey of a storytelling media start-up founder, particularly when applying the lean start-up method. This article highlights two key lessons from the book.
In the fast-paced world of media start-ups, where film and television hold a prominent place, finding effective strategies to navigate the challenges of launching and growing a new idea is crucial. Remember, from a business perspective, finding a way to tell a new story is just like starting a new business.
This article will highlight two key lessons from Guy Kawasaki’s book ‘The Art of the Start’, which will be: the importance of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and strategizing a short route to market for testing product-market fit theory.
Lesson 1, The Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
In "The Art of the Start," Kawasaki emphasizes the significance of creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) as a crucial step in the start-up journey. For media start-up founders working on film and television projects, this means developing a prototype or early version of their content that captures the core essence of their vision. By focusing on the essential features and functionality, founders can quickly gather feedback from potential viewers, investors, and partners. The MVP approach enables iterative improvements based on real-world insights, reducing the risk of investing time and resources into a full-fledged product that may not resonate with the target audience. By embracing the MVP concept, media start-up founders can optimize their chances of success by honing in on what truly matters to their viewers.
Lesson 2, Strategising a Short Route To Market
In the realm of film and television, reaching the target audience is a critical milestone for media start-up founders.
Kawasaki advocates for a short route to market strategy to test the product-market fit theory, and this holds true for media start-ups as well. Rather than spending excessive time and resources on elaborate distribution plans, founders can adopt an agile approach by seeking quick avenues to connect with their potential viewers. This could involve leveraging existing online platforms, social media, or partnering with established distribution channels.
By getting the product in front of the audience at an early stage, founders can collect valuable feedback, gauge audience interest, and refine their content accordingly. This strategy not only helps validate the product-market fit but also allows for timely adjustments and course corrections.
Conclusion
‘The Art of the Start’ provides valuable insights for media startup founders, presenting them with actionable lessons derived from the lean startup methodology. By embracing the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), founders can focus on essential features and gather crucial feedback to refine their film and television content. Additionally, strategizing a short route to market enables founders to test their product-market fit theory promptly and make necessary adjustments. By implementing these lessons, media start-up founders can increase their chances of success in a competitive industry, ensuring their content resonates with the target audience and paves the way for sustainable growth.
Learn more about Pathway Indie
July 2024/25 Applications Open
