Just Get Started — by Dan Lynn
By Dan Lynn
Do you want to have your own business? Well, I always did. When I was working at ADP and mentioned my goal to Steven Goldthwaite, an experienced entrepreneur, his advice was to just get started. He said "what you do tomorrow will be different than what you do today because you will be out talking to customers and learning what they really need. So, just go out and start talking to customers." Well, a few months later, Steven and I started a business together. My advice is what Steven taught me - just get started and begin to learn. Your business will probably look a lot different 12 months down the road so don't worry too much about the perfect idea or the polished business plan. I've seen people with the most beautiful business plan who don't start their business because they are missing one piece of data. FORGET THAT PIECE OF DATA! Get started! It's amazing how it takes on a life of its own and, like a snowball rolling down a hill, just keeps growing.
Questions this Key Learning answers
How do I start a business when my idea is not perfect?
The author’s advice is to “just get started and begin to learn.” Rather than waiting for a perfect idea or polished plan, start talking with customers about what they really need. Those conversations will reveal information that cannot be found through contemplation alone, and the business will likely look very different 12 months later.
Should I finish my business plan before talking to customers?
Dan Lynn warns that even a beautiful business plan can prevent someone from starting when one piece of data is missing. His lesson is to stop waiting and speak with customers. Our analysis adds that a plan can organize what is known, but customer conversations, offers, and small experiments reveal what buyers actually need.
What do I do when missing information delays my business?
The author’s direct response is: “Forget that piece of data. Get started.” The missing information may only become available through action. Our analysis suggests treating the first plan as assumptions to revise, then using customer responses and early commitments to reshape the venture instead of waiting until every uncertainty has been resolved.