Rework

1. Embrace constraints and build half a product

"Constraints are advantages in disguise."

Limitations foster creativity. Embracing constraints forces you to be resourceful and innovative. Instead of lamenting what you lack, focus on maximizing what you have. This mindset leads to simpler, more focused products that solve core problems effectively.

Build half a product, not a half-assed product. It's better to excel at a few key features than to produce a mediocre full-featured product. Identify your product's essence and prioritize ruthlessly. This approach:

• Speeds up development and launch
• Focuses resources on what truly matters
• Allows for faster iteration based on real user feedback
• Prevents feature bloat and complexity

2. Launch now and iterate based on real feedback

"If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you've launched too late."

Perfect is the enemy of done. Waiting for perfection often leads to missed opportunities and wasted resources. Instead:

• Launch as soon as your product solves the core problem
• Embrace the concept of "good enough for now"
• Use real-world feedback to guide improvements

Iterate rapidly post-launch. The most valuable insights come from actual usage, not theoretical planning. By launching early, you can:

• Identify and fix critical issues quickly
• Adapt to user needs and preferences
• Outpace competitors who are still planning

3. Make decisions and take swift action

"Long projects zap morale. The longer it takes to develop, the less likely it is to launch."

Decisiveness breeds progress. Avoid analysis paralysis and endless debates. Instead:

• Make small, reversible decisions quickly
• Set short timelines for projects (days or weeks, not months)
• Break large tasks into smaller, actionable steps

Embrace quick wins. Regular accomplishments boost morale and maintain momentum. Strategies include:

• Setting achievable daily or weekly goals
• Celebrating small victories along the way
• Using progress as motivation for tackling larger challenges

4. Focus on what won't change and sell your by-products

"The core of your business should be built around things that won't change."

Invest in timeless qualities. While technology and trends evolve, certain customer desires remain constant. Focus on delivering:

• Reliability and quality
• Excellent customer service
• Clear, honest communication
• Simplicity and ease of use

Monetize your by-products. Every business generates secondary assets or knowledge. Examples include:

• Turning internal tools into products (e.g., Amazon Web Services)
• Publishing books or courses based on your expertise
• Offering consulting services in your area of specialization

5. Hire slowly and prioritize great writers

"If you are trying to decide among a few people to fill a position, hire the best writer."

Thoughtful hiring prevents future problems. Resist the urge to hire quickly, even when busy. Instead:

• Hire only when the pain of not having help becomes unbearable
• Look for self-starters who can manage themselves
• Prioritize character and cultural fit over specific skills

Value clear communication. Great writers often possess crucial skills beyond writing:

• Clear thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Empathy and the ability to understand others' perspectives
• Attention to detail and the capacity to simplify complex ideas

6. Avoid unnecessary meetings and interruptions

"Meetings are toxic."

Meetings often waste time and resources. They frequently:

• Interrupt productive work
• Involve more people than necessary
• Lack clear goals or outcomes

Protect focused work time. Implement strategies to minimize interruptions:

• Designate "quiet hours" for uninterrupted work
• Use asynchronous communication tools (e.g., project management software, email) when possible
• Set a timer for unavoidable meetings and stick to it

7. Build an audience by out-teaching your competition

"Instead of trying to outspend, outsell, or outsponsor competitors, try to out-teach them."

Become a trusted resource in your industry. Share your knowledge freely through:

• Blog posts, articles, and whitepapers
• Webinars and video tutorials
• Speaking engagements and workshops

Benefits of teaching:

• Builds credibility and trust with potential customers
• Attracts a loyal audience that values your expertise
• Differentiates you from competitors focused solely on selling

8. Own your mistakes and respond quickly to issues

"When something goes wrong, someone is going to tell the story. You'll be better off if it's you."

Transparency builds trust. When facing a problem or mistake:

• Acknowledge the issue quickly and openly
• Explain what happened and why
• Detail your plan to fix it and prevent future occurrences

Speed is crucial in crisis management. Rapid response:

• Demonstrates that you take issues seriously
• Prevents rumors and misinformation from spreading
• Shows respect for your customers' time and concerns

9. Ignore the "real world" and stay small by choice

"The real world isn't a place, it's an excuse. It's a justification for not trying."

Challenge conventional wisdom. The "real world" often represents outdated thinking or risk-averse behavior. Instead:

• Question assumptions about how business "should" be done
• Experiment with new approaches and business models
• Focus on solving problems, not following established norms

Embrace the advantages of staying small. Growth for growth's sake can be detrimental. Benefits of remaining small include:

• Greater agility and ability to pivot quickly
• Closer connection to customers and their needs
• Lower overhead and reduced complexity

10. Create a product that's "at-home good"

"When you create an at-home-good product, you may have to sacrifice a bit of in-store sizzle."

Prioritize long-term satisfaction over initial impressions. Focus on creating products that:

• Solve real problems effectively
• Improve with continued use
• Generate positive word-of-mouth recommendations

Strategies for building "at-home good" products:

• Invest in core functionality over flashy features
• Gather and act on user feedback post-purchase
• Continuously improve based on real-world usage
• Provide excellent customer support and education

Last updated: July 18, 2024