Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

Blog, Enterprise Creation, Ideation, Lean Startup Methodology

From MVP to MVD: The Minimum Valuable Difference

Leave a comment

Why startups should focus on meaning, not just minimalism

In today’s startup world, speed to market is everything. Entrepreneurs are taught to ship fast, break things, test quickly, and get feedback. Enter the Minimum Viable Product (MVP)—a core concept from lean startup methodology that encourages launching the simplest version of a product to validate assumptions.

The MVP is practical. It’s efficient. But here’s the problem:

🚨 Too many MVPs forget about value.

They prove an idea can technically work, but say little about whether it actually matters to the user.

That’s why I believe it’s time for a shift in thinking—from MVP to MVD: the Minimum Valuable Difference.

What is the MVD?

The Minimum Valuable Difference is the smallest possible change, feature, or action you can introduce that delivers real, meaningful value to your target customer.

It answers questions like:

  • What pain am I truly relieving?
  • What task am I genuinely simplifying?
  • What desire am I directly fulfilling?

It’s not about what’s viable for you—it’s about what’s valuable to them.

MVP vs. MVD: What’s the Difference?

MVPMVD
Tests feasibilityCreates meaningful impact
Focuses on minimum productFocuses on minimum transformation
Often prioritises speedPrioritises significance
Asks “Can we build this?”Asks “Should we build this?”
Measures engagementMeasures improvement or outcomes

Why MVD Matters More Than Ever

In a saturated digital world, users are overwhelmed by options. The market is flooded with viable products—but few of them make a real difference.

🧠 A basic to-do list app? Been there.
🧠 Another newsletter tool? Yawn.
🧠 A photo filter that changes eye colour? Cool… for 5 seconds.

What people remember—and keep using—are the tools and services that improve their lives in noticeable ways.

Real-World Examples of MVD Thinking

1. Calendly

Their MVD? Eliminating the pain of back-and-forth emails for scheduling. That single, clear difference made users immediately say, “This is better.”

2. Slack

Slack didn’t launch with a full suite of integrations and channels. Its initial MVD was centralised team messaging that actually reduced internal email. That alone got teams hooked.

3. Duolingo

Rather than launch with hundreds of languages, Duolingo focused on one: Spanish. Its MVD was making language learning fun, gamified, and mobile-friendly—solving a problem that textbook apps didn’t.

How to Build with MVD in Mind

  1. Find the Critical Friction Point
    What’s the single most frustrating or inefficient part of your user’s day? Start there.
  2. Go Deep, Not Wide
    Don’t try to solve every problem. Focus on one, and do it better than anyone else.
  3. Prototype for Value, Not Just Function
    Ask: “Does this improve someone’s situation in a tangible way?” If not, keep refining.
  4. Measure Real Outcomes
    Instead of tracking clicks or installs, look at retention, referrals, or behaviour change.

What the Research Says

Academic literature is increasingly supporting a value-first mindset in entrepreneurial design.

“Entrepreneurial success lies not in the novelty of an idea, but in the significance of the solution.”
– Fisher, 2012, Journal of Business Venturing

And in the world of effectual entrepreneurship, co-creating value with early users—not just validating an MVP—is seen as the more sustainable approach.

Final Thoughts: What Are You Really Offering?

It’s easy to launch something. It’s harder to launch something that matters.

So the next time you’re planning a product, prototype, or pitch—ask yourself:

  • Will this make someone’s life measurably better?
  • If it disappeared tomorrow, would anyone miss it?
  • Am I building for validation, or for value?

Because in the end, traction doesn’t come from being viable—
It comes from being valuable.

Case Study: Calendly – From Simple Scheduling to a Minimum Valuable Difference

Overview: A Tool to End Email Ping-Pong

Calendly, founded by Tope Awotona in 2013, didn’t enter the world with an elaborate suite of scheduling features. Its early product was stripped down—yet laser-focused. What it did do, it did exceptionally well: eliminated the back-and-forth of scheduling meetings.

Rather than testing if users would click a scheduling link (MVP logic), Calendly focused on delivering an immediate, meaningful outcome—saving users time and frustration. This wasn’t just a minimal product—it was a minimum valuable difference.

The Problem

Scheduling meetings is a universal pain point. Most professionals were stuck in endless email threads:

  • “Are you free Tuesday at 3pm?”
  • “No, how about Wednesday?”
  • “That doesn’t work for me, maybe next week?”

This inefficient dance cost time and often resulted in dropped opportunities. Tools like Outlook and Google Calendar helped manage time, but not coordinate it between people.

The Insight

Tope Awotona’s insight wasn’t technical—it was human. He asked:

“What’s the smallest thing I could build that would truly remove this pain?”

The answer?
A link that lets others pick from your available time slots.

Not a calendar app.
Not a meeting manager.
Not an all-in-one productivity suite.

Just a solution to the one thing that hurts the most: scheduling friction.

Execution as MVD: The First Version of Calendly

Calendly’s early product had:

  • Integration with your existing calendar (Google, Outlook)
  • A link with your available times
  • Automatic timezone detection
  • Confirmation emails

That’s it.

But these features, though minimal, delivered maximum difference. Users who tried it once saw the value immediately: no more email ping-pong. It felt like magic.

Customer Response and Growth

Calendly didn’t need fancy marketing. The product spread virally:

  • Sales teams shared it with clients
  • Recruiters shared it with candidates
  • Coaches and consultants added it to their email signature

“The true power of Calendly was in its shareability—it solved a problem so simply that people naturally wanted to pass it along.”
— TechCrunch, 2021

Key Metrics That Reflect MVD Success

  • Over 20 million users by 2022
  • Used by 90% of Fortune 500 companies
  • $3 billion+ valuation (without raising early VC money)

More telling than the numbers, however, was the retention. Users didn’t just try Calendly—they stuck with it. Why? Because it had created a daily improvement in their lives.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs

  1. Focus on the Problem, Not the Product
    Calendly didn’t ask: “How do we build a scheduling app?”
    It asked: “How do we eliminate scheduling pain?”
  2. Make a Small But Clear Difference
    Instead of bloated features, aim for impact. What’s the one thing your user will thank you for?
  3. Deliver Emotional Relief
    The best products don’t just save time—they remove frustration. Calendly’s early adopters felt the difference immediately.
Blog, Enterprise Creation, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Ideation, Lean Startup Methodology, Motivation Techniques

Creating Value-Driven Startups: Moving Beyond the MVP Hype

Leave a comment

Why lean isn’t enough—and how value creation builds businesses that last

In today’s startup culture, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has become something of a holy grail. Popularized by Eric Ries in The Lean Startup, the MVP is described as the simplest version of a product that can be released to test hypotheses and gain customer feedback. It’s fast, frugal, and focused.

And yet, as someone who has worked with hundreds of startups and advised entrepreneurship programmes across sectors, I’m starting to ask:
Have we gone too far with the MVP mindset?

Too many founders are stuck shipping half-baked products, mistaking viability for value. They aim to “fail fast”—but often end up failing shallow.

It’s time to move beyond MVP hype and refocus on something more enduring: creating real value.

The MVP Trap: Fast But Fragile

Don’t get me wrong—lean thinking has its place. It prevents founders from building in a vacuum and encourages rapid iteration. But over time, the MVP approach has been reduced to “launch anything quick and dirty” without a deeper reflection on long-term customer value.

As academic research begins to show, this oversimplification has real consequences.

“Lean startup methods can result in premature scaling if the learning process focuses on superficial feedback rather than deep value creation.”
– Blank & Dorf (2012), The Startup Owner’s Manual

In other words, just because something is “viable” doesn’t mean it’s meaningful. Without understanding the core value you’re delivering—and to whom—there’s a risk of building a product that works but doesn’t matter.

Value Creation: The Real Driver of Lasting Businesses

In contrast, value-driven startups focus on solving real problems for real people in ways that are desirable, feasible, and sustainable. This isn’t just about functionality—it’s about impact.

As strategy scholar Michael Porter argues:

“Competitive advantage is created and sustained when firms deliver greater value to customers or create comparable value at lower cost.”
– Porter (1985), Competitive Advantage

Value creation means understanding:

  • What your customer truly cares about
  • How your solution improves their life
  • Why your offer is better than alternatives

This leads to stickier products, stronger word-of-mouth, and deeper emotional engagement—all of which support long-term growth.

Examples of Value-Driven Startups That Went Beyond MVP

1. Canva

In my recent blog on Canva’s early days, we saw how co-founder Melanie Perkins identified a deep pain point: the complexity of design software for non-designers. Rather than simply launch a basic design tool, Canva focused on ease, speed, and beauty from day one.
They delivered value—not just a viable product.

2. Notion

Notion didn’t release its first product until years after development. Why? Because it wasn’t just about launching an MVP—it was about creating a tool that people loved using every day. Their focus on elegance, simplicity, and modularity led to high retention and viral growth.

3. Duolingo

Instead of launching a barebones app to test assumptions, Duolingo obsessed over learning outcomes. They made language learning fun, gamified, and research-backed—leading to real user value and a product that has scaled globally with strong loyalty.

Academic Perspectives on Value-First Innovation

Value creation is increasingly seen as the central pillar of innovation in entrepreneurship literature. Sarasvathy’s concept of effectuation—a theory on how expert entrepreneurs operate—places strong emphasis on leveraging existing means to co-create value with stakeholders, rather than just validating hypotheses.

“Entrepreneurs start with who they are, what they know, and whom they know… and interact with others to co-create opportunities.”
– Sarasvathy (2001), Effectual Reasoning in Entrepreneurial Decision Making

Likewise, Osterwalder’s Value Proposition Canvas has emerged as a tool that shifts attention from the MVP to customer gains and pains, helping entrepreneurs design products that are deeply aligned with user needs.

From MVP to MVD: The Minimum Valuable Difference

What if, instead of focusing on the Minimum Viable Product, we focused on the Minimum Valuable Difference?

What is the smallest thing you can offer that makes a real difference in someone’s life or work? That’s where true traction starts.

Value-driven startups don’t just ask, Can we build this?
They ask:
Should we build this? And will it truly help someone?

Final Thoughts: Redefining Startup Success

MVPs can get you started—but only value creation keeps you going.

In a world where users are drowning in “viable” but soulless products, it’s the businesses that focus on deep, relevant, and transformational value that will stand the test of time.

If you’re a founder, ask yourself:

  • What is the real outcome I’m enabling for my customer?
  • Am I focused on features, or on transformation?
  • Would anyone care if my product disappeared tomorrow?

Only when the answer is “yes”—because of the value you create—should you launch.

Want to build a value-driven business from day one?
Join our upcoming session on “From Ideas to Impact” at Albion Business School, where we’ll explore the tools and mindsets to make your startup matter.

9 stages, Blog, Enterprise Creation, Enterprise Education, Ideation, Lean Startup Methodology, Motivation Techniques, Resources

Unlocking Growth: The 9 Stages of the Entrepreneurial Lifecycle

Leave a comment

How a structured approach to entrepreneurship can drive national economic development

Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as a chaotic, unpredictable journey—but the truth is, behind every successful business lies a lifecycle. Just as humans grow through distinct stages, so do entrepreneurial ventures.

Over the past few years—through my work in academia, consultancy, and government advising—I’ve found that helping people understand where they are in the entrepreneurial journey can make the difference between failure and flourishing.

That’s why I developed a practical framework called the 9 Stages of the Entrepreneurial Lifecycle. This model doesn’t just help entrepreneurs navigate their own paths—it also provides governments, educators, and economic developers with a blueprint for building an entrepreneurial nation.

Let’s take a closer look.

The 9 Stages of the Entrepreneurial Lifecycle

Each stage reflects a different phase in a business’s evolution—from the first spark of an idea to a successful exit. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Discovery – Spotting the Opportunity

This is where it all begins. Entrepreneurs identify problems, needs, or gaps in the market.
🧠 Connected blogs:

Why Every Entrepreneur Needs to Master the Art of Opportunity Recognition

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 1 – Discovery

2. Modeling – Designing the Business Blueprint

Once the opportunity is clear, the focus shifts to business models, customer segments, value propositions, and revenue streams.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 2 – Modeling

The Business Plan – Deep Dive into Financial Planning

Developing a business process diagram for your startup

3. Startup – From Idea to Action

The venture becomes real—founders mobilize resources, form teams, build MVPs, and launch early versions of their product or service.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 3 – Startup

Revolutionizing Startups: Harnessing AI for Efficiency and Growth Without Relying on Cheap Labour

4. Existence – Validating the Market Fit

The business acquires early customers and proves the value proposition. It’s about proving the concept works in the real world.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 4 – Existence

Its Sunday Afternoon, what should I do?

5. Survival – Achieving Sustainability

This is where many ventures struggle. They need enough cash flow to cover costs, scale operations, and survive the lean times.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 5 – Survival

The Importance of Mental Health for Entrepreneurs

6. Success – Growing and Expanding

Now it’s about taking off. Businesses in this stage often seek funding, expand their teams, enter new markets, or optimize their operations.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 6 – Success

The Role of Mentorship in Entrepreneurial Success

Understanding Locus of Control: A Key to Entrepreneurial Success

7. Adaptation – Responding to Change

Markets shift. Competitors appear. New technologies disrupt. Adaptable businesses innovate and pivot to stay relevant.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 7 – Adaptation

Building an Inclusive Culture from the Ground Up: A Guide for Leaders and Founders

8. Independence – Owning the Market

These businesses are now robust, profitable, and self-sustaining. They often become leaders in their space.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 8 – Independence

Remember your motive for starting a business

9. Exit – Passing the Torch

Founders may sell the company, go public, or transition to a new leadership team. This frees capital and energy for the next idea.

🧠 Connected blogs:

9 Stages of Enterprise Creation: Stage 9 – Exit

Do you know your Exit Strategy?

Why This Model Matters for National Economic Development

Too often, economic development policy focuses narrowly on startup support—but this ignores the reality that entrepreneurial needs evolve.

By using the 9-stage model, governments and support organizations can:

✅ Design targeted interventions (e.g., ideation grants vs. scale-up finance)
✅ Measure success more accurately across each stage
✅ Create stage-specific training, mentoring, and funding tools
✅ Avoid one-size-fits-all policies that fail to meet real needs
✅ Support entrepreneurial ecosystems that are holistic, not fragmented

Just imagine the power of national strategies that don’t just encourage people to start businesses—but help them grow, adapt, succeed, and exit effectively.

Embedding the Lifecycle in Education and Practice

At Albion Business School and through our entrepreneurship programmes, we’re embedding this lifecycle into student learning—from foundation year to graduate-level projects. We also encourage schools to introduce the concept at an earlier age.

🧠 Connected blog: Building Entrepreneurial Mindsets in Teenagers: Lessons from Education and Practice

When young people understand the journey of entrepreneurship, they stop expecting overnight success—and start building step by step.

Final Thoughts: A Pathway to Prosperity

We live in an age where economic transformation is urgently needed—whether due to climate challenges, digital disruption, or population shifts.

Entrepreneurship, when supported well, has the power to revitalise economies, create meaningful jobs, and build national resilience.

The 9 Stages of the Entrepreneurial Lifecycle provides more than just a roadmap for individuals—it offers a strategic tool for countries and communities to design better support, smarter policies, and more successful ventures.

Let’s stop guessing what entrepreneurs need—and start guiding them with clarity and purpose.

Blog, Ideation, Resources, Training

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Entrepreneurship

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in virtually every industry, and entrepreneurship is no exception. From developing the business plan, creating the marketing campaign, and automating mundane tasks to providing insights that were once unimaginable, AI is redefining how businesses are created, managed, and scaled. For modern entrepreneurs, understanding and leveraging AI is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying competitive and innovative.

1. Enhancing Decision-Making

One of the most significant advantages of AI is its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately. Entrepreneurs can use AI-powered tools to assess market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscapes. For instance:

  • Predictive Analytics: AI helps entrepreneurs forecast demand, optimize pricing strategies, and anticipate market shifts.
  • Risk Assessment: AI algorithms identify potential risks, helping business owners make informed decisions.

With AI, decisions are not based solely on intuition but supported by data-driven insights, minimizing guesswork.

2. Revolutionizing Customer Experience

AI has fundamentally changed how businesses interact with their customers. Entrepreneurs can now:

  • Personalize Offerings: AI analyzes customer behavior to deliver tailored recommendations, improving satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Automate Support: Chatbots and virtual assistants provide 24/7 customer support, handling queries efficiently and freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.
  • Enhance Marketing: Tools like AI-driven content creation and targeted advertising allow businesses to engage the right audience at the right time.

The result? A deeper connection with customers and a competitive edge in crowded markets.

3. Streamlining Operations

AI doesn’t just enhance the customer-facing side of a business; it also optimizes internal operations. Entrepreneurs can use AI to:

  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Processes like data entry, invoicing, and inventory management can be handled by AI, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Optimize Supply Chains: AI predicts supply chain disruptions, identifies inefficiencies, and recommends solutions.
  • Improve Hiring: AI tools screen resumes, assess candidate fit, and even analyze video interviews, helping businesses build stronger teams.

By automating and optimizing these areas, entrepreneurs can focus on strategy and innovation rather than day-to-day tasks.

4. Lowering Barriers to Entry

AI democratizes entrepreneurship by reducing the technical and financial hurdles of starting a business. Tools like no-code platforms, AI-driven design tools, and automated accounting software allow even non-technical founders to launch and run businesses effectively.

For example:

  • Platforms like Canva (powered by AI) enable anyone to create professional graphics.
  • ChatGPT-like tools assist in content creation, strategy development, and even coding prototypes.

AI empowers entrepreneurs to launch businesses with fewer resources, making innovation accessible to a broader range of people.

5. Fostering Innovation

AI itself is a breeding ground for innovation. Entrepreneurs can build entirely new business models around AI technologies, such as:

  • Developing AI-based products like virtual tutors, healthcare diagnostics tools, or personalized learning platforms.
  • Using AI to disrupt traditional industries by offering faster, smarter, and more cost-effective solutions.

The opportunities are endless, limited only by an entrepreneur’s creativity and understanding of AI’s capabilities.

Conclusion

AI is no longer just a futuristic concept; it is a powerful tool that is shaping the present and future of entrepreneurship. By enhancing decision-making, improving customer experiences, streamlining operations, and lowering barriers to entry, AI provides entrepreneurs with unprecedented opportunities to innovate and succeed.

The key to harnessing AI’s potential lies in staying informed, experimenting with AI-driven tools, and adopting a mindset of continuous learning. In the rapidly evolving world of business, those who embrace AI will not just survive—they will thrive.

Blog, Mentorship and Networking, Resources, Skills Development, Training

The Role of Mentorship in Entrepreneurial Success

Entrepreneurship is often a journey filled with uncertainty, risk, and countless decisions. While determination and vision are vital, having a mentor can significantly impact an entrepreneur’s success. Mentors bring experience, guidance, and a fresh perspective, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

This blog explores the critical role of mentorship in entrepreneurial success and highlights free tools employees and budding entrepreneurs can use to connect with mentors and foster their growth.

Why Mentorship Matters

  1. Experience and Insight:
    Mentors share their wealth of knowledge, helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and learn from past experiences.
  2. Networking Opportunities:
    Mentors often have extensive networks, opening doors to potential investors, collaborators, and customers.
  3. Accountability and Motivation:
    Regular check-ins with a mentor can help entrepreneurs stay focused on their goals and maintain momentum.
  4. Skill Development:
    Mentors identify areas for improvement and provide advice on developing critical skills, from leadership to financial management.
  5. Boosting Confidence:
    Facing challenges alone can be daunting. A mentor acts as a sounding board, offering encouragement and constructive feedback.

Free Tools for Mentorship and Entrepreneurial Growth

To fully leverage mentorship, entrepreneurs and employees need the right platforms to connect and collaborate. Here are some free tools to get started:

1. LinkedIn

  • How it Helps:
    LinkedIn is a powerful platform for finding mentors and building professional relationships. Entrepreneurs can join groups, participate in discussions, and directly connect with experienced professionals.
  • Best Practice:
    Personalize connection requests and engage with potential mentors’ content before seeking guidance.

2. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)

  • How it Helps:
    SCORE provides free business mentoring for entrepreneurs in the U.S., connecting them with experienced mentors in their industry.
  • Website: SCORE Mentoring
  • Best Practice:
    Schedule regular sessions with mentors to discuss specific business challenges and progress.

3. Meetup

  • How it Helps:
    Entrepreneurs can find local and virtual networking events to connect with mentors and peers in their industry.
  • Website: Meetup
  • Best Practice:
    Attend events regularly to build rapport and establish meaningful connections with potential mentors.

4. MicroMentor

  • How it Helps:
    MicroMentor is a free platform connecting entrepreneurs with volunteer business mentors globally.
  • Website: MicroMentor
  • Best Practice:
    Be specific about your goals and challenges when reaching out to mentors for tailored advice.

5. GrowthMentor

  • How it Helps:
    While GrowthMentor offers paid plans, it also provides free mentorship sessions for entrepreneurs in areas like marketing, growth, and business strategy.
  • Website: GrowthMentor
  • Best Practice:
    Prepare a list of questions before your session to make the most of the mentor’s time.

6. SCORE’s Online Library

  • How it Helps:
    SCORE also provides free access to an extensive library of templates, guides, and webinars to supplement mentorship.
  • Website: SCORE Resources
  • Best Practice:
    Use these resources to prepare for mentorship meetings and implement the advice received.

7. Coursera and edX

  • How it Helps:
    While these platforms are known for their courses, they also host forums where entrepreneurs can connect with instructors and peers who might become mentors.
  • Websites:
    Coursera
    edX
  • Best Practice:
    Engage actively in course discussions to build relationships with industry experts.

8. Reddit (r/Entrepreneur and r/Startups)

  • How it Helps:
    Reddit communities offer a space to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights from seasoned entrepreneurs.
  • Website: Reddit – Entrepreneur
  • Best Practice:
    Post thoughtful questions and actively contribute to discussions to attract helpful responses.

9. SCORE Mentoring App

  • How it Helps:
    SCORE’s mobile app makes it easy to access mentoring sessions, webinars, and resources on the go.
  • App Download: Available on both iOS and Android.
  • Best Practice:
    Schedule mentoring sessions directly through the app for convenience.

10. Slack Communities

  • How it Helps:
    Many Slack groups are dedicated to entrepreneurship, offering a collaborative environment to connect with potential mentors.
  • Example: OnDeck Slack Group (some free sections available)
  • Best Practice:
    Actively participate in discussions and share your journey to build relationships organically.

How to Make the Most of Mentorship

  1. Set Clear Goals:
    Define what you hope to achieve from the mentorship relationship.
  2. Be Open to Feedback:
    Constructive criticism is essential for growth—embrace it.
  3. Follow Through:
    Implement the advice and strategies discussed with your mentor to show your commitment.
  4. Express Gratitude:
    A simple thank-you can go a long way in maintaining a strong mentor-mentee relationship.

Conclusion

Mentorship is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success. It accelerates learning, provides valuable insights, and helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a business. By leveraging free tools and platforms, entrepreneurs and employees can access mentorship opportunities that drive personal and professional growth.

Remember, mentorship is a two-way street. While mentors provide guidance, mentees must show initiative and dedication to make the relationship impactful. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your venture, mentorship can be the catalyst for achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.