Product Focus on One Feature

Last time, my company(ex) faced an internal issue with our service provider. We used to have two main features, but one of the service providers decided to close their service in the region. Consequently, we couldn’t use that feature anymore, and eventually, we had to discontinue the associated product/features.

When we first heard the news, most team members believed that without that feature, our company’s product would be rendered useless. While there may be some truth to that, at the same time and location, other startups were thriving by focusing solely on the remaining features. Many team members perceived these features as too easy or small or somehow useless. However, they overlooked the fact that these startups excelled in only specific features, securing decent funding rounds based solely on that aspect.

It’s common for companies, including my former CEOs’s perspective, to believe that rapid addition of new features or products is the key to success. However, in reality, we faced challenges in executing this strategy due to limitations in resources. and that makes our so-called MVP with shiny UIs and dirty yet broken features included. AKA nothing is working but only working in the sales pitch decks.

I believe that most startups may not match the superior quality of products produced by industry giants like Apple or Google. We often lack the resources, such as high-quality engineers, advanced technology, and significant financial backing. In light of these constraints, it becomes essential for us to recognize our strengths and focus on what we can do well. Rather than attempting to compete on every front, we should concentrate on excelling in a specific area and strive for perfection in that one thing.

The one thing you think that is too small makes your company better and shiny

#startups #MVP