Friday, October 31, 2014

Lean startup analysis

Less frequently, the strategy may have to change (called a pivot).

We pivoted many times during the making of our business
I remember one group had to pivot their entire idea in the last two weeks of the program. Even though it is a tedious process, it is better for the business in the long run.  

This book is for entrepreneurs of all stripes: from young visionaries with little backing but great ideas to seasoned visionaries within larger companies such as Mark--and the people who hold them accountable.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Lean startup analysis


Here are some notes I took on the Lean startup by Eric Ries
I studied lean manufacturing, a process that originated in Japan with the Toyota Production System, a completely new way of thinking about the manufacturing of physical goods
  • I found it very interesting to know that this is the origin of this groundbreaking method.  I now see how it can be applied to many other types of industries.

my definition of a startup: a human institution designed to create new products and services under conditions of extreme uncertainty.

Startups exist not just to make stuff, make money, or even serve customers. They exist to learn how to build a sustainable business.
Building block of lean startup - Build-Measure-Learn. The fundamental activity of a startup is to turn ideas into products, measure how customers respond, and then learn whether to pivot or persevere. All successful startup processes should be geared to accelerate that feedback loop.


Innovation accounting. To improve entrepreneurial outcomes and hold innovators  accountable, we need to focus on the boring stuff how to measure progress, how to set up milestones, and how to prioritize work. This requires a new kind of accounting designed for startups—and the people who hold them accountable.

  • This was one of our biggest struggles as a group .  We wanted to hold each other accountable for certain activities without seeming annoying or overbearing. This was especially with our tech dept. We didn't want to rush them because  we didnt know enough about computers to hold them to a timeline.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Picture Day!!!!!  It was so inspiring to see all my friends in their graduation gowns, even though I know we have many long months ahead of us. 
I was absent on the week of the Oct 13.  I went on a college road trip. 

Friday, October 10, 2014

Presentation Day 3

I got to class late because of a doctor's appointment, so I was not able to watch the presentations.

Presentation Day 2

Today, Benny and I presented our thesis topic. We practiced two nights in a row over Google hangouts.  We made sure to split the slides, so we both received an even number.  I believe we successfully got our point across.  I loved that we got to wear our matching Endevvr shirts!

Action Item: Connect with our mentor Gerry, so he can be aware of our project.

Presentation Day 1

I loved all the presentations today!

Taylor - black hair in modern society
Marshall - statistics of the economy
Jackson - LGBTQ comics
Alvaro - film production
Flannery - down syndrome

I'm excited for the next set of presentations