How to Implement Lean Startup Principles (And How It Helped Me)

I know how daunting it can be when you're starting something new—whether it's a side project, a full-on business, or even just an idea you've been toying with for a while.

Trust me, I've been there. I used to spend so much time stuck in planning, trying to make everything perfect before sharing it with the world.

But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that sometimes, the best way to get going is to simply start—even if things are a bit rough around the edges.

That’s where Lean Startup principles come in. These ideas helped me cut through the noise, simplify my approach, and actually start seeing results faster. 

Today, I want to share with you how I’ve implemented them in my own work and how you can too—no matter what stage you’re at.

1. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

When I was first starting out, I spent way too much time trying to perfect every little detail before launching anything. It felt like if I didn’t have all the bells and whistles, then I wasn’t ready. But that mindset held me back. The shift came when I embraced the MVP concept—building the most basic version of my product that still provided value. It wasn’t perfect, but it was out there, and that made all the difference.

Getting my MVP out allowed me to gather feedback right away and understand what people really needed, rather than what I thought they wanted. It’s like cooking your first meal for a group—you don’t need a five-course dinner, you just need something that tastes good and satisfies everyone. Start small, learn from your mistakes, and improve from there.

2. Test, Learn, Repeat

After I launched my MVP, the real work began. I’ll be honest, it’s tough at first—hearing feedback (both good and bad) and making changes. But it’s essential. I realized that every tweak I made, no matter how small, brought me closer to a better product.

The “Build-Measure-Learn” cycle became my go-to process:

• Build something quick and basic

• Measure how it’s received

• Learn from the feedback, and repeat the process

This cycle helped me improve rapidly and in ways I never would have thought of on my own. It wasn’t about getting everything right the first time, but about making constant, steady improvements.

3. Keep It Simple

I’ve made the mistake of overcomplicating things in the past—thinking that adding more features or making something look more sophisticated would make it better. It usually didn’t. What I’ve learned through Lean Startup is that simplicity often wins. Focus on solving the main problem your audience is facing. Everything else can come later, once you’ve nailed the essentials.

By cutting back on unnecessary features and keeping things straightforward, I was able to work faster and more efficiently, and my users appreciated the simplicity.

4. Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Here’s something I struggled with early on: pivoting too much and losing sight of my original vision. Lean Startup encourages you to be flexible, but it’s also important to stay connected to the big picture. In my case, I had to step back at times and remind myself why I started in the first place. That helped guide the changes I made without steering too far off course.

Even as you gather feedback and adapt, make sure the decisions you’re making align with your long-term goals. That way, every step forward is one that still moves you closer to where you ultimately want to be.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from implementing Lean Startup principles, it’s that you don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. In fact, the beauty of this approach is that it encourages you to start where you are, learn as you go, and improve along the way. Embrace the journey, test your ideas, and let feedback guide you. You might stumble, but every stumble gets you closer to a better version of what you’re building.

I’d love to hear if you’re using Lean Startup principles or planning to give them a try! Hit reply and let me know what’s working (or not working) for you.

Wishing you success in all your ventures,
Angelo