Lean Startup Series

Build Measure Learn, with a black pencil erasing the L to make it Build Measure Earn

Jump start your innovation practice – and your non-dues revenue 

Lean startup methodology, as first articulated by Eric Ries in his 2011 book The Lean Startup, has become widely used as a way of gaining insight into ideas for new programs, products, and services.

Ries developed this methodology out of his experiences using lean process improvement, which focuses on reducing waste and defects and working more efficiently and effectively.

His key insight?

It doesn’t matter how quickly you’re moving if you’re headed in the wrong direction.

Given associations’ tight resources, we can’t afford to waste time pursuing the wrong thing. Lean startup provides a structured way to learn whether you’ve identified the right audience, whether you’ve selected a problem that’s both real and significant for them, and whether your audience is willing to use – and pay for – your great idea to solve their problem.

But diving right in can be a little intimidating. That’s why Spark developed a structured process to help you and your team learn the methodology so you can create something new faster and more successfully.

 

Level One: Lean startup newbie

Are you curious about lean startup methodology but don’t know where to start?

Intro to lean startup webinar – $1,000

Elizabeth Engel will present a one-hour webinar for your project team, your entire staff, your volunteer leaders, or some combination of the above that introduces the methodology, describes where it came from, explains the tools and key concepts, and shares some stories of associations using it in practice.

I recommend that everyone start with the intro webinar to provide a base of shared understanding.

How many attendees can we accommodate? As many as you like!

 

Level Two: Hands-on learner

Are you interested in getting some practice using the methodology before you try it on a real idea for a real audience with a real problem? 

Lemonade stand lean canvas workshop (two hours) – $3,000*

Elizabeth Engel will lead your team in a hands-on workshop, either in-person* or online (using Spark’s Miro or your current project management platform – many have Lean Canvas templates built in), where I will guide your team through filling out a Lean Canvas. Your team will learn how to use the tool via working with an example everyone understands: a lemonade stand.

Lemonade stand MVP workshop (two hours) – $3,000*

Elizabeth Engel will lead your team in a hands-on workshop, either in-person* or online (using Spark’s Miro or your current project management platform – many have lean methodology tools and templates built in), where I will guide your team through creating a Minimum Viable lemonade stand. Your team will learn how to work through the Build-Measure-Learn cycle, how to identify Metrics That Matter, and how to test, iterate, and pivot working with an example everyone understands: a lemonade stand.

*Price does not include travel outside the Washington, DC area if you choose the in-person option

For the workshops, I recommend inviting no more than 10-12 people so that everyone can participate actively.

Why a lemonade stand? Lean startup methodology involves thinking in new ways. In working with clients, I’ve found that it can be hard for teams to do that using typical association programs, products, or services – we get stuck in old patterns. Doing an exercise with something tangible everyone is familiar with, a lemonade stand, helps teams to break out of those well-worn ruts.

Purchase both together for $5,000!

 

Level Three: We have an idea!

Have you identified an audience with a real and significant problem and think you have a solution they will use and pay for, but you’d like expert help to figure out how to surface your assumptions and validate or disprove them?

Lean canvas with your idea workshops (3 two-hour workshops) – $7,500*

Now we’re ready to take on one of your ideas! Elizabeth Engel will guide a matrixed team representing all key departments and program areas through filling out a Lean Canvas for your great idea for a new program, product, or service, either in-person* or online. (If you choose online, I recommend we use your project management platform, as you’ll want to continue to have access once our engagement ends.) You’ll come out of it with a one-page business case you can take to your senior leadership or board of directors for review and, hopefully, approval to proceed with testing your idea in the market. (Also includes a prep call and follow up debriefing call with your core team.)

MVP with your idea workshops (3 two-hour workshops) – $7,500*

Once you have approval to pursue your idea, you need to Build an MVP, Measure what happens, and Learn from getting your MVP into the hands of real users. Elizabeth Engel will guide your team through a review some of the different kinds of MVPs you can create, help you identify Metrics That Matter, and work with you to set up your first two rounds of testing, along with what you’re hoping to learn and potential iterations / pivots you can make as data comes in, either in-person* or online. (If you choose online, I recommend we use your project management platform, as you’ll want to continue to have access once our engagement ends.) You’ll come out of it with an MVP, Metrics That Matter, and guidance about where to go in your second trip through the Build-Measure-Learn cycle. (Also includes a prep call, a metrics-focused call, and follow up debriefing call with your core team.)

*Price does not include travel outside the Washington, DC area if you choose the in-person option

For the workshops, I recommend inviting no more than 10-12 people so that everyone can participate actively.

Purchase both together for $12,500!

Purchase the full package (Levels 1, 2, and 3) for $17,500!

 

Spark also offers custom lean startup consulting packages and Build-Measure-Learn cycle implementation support via monthly retainer. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, contact me to set up a call to talk about your needs and how I might be able to help.

 

Want to learn a little more about lean startup methodology first? Here are a few places to get started:

 

Photo by David Travis on Unsplash