I have been studying online networks and communities as some of my startups seem to have “community” or “network” elements at the core of it.
I have a few questions for seasoned entrepreneurs as well as new comers :
1. I come across so many entrepreneurs and startups and network with those thinking of starting one. However, many of them are “ideas first – development – take it to market” way of thinking. Personally I am very risk averse and try validate the idea first before even development. I am in the Steve Blank, Nathan Furr camp of validating the market before development.
What is your experience with your startup?
2. Branding/Design and Product development : Is branding/design part of your product right at the beginning? This seems to be terribly ignored.
Sorry, I may seem like a Design Evangelist but poor design is just so wrong.
Why is Design so important for startups? Fascinating article here at about design for startups.
3. Is the Indian customer a late adopter? I have been struggling with this. Does anyone here have experience building communities or social networks for the Indian masses and what has been your experience? I am not thinking of another facebook type portal, but around certain niches.
Thanks and I hope to get a few interesting thoughts here.