A Founder's Journey : In-Flight Wi-Fi a lesson in Feature Prioritization and understanding your ICP.

Imagine this scenario: You're on a cross-country flight, with big plans to work and stay connected. But, alas, the in-flight Wi-Fi has different ideas. As frustration mounts, you can't help but draw parallels between this vexing experience and the world of startup feature prioritization.

1. The High Hopes: Boarding the plane, you're full of optimism. You anticipate catching up on emails, streaming your favorite show, and joining that crucial video conference. The in-flight Wi-Fi promises to be lightning-fast.

2. The Reality Check: However, shortly after takeoff, you open your laptop, connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi, and... nothing. You refresh the page, toggle airplane mode, and still, no luck. Frustration sets in as you realize this isn't going as planned.

3. Feature Overload: Startups often strive to offer everything, believing more features mean a better product. Airlines might feel the same way about in-flight services, including Wi-Fi. But as you sit there, you begin to question if all these features are necessary.

4. The Shift in Priorities: Your focus shifts. Instead of stressing over the Wi-Fi, you decide to read a book, enjoy the in-flight meal, or simply take a nap. You realize that a few hours without the internet won't ruin your life.

5. Lessons for Startups: This experience offers a valuable lesson for startups. Sometimes, we get carried away trying to offer everything, assuming it's a "must-have" for users. But it's crucial to step back and consider whether certain features are genuinely necessary or just "nice to have."

6. The Majority's Needs: For most passengers, a "good to have" Wi-Fi experience is sufficient. They won't break a sweat over a sub-par or non-existent connection. It's worth noting that a significant majority of users may not prioritize high-quality Wi-Fi.

7. Customer-Centric Approach: Just as airlines must prioritize customer comfort, startups should prioritize what genuinely matters to their users. It's about focusing on features that enhance the user experience and provide real value.

8. Building for Real Needs: Instead of building a product with every imaginable feature, startups should build for actual needs. By listening to users, understanding their pain points, and addressing the essentials, you create a more streamlined and effective solution.

So, the next time you find yourself on a flight with less-than-stellar Wi-Fi, take a deep breath, and remember the lessons learned. In the grand scheme of things, some frustrations are worth enduring if they help us prioritize what genuinely matters. This experience was a valuable lesson in understanding the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) and focusing on what truly counts for your users. After all, in the startup journey, just like on a flight, it's the destination that counts the most.

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