Move fast and break things? Nah...

Move fast and break things? Decisions are like legacy code..

When I first started my business (in 2008), I was eager to quickly make my mark and establish myself. At that time, the Sillicon Valley Mantra of "move fast and break things" was a very popular concept among entrepreneurs. So, I decided to adopt some of these practices. Only to discover this concept does not perfectly fit me as an entrepreneur. Moreover, blindly following this approach can have serious consequences.

Before starting on the downsides, what is good?

Before getting started on the negatives, let's highlight the positives. "Move fast and break things" encourages a culture of experimentation and innovation in a business setting. By embracing a willingness to take risks and failing fast, companies can quickly pivot and adjust their strategy to better meet the needs of their customers.

By prioritizing speed and agility over perfection, companies can remain flexible and responsive to market trends and customer needs, ultimately driving growth and success.

And, what you indeed don’t need to do as an entrepreneur is:

• Read (too many) fancy startup books
• Write a super elaborate business plan (things will turn out to be different anyway)
• Take advice from too many people. Instead, create and follow your own path. Listen only to people who have a lot of experience or know you very well.

Now, to the downsides

Decisions are like legacy code; they are really difficult to get rid of.

In the world of software development, legacy code refers to old, outdated, and often complicated code that has accumulated over time. This code can be difficult to maintain, upgrade, or even understand, making it a burden for developers. In a similar way, decisions in business also have a lasting impact and can be challenging to reverse.

As an entrepreneur, every choice you make will have consequences, both positive and negative. Whether it's the launch of a new product, the hiring of a new team member, or a strategic partnership, each decision will shape the future of your company. That's why it's crucial to have a clear vision and strategy in place before making any moves. Especially take care of the fundamentals of your financial model. Cash flow management will be crucial!

In my early days as an entrepreneur, I made many quick decisions without fully considering their long-term implications. I was eager to get things done and move forward, but I quickly realized that these choices ended up being time-consuming to undo. It's crucial to think before you act and weigh the pros and cons of each decision before moving forward.

Every decision you make in business has a lasting impact, both good and bad. Think before you act!

Focus, BHAG & money

Take the time to build a solid foundation before you start making moves. This means defining your core values, purpose, and big hairy audacious goal (BHAG), as well as mapping out a plan for how you will achieve it.

And, don't forget to have a solid financial model in place to understand the economics of your business.

By taking the time to understand the economics of your business, you can make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and secure the funding you need to grow and scale effectively.

While it may take a bit longer to get started, taking the time to build a strong foundation has been crucial for the success of our company is it currently is. It has allowed me to grow and scale effectively, avoid (costly) mistakes, and establish a reputation for quality and reliability in the market.

An eye for detail

Another important lesson I've learned is to always pay close attention to the little details. Especially in the beginning. Whether it's proper administration, technology selection, cash flow management, or hiring the best people, every aspect of your business sets the tone for how it will operate moving forward. If you decide to "move fast an break things" on your fundamentals, it might cost you.