Version 1.0 Is Not Your Legacy

For anyone experiencing the process of starting something new or being in the “forming” stage, some words of wisdom: “’If you are not embarrassed by the first version if your product, you’ve launched too late.’ It’s unlikely you’ll deliver a slam dunk on your first iteration; optimize for learning instead.” (Reid Hoffman + Nick Wolny)

Allow me to share from my experience. Perhaps you'll see it resonate with you. I recently launched a program geared towards high performing leaders who see themselves as introverts and looking to build on their leadership. As I engage prospective clients, I get either a yes, no or maybe later as the standard responses. Each response helps me get a feel for what resonates and what doesn’t + keeps me tuned in to when I need to go back to the drawing board. Yesterday something different unfolded. One of the people I reached out to responded back with not just a standard response but added some feedback. She shared with me that she was not interested in the program and why. I’ll admit, my initial reaction was that of discouragement. If you’ve ever ventured into something on your own (in business or life in general), you’ll understand what I mean. I didn’t remain in that place of discouragement. I accepted what I was feeling, the situation, and the feedback. I am grateful for this person’s feedback because she gave me some valuable insight into “consumer behaviour” and as I pay attention to her insight and look at it along side the other “yeses, nos, and maybe laters”, I am in a position to continue to iterate and “optimize for learning”.

I share this with everyone who is waiting for perfection before _____. Fill in your blank. At some point, you’ll need to take the leap. Only you can make a call on when that is. From my experience, what I can share is that there is no way around the bumps and bruises. They’re a sign that you’re in motion.

Version 1.0 is not your legacy.

Be encouraged. Be blessed. Go forth!