(c) CEO Workbench. All Rights Reserved.

This worksheet is designed to be a starting point for entrepreneurs to successfully launch a new product.

1. Look for Gaps in the Market

• [ ] Pick a vertical or industry you know well: ____________________
• [ ] Make a list of 100 potential customers in that industry.
• [ ] Call at least 20 of them and ask:
  • What frustrates you on a weekly basis?
  • What can't you track or understand well in your business?
  • Where are your current vendors not providing value?
• Write down all pain points and unmet needs you heard. Look for themes and opportunities.

2. Validate Your Idea with Customers

• [ ] Describe your idea:
• [ ] Create a basic landing page, mockup or (very basic) demo for potential customers to react to. Do NOT create a full product
• [ ] Share the landing page with at least 15 target customers. Ask:
  • Would you use this product/service?
  • How much would you pay for it?
  • What's missing that would make it better?
• [ ] Gather feedback and adjust your idea accordingly.

3. Create 90-Day Benchmarks

• [ ] What metrics will show this idea has traction in 90 days?
• [ ] What metrics will show success in 6 months?
• [ ] What metrics will show success in 12 months?
• [ ] Review progress quarterly.

4. Launch a Minimum Viable Product

• [ ] Define the minimum feature set needed to test the product. Important: do not add bells and whistles - just do the minimum customers wanted, not what you thought they might want.