Minimum Viable... Please!

Founders love to say “MVP,” but too often they mean “Maximally Vague Product.” In this episode of Zero to Traction, JDM, Cameron, and Cass roast some real-ish MVP attempts in a game we’re calling Minimum Viable… Please!, where startups build too much, validate too little, and get gently (okay, not-so-gently) corrected.✅ Why most MVPs are overbuilt bundles of assumption spaghetti✅ The key differences between discovery, validation, and creation✅ What a real MVP looks like (hint: it’s not fully designed with Stripe integration)✅ How to test switching behavior without shipping an entire damn platform✅ When AI-powered Chrome extensions are maybe not the place to startTakeaways & Roast HighlightsMVP #1: “Let’s Build It, Then See What Happens”* ✅ Stage: Just finished discovery* 🛑 Built: Full freemium app with onboarding, Stripe, and referrals* ❌ Problem: They want to test if people will pay… but give it away for free* 💡 Better MVP: A prototype, a value-based landing page, or even a price test“You’re not measuring what you say you want to learn. You’re just giving your time and money a farewell tour.” – JDMMVP #2: “They’re Using Something Else, So Let’s Clone All of It”* ✅ Niche: Independent gym owners* 🛑 MVP: Calendar, billing, CRM, admin dashboard—all at once* ❌ Problem: Testing switching behavior with a product just as bloated as the one they’re leaving* 💡 Better MVP: Rapid prototype the moment of greatest value (MOGV) and test perceived differenceMVP #3: “GPT Chrome Extension in a Trust Desert”* ✅ Goal: Can teachers trust AI to help grade writing?* 🛑 Built: Chrome extension with full rubric and export integration* ❌ Problem: Trust is emotional, and this is not how you build it* 💡 Better MVP: Test the trust dimensions (privacy, accuracy, etc.) in isolation with Wizard of Oz methods“This is AI overkill with a side of FERPA violation.” – Cass“Fears are overcome with experience, not just UI polish.” – JDMFrivolous Thoughts* JDM’s toddler has evolved into a bougie yogurt sommelier (and will not accept counterfeits)* Cameron’s pup solves food puzzles now, slowing down meals with flair This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zerototraction.substack.com