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 start Takeaways & Roast Highlights MVP #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.” – JDM MVP #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 difference MVP #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.” – JDM Frivolous 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