Always look for the MVP

Always look for the MVP

I first wrote about minimum viable product (MVP) just three years ago, but the term itself was coined over 20 years ago. But I've been thinking about this more and more with all of my new projects, for one significant reason:

Even compared to five years ago, much less 20 years ago, association management software (AMS) systems have become remarkably complex systems. And as a result, the options, configurations, and setups have all become more complex and more time-consuming. This is why focusing on MVP has become more important.

When moving from one AMS to another, my rule of thumb is fairly straightforward for determining MVP: In general, anything you could do (and needed to do) with the old system you should be able to do with the new system at launch. (I'll grant there can be exceptions to this, but that's why it's a rule of thumb!) But beyond that, nothing is required at launch. That's the whole idea of a minimum viable product; what's the least we can get away with and still actually be live with the system?

Because new AMS systems are so complex, it's easy to get caught in the quagmire of "We should do this because we can!" Focus on what you need to offer and once the system is launched you can start adding more features and functionality.

But whether it's a new AMS, a new LMS, a new website, or any other new technology, always focus on the MVP. Because getting the system live and in use is far more important for long-term success than launching it "perfectly" (which isn't possible anyway!).

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

A Data Integrity Report…for Reports!

July 29, 2019

I’ve written elsewhere about the value of data integrity reports. But one of the most […]

Simple rules for complex systems

July 28, 2019

Simple rules for complex systems I first heard the phrase “simple rules for complex systems” […]

Accentuate the positive

July 24, 2019

Accentuate the positive I’ve written before about the importance of database public relationsand celebrating success. I’ll add […]

Annual dues vs. anniversary dues

July 10, 2019

Annual dues vs. anniversary dues I served as director of membership for several years at […]

A change of systems requires a change of mindset

July 8, 2019

Every AMS vendor will tell you that the toughest part of implementing a new system […]

It doesn’t have to be optimal to be beneficial

June 26, 2019

It doesn’t have to be optimal to be beneficial I’m a big fan of the […]

Look for small wins

June 19, 2019

Look for small wins One of the toughest things about system implementation is simply how […]

Are you closing the loop?

June 12, 2019

Are you closing the loop? If your association does a call for presentations for any […]

Declare victory and move on

June 5, 2019

Declare victory and move on The law of diminishing returns is the point at which the […]

Clean as you go

March 28, 2019

Clean As You Go A good cook or baker knows that, when working in the […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top