Exponential Organizations: Why new organizations are ten times better, faster, and cheaper than yours (and what to do about it)

by Salim Ismail

The following is a guide to implementing ExO attributes into a startup: MTP: Formulate an MTP in a particular problem space, one that all founders feel passionate about. Staff on Demand: Use contractors, SoD platforms wherever possible; keep FTEs to a minimum. Community & Crowd: Validate idea in MTP communities. Get product feedback. Find co-founders, contractors and experts. Use crowdfunding and crowdsourcing to validate market demand and as a marketing technique. Algorithms: Identify data streams that can be automated and help with product development. Implement cloud-based and open source machine and deep learning to increase insights. Leveraged Assets: Do NOT acquire assets. Use cloud computing, TechShop for product development. Use incubators like Y Combinator and Techstars for office, funding, mentoring and peer input. Starbucks as office. Engagement: Design product with engagement in mind. Gather all user interactions. Gamify where possible. Create a digital reputational system of users and suppliers to build trust and community. Use incentive prizes to engage crowd and create buzz. Interfaces: Design custom processes for managing SCALE; do not automate until you’re ready to scale. Dashboards: Set up OKR and value, serendipity, and growth metrics dashboards; do not implement value metrics until product finalized (see Step 10). Experimentation: Establish culture of experimentation and constant iteration. Be willing to fail and pivot as needed. Autonomy: Implement lit...