This document outlines nine startup strategies for libraries: 1) test the problem and product, 2) get customer feedback, 3) create a scalable company, 4) do market segmentation, 5) use an iterative build-measure-learn process, 6) create minimum viable products, 7) use dashboards to track metrics, 8) be willing to pivot strategies, and 9) focus on customer value rather than features. Each strategy includes an example of how it could be applied in a library setting and references key literature about startups. The overall message is that libraries don't need to be startups to adopt a startup mindset of customer-focused problem solving.

1. nine startup strategies
M.J.Delia
TechForum 2015 : MaRS Toronto

2. welcome

3. Think like a startup
A white paper to inspire library entrepreneurialism
Brian Mathews
Virginia Tech

4. building a platform
framework for action
a culture
condition us for change
Mathews, 2012

5. M.J. D’EliaHelen Kula
@helenkula @mjdelia
University of GuelphU of Toronto Mississauga

6. startupslibraries

8. new ventures
startups
established
organizations

9. contrastcompare

10. buildobservations
mindset
value

11. mindset
2 31

12. test the
problem
test the
product
1

13. 1
library
catalog
example

14. 1
customer discovery
Identifying a product that will solve a problem
for an identified group of users
Blank, 2012
key term

15. get out of
the building
stay in the
building
2

16. 2
customer feedback
+ surveys
example

17. 2
customer validation
Confirming that the market is large enough to embrace
the product and build a viable business
Blank, 2012
key term

18. build it
when they
come
build it
and they
will come
3

19. 3
e-textbook
analytics
example

20. 3
company creation
The product, service or business is scalable
based on repeatable sales
Blank, 2012
key term

21. build
5 64

22. build for
the few
build for
the many
4

23. 4
mobile (phone)
content delivery
example

24. 4
segmentation
Breaking down a larger market into smaller
indentifiable groups of users who share specific needs
Cooper & Vlaskovits, 2010
key term

25. build
then
learn
learn
then
build
5

26. 5
indie
book platform
example

27. 5
build-measure-learn
A three-step feedback loop that enables rapid
development and constant adjustments
Ries, 2011
key term

28. iterative
design
pilot
projects
6

29. 6
secondary market
(used books)
example

30. 6
minimum viable product
A product/service with just enough features
that allow it to reach the market
Ries, 2011
key term

31. value
8 97

32. use
key data
collect
all data
7

33. 7
web stats
social media metrics
example

34. 7
dashboarding
Regularly monitoring key metrics to track
core elements of the business
Komisar & Mullins, 2009
key term

35. adjust
the model
execute
the plan
8

36. 8
content marketing
in ebooks
example

37. 8
pivot
A fundamental change in strategy based on
validated learning; a course correction
Ries, 2011
key term

38. focus on
value
focus on
features
9

39. 9
transmedia
content
example

40. value proposition
9
The bundle of products and services that create
value for a specific customer segment
Osterwalder & Pigneur, 2010
key term

41. summary

42. you don’t have to be a
startup to think like one

43. pitch
A concise and convincing summary which communicates
value and concludes with a call to action

44. pitch
Understand the problem
Validate the solution
Communicate the value proposition
Compell the customer

45. questions

46. thank you!
M.J. D’EliaHelen Kula
@helenkula @mjdelia

47. Blank, S. (2014). Steve Blank [blog]. Retrieved from http://steveblank.com
Blank, S. & Dorf, B. (2012). The Startup Owner’s Manual. Pescadero, CA: K&S Ranch
Cooper, B. & Vlaskovits, P. (2010). The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Customer Development. Newport
Beach, CA: Cooper-Vlaskovits
Komisar,J. & Mullins, R. (2009). Getting to Plan B. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Business.
MaRS. Entrepreneur’s Toolkit. Retrieved from http://www.marsdd.com/entrepreneurs-toolkit/
Mathews, B. (2012,April). Think like a Startup [white paper]. Retrieved from
http://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/18649
Osterwalder,A. & Pigneur,Y. (2010). Business Model Generation. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley
Ries, E. (2011). The Lean Startup. New York: Crown.
references