Today’s reading pick: 

"The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses" is written by Eric Ries. He is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. He is the creator of the Lean Startup methodology and has advised startups, venture capitalists and large companies around the world. He is also the author of "The Startup Way" and "The Lean Entrepreneur”

The book provides a guide for entrepreneurs and business leaders on how to create and run successful startups using the Lean Startup methodology. The book argues that traditional startup methods are no longer effective in today's fast-paced, uncertain business environment and that a new approach is needed. The Lean Startup methodology is characterized by a focus on customer feedback, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including how to create a culture of innovation, how to identify and prioritize customer needs, how to build and test minimum viable products, and how to measure and improve performance. The author also provides practical guidance on how to implement Lean practices in startups, including how to overcome resistance to change and how to scale Lean practices across the startup.

Key takeaways from the book:

1. The Lean Startup methodology is a powerful way for entrepreneurs to create and run successful startups.

2. To be successful, startups must create a culture of innovation that values customer feedback, rapid experimentation, and continuous learning.

3. Identifying and prioritizing customer needs is critical to success.

4. Building and testing minimum viable products is a key Lean practice that helps startups validate customer needs and preferences.

5. Measuring and improving performance is essential to ongoing success.

6. Scaling Lean practices across the startup is crucial for success.

7. Resistance to change is a common obstacle to the adoption of Lean practices, but it can be overcome with the right approach.

8. Lean Startup methods are not only for new ventures, but also can be used in established businesses to drive innovation.

9. Lean practices can be applied to a wide range of functions, including product development, sales, marketing, and customer service.

10. Continuous learning is the key to ongoing success with the Lean Startup approach.

Enjoy the read and have fun learning!