I am all for the lean startup methods. And i think it´s always good to test thing s in small scale before going big. But there is one thing that is even faster. It is called intuition, software companies is often dominated by data-driven type of personalities. And it has it´s strengths. But it can also create a stale environment where every buy button and new page has to be tested.
In small startup this can really slow things down. And it can demotivate creative induviduals. But running on pure intuition is also dangerous and can send you on totally wrong path, so here is some suggestions when developing you business intuition.
* Do something that you are really interested in, not only the end-game, this will give you energy during low-peaks or downtimes, and you have more peace to take good decisions.
* Practice to try and think outside your own scope. If you are a male, how does a female think. How does diffrent personalities think and age sectors.
* If something gives you a good stomach feeling. Break it up and analyze it. What is good about it? Why do you feel that way? That will teach you to detect bad decisions in a early stage