GUEST POST from Mike Shipulski
A prototype moves us from “That’s not possible.” to “Hey, watch this!”
A prototype moves us from “We don’t do it that way.” to “Well, we do now.”
A prototype moves us from “That’s impossible.” to “As it turns out, it was only almost impossible.”
A prototype turns naysayers into enemies and profits.
A prototype moves us from an argument to a new product development project.
A prototype turns analysis-paralysis into progress.
A prototype turns a skeptical VP into a vicious advocate.
A prototype turns a pet project into top-line growth.
A prototype turns disbelievers into originators of the idea.
A prototype can turn a Digital Strategy into customer value.
A prototype can turn an uncomfortable Board of Directors meeting into a pizza party.
A prototype can save a CEO’s ass.
A prototype can be too early, but mostly they’re too late.
If the wheels fall off your first prototype, you’re doing it right.
If your prototype doesn’t dismantle the Status-Quo, you built the wrong prototype.
A good prototype violates your business model.
A prototype doesn’t care if you see it for what it is because it knows everyone else will.
A prototype turns “I don’t believe you.” into “You don’t have to.”
When you’re told “Don’t make that prototype.” you’re onto something.
A prototype eats not-invented-here for breakfast.
A prototype can overpower the staunchest critic, even the VP flavor.
A prototype moves us from “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” to “Oh, yes I do.”
If the wheels fall off your second prototype, keep going.
A prototype is objective evidence you’re trying to make a difference.
You can argue with a prototype, but you’ll lose.
If there’s a mismatch between the theory and the prototype, believe the prototype.
A prototype doesn’t have to do everything, but it must do one important thing for the first time.
A prototype must be real, but it doesn’t have to be really real.
If your prototype obsoletes your best product, congratulations.
A prototype turns political posturing into reluctant compliance and profits.
A prototype turns “What the hell are you talking about?” into “This.”
A good prototype bestows privilege on the prototype creator.
A prototype can beat a CEO in an arm-wrestling match.
A prototype doesn’t care if you like it. It only cares about creating customer value.
If there’s an argument between a well-stated theory and a well-functioning prototype, it’s pretty clear which camp will refine their theory to line up with what they just saw with their own eyes.
A prototype knows it has every right to tell the critics to “Kiss my ass.” but it knows it doesn’t have to.
You can argue with a prototype, but shouldn’t.
A prototype changes thinking without asking for consent.
Image credit: misterinnovation.com
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