Michael Seibel - Building Product

[@chapterme]

Chapters (Powered by ChapterMe) - 00:00 - Intro 00:53 - JustinTV (Twitch now) make a lot of mistakes but the things that allowed them to survive 03:50 - What problem are you solving? 05:31 - Can you state the problem clearly? 05:45 - Have you experienced it yourself? 06:12 - Can you define your problem narrowly? 07:02 - Is the problem solvable? 10:11 - Who is your customer? 10:23 - Everyone? (no!) 11:30 - How often do they have the problem? 13:50 - How intense is the problem? 15:07 - Are they willing to pay? 17:05 - How easy are they to find? 18:39 - Does your MVP actually solve the problem? 21:10 - Which customers should you go after first? (the easy ones!) 24:25 - Which customers should you run away from? (the hard ones!) 25:46 - Should you discount or start with a super low price? (no!) 27:58 - How to setup metrics 28:15 - Google Analytics + Something else 29:36 - Pick 5-10 important stats 31:13 - Make measurements a part of product spec 32:02 - Product Development Cycle (v1) 36:11 - KPI Goal 37:52 - Brainstorm 39:01 - Easy/Medium/Hard 40:50 - Decide 41:35 - Written Spec 43:44 - Pivot vs Iterate 44:43 - Pivot = Changing the customer and/or changing the problem (rare) 44:59 - Iterate = changing the solution (common) 46:09 - Fake Steve Jobs vs Real Steve Jobs (how not to be a product dictator) 48:04 - Summary - Find the right customers, ask specific what they want, and make it. 51:06 - Question 1 - Should you be going free if the final idea for the product is to be free? 52:27 - Question 2 - KPI is revenue and the number is zero, should you still be tracking that as your top line KPI? 53:50 - Question 3 - Hardware company pre-launch pre-sales tips? 54:29 - Question 4 - Hardest part of having a slow burn? 55:26 - Question 5 - Beta to early MVP? 56:51 - Question 6 - How do one figure out what feature to build next? 58:09 - Outro

[@youturunnyng]

Ruben godoy islas

[@magnumopus1628]

I truly appreciate it when people do what you just did. It's a simple yet powerful act of kindness that symbolizes a lot of the positive and constructive spirit that resides in the buisness world, which is something in which I see a lot of the problem solving needed for a gradually better off humankind. I'm agnostic, but God bless you for doing that. Greetings from Milan. 🇮🇹

[@chapterme]

@@magnumopus1628 Thank you very much 😊

[@ronque23]

1. Need to first resolve what the pain you’re solving. Can you state the problem plainly in one or two sentences. 2. Is it a problem you’ve experienced yourself? 3. Can you define the problem narrowly, immediately. 4. Is the problem solvable? 5. Who is your customer? You have to focus on an ideal initial loser/early adopter. 6. How often does your user have the problem? Who’s getting the most value? It helps to have a problem that people use frequently. 7. How intense is the problem? 8. Are they willing to pay? Sometimes it’s better to make the product harder to use to see if it’s an intense enough problem or not. Don’t start free. Charge a price and a good price. 9. How easy are your customers to find? 10. Does your MVP solve the problem you designed it to? 11. Which customers should you go after first? Don’t just go after the hardest ones. With MVP, find people desperate enough to use a bad product? (Maybe people at stores already). How do you find people who desperately need your app? Ignore investors of friends to ask these questions. Once you have customers it’s good to identify bad customers who are toxic and have unrealistic expectations. Some exploit in bad faith. 12. Don’t discount unless it’s a way to speed up a sale. 13. Set up metrics. Don’t use Google analytics. It’s important so you know if your products is. Wing used or not. Doesn’t tell you how long people used each item on your page. It’s good to have a highly technical team to use Mix Panel. Pick 5-10 simple stats at the beginning. 14. Make measurement a part of your product spec. Building measurement are a part of your product spec as part of first release. 15. Product development cycle: (v1) A. KPI-Track revenue if you charge customers or usage if not. B. BRAINSTORM-any idea is written in the board. Lots of value in seeing idea in writing. C. Iterate and talk to customers to see what they like to improve your product. C. Do hard first, medium, then hard. D. Written spec-write down what you mean by every step and how it’s gonna work. [e-mail]

[@Marco-wz8xw]

Awesome summary. Thanks!

[@anish.wijesinghe]

I'm a products person. And I spent countless hours researching about how to make my process better. And this video has been one of the most brilliantly put together pieces of content on product delivery I've seen.

[@musilicks]

It’s been 2 years, but care to point out the key things that stuck with you?

[@AlexRechevskiy]

@@musilicks I’m a google group PM and the best part… is the entire video. Absolutely stellar, priceless advice for building product. Wow.

[@musilicks]

@@AlexRechevskiy heh very true, but my mind can only hold sub-37 seconds of memory at a time 😅

[@rakeshbhatia2804]

I am a Melissoomkmmiiikun m kkllllllllllllkkkk a BBgek

[@LazizbekYusupov92]

I do agree. This guy is insanely smart. It is visible, he had all of this problems a lot to think about.

[@MrGiustom]

I've met Micheal during the Startup School Beijing in May 2018. I was impressed by his modesty and humanity. Thanks to his tips, I'm finally managing to achieve product-market fit!

[@Marco-wz8xw]

Did you achieve it?

[@asutoshmittapalli]

There are times when you think YC's program is very competitive and overrated, now I know the incredible value that folks like Micheal Siebel add to YC startups. This is absolutely gold!

[@aaronb2551]

Amen.

[@kelvingitari]

"You don't understand the problem you're solving, until you understand the person you're solving it for." Michael 10:15 That's powerful!

[@haveyoureddittoday]

Love this statement

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

When I finished watching this I watched it again just to make sure I didn't miss anything. I can think of no higher compliment.

[@djambidextre]

Absolutely agree.

[@amulpatel]

i had to listen to that first bit over again... incredible. Tied to Ego - Can't Quit. Cheap - blow minimum wage. Highly Technical.

[@ionasguitar]

This is one of the best videos for startups in KZbin. Michael knows exactly what he is talking about!

[@praddingari5334]

Thank you, Michael Seibel and Y Combinator. This video has great practical, no-nonsense, and direct insights for Product builders.

[@JordanCrawfordSF]

I doubt there is another video on KZbin that is so actionable and helpful for startups in 2018. Thank you!

[@millertime6]

I got a degree in business and entrepreneurship and learned more in this talk. Listen to this 5x and start creating 💪🏾

[@kimvangvideomarketerbangko3265]

I feel like it's very to the point with these videos. What school did you go to? Would you say it was worth it?

[@millertime6]

@@kimvangvideomarketerbangko3265 I got my entrepreneurship MBA from the University of Baltimore but I also got a degree from Johns Hopkins. I would say the MBA was worth it for the emphasis on strategy but you can definitely succeed without it!

[@kimvangvideomarketerbangko3265]

@@millertime6 Yeah, that's one of my worries. That the juice, worth it or not, is to be found on the graduate level. Another guy I spoke to said his BBA program was too basic. It makes sense, as they drag you through all of accounting, macro and microeconomics, and all sorts of finance, marketing and management. Sometimes it sounds more like one big expensive counseling session that just shows you what roles there are in business administration, and it mostly caters to just that, business *administration* -- not business creation.

[@millertime6]

@@kimvangvideomarketerbangko3265 I definitely had some good instructors so that was a factor. One guy was a biotech CEO that later ran a venture capital fund.

[@kimvangvideomarketerbangko3265]

@@millertime6 Yeah I can imagine that may make it worth it. I rate having a mentor, being in a supportive environment with like-minded people and being forced to interact with these like-minded people for 4 years (thinking entrepreneurship BBA) as the 3 biggest advantages of getting such a degree. But I think the mentor represents maybe the most significant coefficient in that equation.

[@ozzyfromspace]

This man is easily the best communicator I've come across in a long time. He says things so precisely, and his use of concrete examples really helps me understand. I'm only a few minutes into his talk and the thing about babysitters isn't something I can say I've appreciated. Sure, I've thought about how my tech-in-development might work in different markets one day, but his exercise of narrowing your first market to see if the problem you're trying to address is even solvable was so eye opening. Anyway, time to unpause and get back to this amazing learning experience! If I apply to YC, it's because of Micheal Seibel (i.e. to get closer to people with that kind of wisdom).

[@bobbyv369]

There’s a reason why they made him the CEO.

[@fabianpetrescu]

A couple of years later, do you know of any similar (updated) videos? Thanks!

[@gprosser88]

The observations in the talk are so obvious that they are brilliant. Seek the most simple, objective path and rely on users that need your product for their company to survive, talk to them, focus on delivering value.

[@Melissa-tk3ng]

This is hands down one of if not the best recorded advice for start-ups. So glad I found this. Thanks for making it accessible.

[@devjeet_choudhury]

YC videos are GOLD for startups and the application itself is a great questionnaire to analyse your startup.

[@jasoncheung8407]

21:10 is gold. When you're testing out your MVP (as I am now), you don't want users who only kind of like your product. Go for the easiest customers, meaning people who show that they want what you're selling them. These people will be your early adopters. A good indicator of whether people want what you're selling them is if they're using your product and paying you.

[@reach2prasanna]

Hi Jason, how did the MVP go? Please share where are you in your journey now.

[@jasoncheung8407]

@@reach2prasanna Hey Prasanna! I'm working on a different product now and just launched our MVP. Our users are actually different to our customers so we're going for a different approach and not charging right now although this may change.

[@brianwestphal]

It's amazing how common sensical this is. But the beauty is in asking the right questions so it seems simple.

[@UGCWithRaphaela]

I absolutely love how raw you kept it in this talk. Figure out what problem you are solving and who you are solving it for. Listen to them. Iterate until your KPIs are moving in the right direction. Thanks for sharing this.

[@MrPatrickhuang]

I’m so thankful you create this content and are intensely blunt. My startup is just turning to success and these lessons all ring true for me. Keep it up and helping people improve their lives.

[@joshuasuzyomazubagoma660]

YC is my favorite. I don't know how I never knew about it all along. People pay a lot of money for this information. Thank you very much for this YC.

[@tariqh5751]

Almost half way through this and have to say this is the most practical lecture I've ever watched on building a product.

[@akshay2012rdts]

Every young entrepreneur must watch this at least once. Twice is ever better !

[@wynton921]

The fact that he’s explaining what to track after you build means that this is all very new!

[@maime6028]

This guy just destroyed my whole start-up in the first 15 minutes!!!

[@hussamalshamaily5441]

Michael Seibel is one of my favourite so far in YCSS 2018. Thank you

[@RonaldNyakahuma]

I have just shared this video with my co-founders and all other colleagues. Tomorrow we shall watch it together as a team.

[@censura1210]

so how did your startup turn out?

[@Fred0h]

0:16 "Michael!" I heard that in the voice of Jan from The Office.

[@AarneHuttunen]

Good talk! One comment about the KPI goal: One former founder current investor told us to track the rate of user problems solved. Usually this is then related to the revenue model in place. It has been a fantastic advice.

[@ChafikHnini]

This video is a gem. It's incredible how clear and simple the explanation of the dev cycle process is. And how it looks efficient, without never mentioning any of those words : "agile", "scrum", "sprint", "planning", "complexity", "fibonacci", "post-it"... Another proof that these words (and the associated rituals) are from penpushers and a complete waste of time 😅.

[@AcharyaChanakya108]

Note to anyone reading: Watch twice & make notes the second time round. Come back to this video again & again if you're stuck or confused getting product-market fit or in the middle of a pivot.

[@dorothyb.]

‘This guy has such incredible insight but able to tell his story in such a clear way . Thank you 😊

[@honorhonor3352]

Best business talk for entrepreneurs I have heard on KZbin yet. Respect.

[@christianweichselbaum2870]

I really liked that talk. After being 4 years into my startup I learned to start any new business like that.

[@DuraanAli]

This is the best talk I have ever listened about product development. Love it

[@jonassteinberg3779]

Overused expression these days, but this is gold. The way he just iterates over the definitive list of criteria and checkboxes for the first 20 minutes seems very experiential and wise.

[@joepsaila8345]

Great lecture. Extremely valuable information. Building a product is complicated and I love how Michael simplifies the process. Example at 56:05 regarding beta/ launching. Michael : "Are people using your product?" New founder: " Yes." Michael :" Great! Bam, your launched! Congratulations."

[@ramloganathan6454]

One of the best videos on Product. I am a huge Steve Jobs fan and I have to say Michael is probably the next best Product guy after him.

[@DrTune]

Fantastic talk; clear, concise, humble, wise. A gift!

[@paragbharadia2895]

The whole 1hr was very valuable! love to hear with so good ending! words were like 1 hour & even refreshments at the end.

[@Youtube_Enthusiast_]

I think that I am going to have to watch this several times - very potent

[@joeovip]

Thank you Michael and Y Combinator for this talk. Was so amazing, down to earth, super practical. Greetings from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@maureenndungu3028]

So much knowledge, insight and practical wisdom. I struggle a bit with the need for use of the graphic "f" words though. But overall so grateful for the knowledge sharing.

[@FahmiEshaq]

This content is pure gold. I can't stress that enough.

[@kunststof]

thank you - i felt stupid for the mistakes i made, but it seems i'm not alone

[@lindajanes2767]

Wow. I run an accelerator for early stage scalable companies and this is on point. Definitely soaking this up and passing it along!

[@julioluque6223]

what is it called? is it crypto friendly?

[@MubashirullahD]

God bless this guy. He was so fun, educating and entertaining.

[@HosseinMirzade]

All the time i was watching this video, i was admiring him. he is an amazing man.

[@justinfleagle]

I think Michael should create a song called "launch it" that plays on repeat in our offices/dorms/homes that remind us to iterate, create and launch quickly.

[@vikranthkanumuru8900]

The setting up price section is pure gold 26:00

[@jonathanli66]

Great video with tons of advice. As a college student, this video really got my gears turning and provides more structure to the process of founding a startup.

[@geekboy328]

Single best YC vid. Contains most of the content covered in the others

[@nelsonc5339]

“The things that allowed us to survive was that our founding team was extremely technical.” 31:13 “make measurement a part of your product spec”

[@AlabamaCare]

Hey Nelson C we are doing research on timestamps on long form video and we're wondering how often do you usually timestamp?

[@kimvangvideomarketerbangko3265]

@@AlabamaCare Not sure if still relevant, but I do timestamps from time to time, but I'd say it's very rare, maybe once or twice per 100 videos

[@ajaxxxx12]

a magical presentation, a talented presenter. thank you sincerely Michael. You are awesome

[@akwrite]

A down to earth coneseur of the tech world who actually makes sense, so you can put him close to people who want to actually learn something in the realm of Suckerbergs

[@ZeusMcKraken]

Fantastic talk. Nothing better than learning about building product from those who’ve lived it.

[@ahmaddotpk]

Having spent the last year trying to build a product (unsuccessfully), I just wish I had watched this video before.

[@nuddle2360]

One of coolest videos for startups by far

[@thienle4952]

Thanks youtube recommended this video

[@painkillerDELHI]

This guy really knows what he is talking about and I wish videos like this should feature in top 10 youtube videos instead of despacito or gangnam style🙄

[@realdavidpain]

If you watch the right videos often, the algo will be in your favour :)

[@Gverri]

This lecture is so underrated.

[@alvarolacalle1326]

In think in order to answer what the actual problem you are solving is and be able to state the problem clearly in two sentences you have to know your product extremely well. Starting with a basic idea and not being able to clearly articulate answers to those questions at the beginning is part of the process. However, the more you dig deeper into your product the more you are finally able to answer those questions,

[@cleanlyapp2508]

Truest words! Michael's advice is pure gold.

[@vitaliyhamuha9956]

Now it's the real stuff. The secret weapon of YC.

[@AbdelrahmanMoussaAbuOuf]

I have learned a lot from this talk it blows my mind.

[@Pumpamentals]

This is awesome - what a great talk. Instead of continuing to be baited into arguments about whether or not the problem is the super crucial thing, I can now send people this video. Thank you!

[@juanedocordero7127]

excellente advise... If you want to start up a commpany...watch this!

[@romeo72899]

This is the most helpful video I have seen and I have not even started my company 😅

[@amorosogombe9650]

Awesome. You're fantastic dude. Thank you. Have taken away some real lessons I'm going to effect in my start up tomorrow! Thank you!

[@Blubbha]

Any 2019 version available already? Best minutes to invest your own time if you plan or actually run a company.

[@drpp1984]

What a video! Crisp, credible and enriching... 🙏🙏

[@robertwood3684]

On your car market example; There are new consumers to market on a daily basis as people become of age to drive therefore the 'problem' is sustainable. The car market is rinse-and-repeat.. just with new customers.

[@aaronalvarado7123]

I nominate this man for president.

[@Kellastico]

This gets me so excited to continue!! This put the battery back in my back! 🔋

[@MyAliasJustImportantStuf-xl5uh]

How does your startup do?

[@valp855]

This is gold. Thank you Michael and YC crew! You made my day 😊

[@DWTT]

Enjoyed the video. Video provides good baseline to start working on a product. Thank you.

[@michaeljtbusch4321]

Everyone should watch this! Thanks a thousand times :)

[@armintrepic6169]

This really helped me think through my product. Thanks Michael.

[@Pavel.Fomitchov]

Outstanding summary of the process. Very glad that I found it.

[@sawaria123]

Excellent ideas. Extremely useful for me as a start-up founder.

[@El_Diablo_12]

28:50 mixpanel, amplitude, heap

[@BeginnerMoto]

Thank you for this video. The information was presented clearly and I learned a lot. Keep up the good work!

[@BladeofLight1996]

I desperately need a YC video on how to write product specs well

[@just1689]

Wow! Thanks for this Michael. I feel a bit like you've picked on things we have really battled with

[@krghaa]

excellent talk and great delivery! spot on!

[@therealOssie]

Thanks for the upload, as an aspiring innovator with a few projects aligned. This was helpful. Thank you once again. Cheers.

[@emp1980]

Simple one of the greatest lectures I’ve seen! Thanks!

[@maherjilani]

This is pure gold. I love Michael.

[@akhilsankar]

Micheal is like my math teacher, he has all the difficult questions.

[@kevgits]

Startup Gold. Thanks, Michael. You are AWESOME!

[@vedantm_]

Supremely helpful. Thanks Micheal, if you're reading this! :)

[@andu896]

Hey Michael. You guys are familiar with ODI yes? Seems to me it addresses all the (good) points you brought up, yet no mention of that framework to do things that way.

[@Mark3ng3lhardt]

Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge and I found it especially valuable as we're also building something for the eSport and Gamer community. And I will definitely email you, it's very rare people actually guarantee they write you back! Again, thanks so much.

[@twist8250]

Full of great content, must watch for start-up founders

[@zaraandlight]

Micheal you the GOAT

[@TheDataScienceLab]

Fantastic!!!! What a great talk. Thank you for sharing your valuable experience.

[@matiroy]

21:00 i like the comparison between artists and entrepreneurs

[@RIMJANESSOHMALOOG]

gonna watch this a couple of times more, so many useful info condensed in 1 hr

Sadly, we were not invited to YC, because we have answers to all those questions, and the problem is personal, the problem is popular, the problem is daily, for children and their parents, tens of millions of users. And we presented that in our application.

[@lutzruhmann7162]

I think your videos are realy great and I can learn a lot of realy valuable practical stuff from it. Thank you very much for making these videos! Thank You!

[@RahulBhojwani1993]

Absolute Gold. Connected with it really well. 🙏🏽🙏🏽