December 26, 2025
Quick-And-Dirty Experiments
Since the last few messages have been about experimentation, I wanted to resurface an episode of TBOA in which Rochelle and I explored quick-and-dirty ways to validate an idea before devoting a ton of time and money to creating it.
Talking Points
- Paul Jarvis’s experience testing with tweets
- Why you need to identify an audience before running with a project
- What to do if you don’t already have a large email list or Twitter following
- Why you need to be able to describe your idea in a sentence or tweet
- What the market is good at
- Why it can be helpful when your followers shut down your ideas
- When you’re pitching a new idea, you need constructive feedback, not unconditional encouragement
- Make sure that you’re pitching to your target market
Quotable Quotes
“When I have an idea for something, I’ll just ask my list.” —JS
“What that means for us is that we have no excuse not to test.” —RM
“I’m not saying Facebook ads and Google ads don’t work, but they don’t work that great for what we do.” —JS
“I also like when they just shut you down.” —RM
Sharing is caring!
Do you have a friend who is thinking about building a(nother) SaaS? They might benefit from listening to this episode. Please forward this message if you agree. TIA!
Yours,
—J