THE LEAN LAUNCHPAD  

Bob Dorf, a serial entrepreneur, is often called the “midwife of Customer Development,” helping Steve Blank deploy it when Blank’s eighth start-up, E.piphany, opened in 1996. The two have been friends and colleagues since. Dorf is co-author with Steve Blank of The Start-up Owner’s Manual. He also runs the firm’s boutique consultancy, helping major corporations and start-ups alike effectively deploy the Customer Development process. Entrepreneurial since age 12, Dorf founded six companies, most explosive of which was Marketing 1to1 (later Peppers & Rogers Group), a former Inc. 500 company. He's invested in or advised more than a score of start-ups and teaches Customer Development at Columbia Business School. @bobdorf


How to Avoid Premature Evacuation

By Bob Dorf |  Oct 12, 2012

Don't think your start-up idea is going to fly? Don't abandon it yet. You don't know if it's going to work unless you ask your customers.  Read story

How to Test Your Minimum Viable Product

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  Jun 11, 2012

Will your idea fly with customers? Here's the best way to find out.  Read story

9 Most Important Elements of Every Start-up

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  May 30, 2012

The best businesses are based on stronger stuff than just your 'vision.' Bring together these nine ingredients and you're well on your way.  Read story

Failure Is an Option

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  May 17, 2012

When you're building a start-up, wrong turns are to be expected--and embraced. Here's how to make the most of them.  Read story

Who Needs a Business Plan?

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  May 10, 2012

If you're ready to do the real work of launching a start-up, start here.  Read story

How to Road-Test Your Business Model

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  May 3, 2012

Two steps that can save you precious time and resources in the early days of your start-up.  Read story

9 Deadliest Start-up Sins

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  Apr 25, 2012

These common assumptions can be toxic to the success of any new venture.  Read story

The Startup Owner's Manual

By Steve Blank and Bob Dorf |  Apr 23, 2012

Ever wished you had a startup manual? Now there is one. Read exclusive excerpts from it on Inc.com.  Read story