When Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, said, “Do things that don’t scale,” he wasn’t just sharing advice; he was revealing the secret behind Airbnb’s success. Early in their journey, Chesky and his team didn’t focus on creating a massive, scalable platform. Instead, they went door-to-door, taking professional photos of hosts’ homes. This hands-on approach solved a real problem—helping hosts present their spaces better. Though it wasn’t scalable, it worked.
This philosophy of addressing immediate customer needs rather than focusing on scaling has become a foundational lesson for startups. Yet, many founders make the mistake of overengineering their solutions from day one, aiming for scalability before ensuring their product solves real problems. Here’s why prioritizing real problems over scalability can make or break your startup.
Airbnb’s Story: Doing the Unscalable to Solve Real Problems
Airbnb’s success didn’t happen overnight. When they first launched, the team didn’t build a platform capable of handling millions of users. Instead, they focused on their initial customers—hosts and travelers. By taking photos of listings themselves, they addressed a key issue: customers wanted visually appealing listings.
This approach was time-consuming and resource-intensive, but it solved a pressing problem. It also built trust with users, creating a foundation for growth. Airbnb’s story is a testament to the fact that solving real problems matters more than having a scalable infrastructure from the start.
The Fallacy of Overengineering
Overengineering is one of the biggest traps for startups and developers. It’s easy to fall into this trap because planning ahead feels like the responsible thing to do. But there’s a fine line between good planning and wasting resources.
When startups try to build systems that can handle millions of users from day one, they often overlook the most critical aspect: whether the product solves a real problem. You can’t plan for every potential scenario. And when you try to, you waste valuable time and energy on features that might never be used.
Instead of building for a hypothetical future, focus on what’s in front of you. Solve the problems your users are facing now. Scaling can come later.
The Dirtbiking Analogy: Looking 50 Feet Ahead
In dirtbiking, riders are taught to look 50 feet ahead, not just at the front of their bike. This helps them anticipate obstacles and navigate the track more effectively. The same principle applies to product development.
If you focus too much on distant challenges, you’ll miss the immediate issues right in front of you. Startups need to adopt this mindset. Solve the problems that are within reach. Address what’s most pressing now, and deal with future challenges as they arise.
Keeping your focus on the immediate path helps you avoid overcomplicating your solutions and ensures you’re addressing what truly matters.
Real Problems vs. Hypothetical Problems
What’s the difference between a real problem and a hypothetical one? Real problems are those your users face today. They’re tangible issues that demand immediate attention. Hypothetical problems, on the other hand, are based on “what-ifs”—potential scenarios that might occur in the future.
For example, a real problem might be that users find your app’s interface confusing. A hypothetical problem might be planning for how your app will handle 10 million users in five years. While future planning has its place, it shouldn’t overshadow the importance of solving current issues.
The best innovations come from solving real problems. When you focus on addressing actual user needs, you build trust and loyalty. Hypothetical problems can wait; your users’ current challenges cannot.
The Myth of the Perfect Business Plan
Many startups spend months perfecting their business plans, hoping to map out every detail of their journey. But here’s the harsh truth: no business plan survives contact with the real world.
The moment your product hits the market, things change. User feedback will reveal flaws you hadn’t considered. Market conditions might shift. Competitors may introduce new challenges. A rigid business plan can become a liability if it prevents you from adapting.
Instead of obsessing over the perfect plan, focus on building a product that solves real problems. Use feedback from early users to iterate and improve. Adaptability is more valuable than any polished document.
Why Scaling Too Early Is a Mistake
Scaling is an exciting goal, but it’s one you should approach with caution. If your product doesn’t work or solve a real problem, scaling won’t help. In fact, it can amplify your problems.
Start by building something that works for a small group of users. Test your product with your first 100 customers. Gather feedback and make improvements. Once you’re confident that your product meets their needs, then you can start thinking about scaling.
Scaling too early can lead to wasted resources and unmet expectations. Focus on creating a product that people love before worrying about growth.
Pro Tips for Startups and Developers
Here are some actionable tips to help you stay focused on solving real problems:
- Build for Your First 100 Users: Don’t aim for a million users right away. Start small and perfect your product.
- Stay Adaptable: Be ready to change your plans based on real-world feedback. Rigidity is the enemy of innovation.
- Prioritize User Feedback: Listen to what your users are saying. Their insights are invaluable for improving your product.
- Avoid Overengineering: Focus on simplicity. Build what’s necessary and avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Solve Current Problems: Address the issues your users face today. Future challenges can wait.
Conclusion: Focus on Real Problems to Succeed
Building a successful product isn’t about having the perfect business plan or a scalable system from day one. It’s about solving real problems. By focusing on what’s immediately in front of you, you can create a product that truly resonates with your users.
Take a page from Airbnb’s playbook. Do things that don’t scale. Solve the issues your users face today. Keep your eyes on the real challenges, and don’t get distracted by hypothetical “what-ifs.” When you prioritize solving real problems, scaling becomes a natural next step—not a premature goal.
So, keep it simple. Stay focused. And remember: you can’t scale what doesn’t work.
