Focus is the art of limiting your scope to the key function that really matters for the majority of customers.
There are a lot of reasons why a non-focused startup business is more likely to struggle for survival, lose market, and investor attention. As well as, miss out on the opportunity to capitalize on their scope.
At the same time, focusing on the wrong things is equally destructive and unproductive.
In some environments product focus is not the most important element. Perhaps the focus should be on a single distribution channel, better customer service, or a simplified pricing structure.
In all cases, hiring the best people is likely more important than adding a few features to your solution.
Thus the first and top focus for every entrepreneur should be on strategy.
The strategy needs to be simple, written down, and communicated regularly to the entire team.
It should be noted that a simple test is to see if you can quickly name your top three priorities and if every team member is able to respond quickly with the same three. Too many strategy elements generate lots of work, but few results.
The final focus should be on emphasizing strengths and measuring success, rather than on solving the crisis of the moment and eliminating weaknesses.
You can really hope to win if you focus on the right elements of the market, product, business, and people.
Bigger is not necessarily better. Be the best in your chosen niche and you can change the world.