Edtech entrepreneurship consists of inspiration, grit, flexibility, and a tremendous amount of people skills. Before you launch your edtech startup, you’ll need to develop a robust process for managing your business and the people involved in, including your consumers and employees.

Consumer need and employee satisfaction are as critical to the success of your new venture as your business model. Address both with a plan that shows you’re ready to lead a company, but don’t over-think the process.

Use a lean startup methodology to take care of people. Let them guide you, not the other way around.

Become consumer-driven

You could design the best edtech product in the world, but if teachers don’t like it or won’t use it, you’re done. To succeed in the edtech game you must respond to consumer need. Get to know educators. Find out what their days are like, what problems they’d like solved, and why.

Then market to the right groups.

The market

A specific market focus is far more effective than a broad one. As counter-intuitive as it may be to be exclusive, by doing so, you show the world you know your niche. You’ve thought out your plan and understand its precise place in the market. Deploy it there, and wait for feedback.

Your consumers will suggest other niches for its use. When they do, you can broaden your product application through multiple iterations.

Angels among us

The best indication that you’re doing something right happens when investors come to you. There are angel investors in the edtech community who will want to see you succeed. They’ll step in to make it happen if you’ve got a strong consumer base and a healthy management plan.

The secret in becoming consumer-driven is to let it happen organically. You can’t force someone to come to you, but you can go where they are and offer solutions. Once you do that, they’ll return the favor.

Take care of your people

Flexible work conditions

Innovation in dealing with employees matters just as much as creativity you use in product design. You’re not dealing with a factory-style environment, and your employees aren’t nine-to-fivers or shift workers. Like you, they work hard and play hard. They need flexibility in scheduling because like you, they have lives outside the business.

Some of the perks you can offer include:

·      A flexible schedule that allows employees to work when they are at their peak, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night.

·      Telecommuting options for employees needing to care for a family member or recover from a major life event.

·      An understanding that employees can take off whenever needed, as long as the job gets done.

You might adore plaques and certificates, but your employees may be far less motivated to earn them. The same is true with monetary bonuses. More money does not make most employees feel more appreciated. Find out what interests your team and provide it.

The lean startup methodology for managing edtech companies relies on giving people what they want most. The strategy applies to consumers and employees alike.