While every venture faces unique challenges, there are many tried and true methods and best practices. For example, the Lean Startup and Agile methodologies are two popular approaches in product development. Both focus on building products in small steps, getting frequent feedback, staying flexible, and making quick changes when needed. By learning about the most common innovation and product development methodologies, you can develop your own toolkit of methods to best meet the needs of your venture.

Research product development best practices by starting with the Lean Startup and Agile methodologies. Learn more about concepts like the Build-Measure-Learn cycle and Scrum project management approach. Create a system for rapidly testing hypotheses and collecting feedback about your product or market.

• Consider what best practices are fit for your innovation. Hardware or physical products are likely to follow the Build Measure Learn Cycle, while software and other digital products will adhere to Scrum methods.
• Start small by applying your chosen tools and methods to one project or process to evaluate their effectiveness. Explore and add best practices to your personal toolkit as you continue to grow.
• Use tools like Kanban boards to visualize your workflow and identify bottlenecks.
• Implement communication and knowledge-sharing systems, such as daily stand-ups, end-of-week check-ins, and note-taking templates.
• Tour local prototyping spaces and maker labs. For example, TXRX Labs (TX), Greentown Labs (MA), Ion Prototyping Lab (TX), Newlab (NY), and university based spaces such as NYU Leslie eLab, Tandon MakerSpace)
• Regularly gather and integrate customer feedback into your development process.
• Celebrate learning from "failures" as much as successes.
• Consider using Agile principles beyond software development, as they can be beneficial for a wide range of projects and ventures.