Just Launch it Already!
This week’s coffee chat was all about giving yourself permission to stop chasing perfection and just launch the thing already.
Whether it’s your book, your business, your next offer, or even your next step; you don’t need to be 100% ready.
You just need to start.
And no, that doesn’t mean wing it with chaos.
It means launch at 70%.
That’s the sweet spot where action meets clarity, and where your audience can finally find you.
Where Did This 70% Idea Come From?
I was in Oregon recently (yes, I was traveling again!) meeting with my author friend Cathy Hickey. We’d known each other online for years, and finally got to meet in real life! (flannel, forests, and all.)
On our trip, we wandered into a funky little restaurant that had only just opened.
The decor? Jaw-dropping.
The ambiance? Movie-worthy.
But the menu? Just three different burgers and one set of fries.
No milkshakes. No dessert. No clutter.
Why?
Because the owner had run a food truck and built a following.
He knew what worked, so when he opened the restaurant, he didn’t wait for perfect.
He launched with what he had, trusted the process, and welcomed people in.
That’s when it hit me: launch at 70% and refine as you go.
Perfection Paralysis Is Killing Progress
Too many authors, solopreneurs, and creators are stuck in the loop of:
“Once I finish editing…”
“Once I fix my website…”
“Once I get just one more certification…”
Stop. Breathe. Launch it.
You’ll learn more from feedback than you ever will from planning in a vacuum.
Digital Ownership Is a Myth, So Own Your Message Instead
During the session, we also talked about the importance of owning your platform.
Amazon can delete your ebook.
Facebook can silence your posts.
YouTube can pull your videos.
But your message?
Your mission? That belongs to you.
That’s why I’m moving off social media this year and building out Beta Reader Hub and my learning platform.
No algorithms. Just connection.
Quick Wins from Our Community
Matt reminded us of the value of controlling our content. Grace practiced being more specific when networking. Cathy shared her journey writing from her dog’s point of view (and using AI as a co-author). Jeff dropped the comedy mic. And Rich reminded us that creativity is worth timestamping; even if you’re just wandering the streets of New York with a recording app.
You Don’t Need Everything to Be Ready. Just Ready Enough.
If you’re waiting for perfection, you’ll be waiting forever.
Instead, do this:
Name the ONE problem you solve.
Create the simplest version of your offer.
Call five people and tell them about it.
Listen to their feedback.
Iterate.
Launch again.
The world doesn’t need more polished plans. It needs you, in motion.
Want to watch the replay? You’ll find it in the video above.
Want to get your book into the hands of real readers? Join the Beta Reader Hub.
And remember: 70% is more than enough. Your people are waiting.
Join me for the next OPEN Friday Coffee here.