Skip to main content

Connect with Customers → Unlock Startup Growth

The #1 methodology you need to be a startup success? How to co-create your product with real customers.

You’ll never ask “Where do I focus?” or find yourself stuck in analysis paralysis if you bring your customers along for the ride.

The confidence that comes with a list of customers waiting to buy your product before you launch? You want that!

Introducing…

Labs: Product-Market Fit for Preseed Startups

A comprehensive system to take you from “spinning your wheels” to methodically moving forward with momentum that only actual customers can drive

The only program designed specifically to:

  • Guide you to prove validation and traction without investing in more software development or time looking for a co-founder
  • Train you in the multi-disciplinary skills needed to get the most out of any investment you put into both marketing and product
  • Establish the meaningful pillars of a profitable & scalable business model (that sets you up to successfully fundraise…if that is what you want)

The popular startup blueprint is wrong. Labs* shows you the actual way a real company grows from nothing.

This is how it works: Labs is a 6-month experience that includes online instructional videos, guides and templates, and a community to teach you an effective and efficient system for continually iterating and building a startup that living, breathing human beings want.
Skip to Pricing

Module 1: Eliminate the Guesswork by Talking to Your Best (Potential) Customers

Weeks 1 – 2

Chapters 1 & 2: Orient your self with a brief overview of product management and product-market fit for preseed startups 

Chapter 3: Niche down your early adopter hypotheses the right way, with specificity

Chapter 4: Implement techniques to passively and actively observe and learn from your customers (to test these hypotheses)

Chapter 5: Learn how to track, categorize and evaluate new information and feedback

Module 2: Extract the Insights that Actually Matter

Weeks 3-4

Chapter 6: Get your competitors and the overall battlefield to work in your favor

Chapter 7: Based on everything you’ve learned, decide who you actually need to care about moving forward.

Chapter 8: Decipher why your problem/solution is important to your customers so you can connect with them on both an intellectual and emotional level

Module 3: Apply Insights to Product & Marketing

Weeks 5-6

Chapter 9: Layer in the criteria for an updated product vision based on your individual powers and assets

Chapter 10: Nail down the Most Valuable Problem, the problem so painful your beachhead customer segment will pay you to solve it

Chapter 11: Expand and contract around all potential solutions to update/create a product vision that these customers will buy up like hot cakes

At this point, you’ve done the work that separates real startup founders from those that are just playing

Some Labs* founders do amazing things in the first 3 modules:

  • Land a new customer with a much-needed testimonial
  • Bounce back after losing $3K on a brand strategist project
  • See their company move forward after months of stalling due to a unresponsive developer

Module 4: Validate Your Product-Market Fit Roadmap is Viable and Valuable

Weeks 7-8

Chapter 12 & 13: Scale your findings in your third lean iteration by launching a survey that actual practitioners will drool over

Chapter 14: Refine your skills to conduct user testing, run feedback campaigns while also executing a mini-marketing plan

Module 5: Navigate from What the Customers Say to What the Engineers Will Build

Weeks 9-10

Chapter 15: Leverage little known secrets of the user experience trade to rapidly prototype test your solution in an insanely cheap way

Chapter 16: Develop design and information layout skills so you can continue to iterate on the product (and design your website & pitch deck yourself)

Module 6: Drive Revenue Now

Weeks 11-12

Chapter 17: Prove the value and purpose of your startup, regardless of whether you have the technical expertise or not, by launching something to sell

Chapter 18: Organize your work to reflect a company with a working business model, all built by you

Six Modules Over 12 Weeks = A Functioning Business Based on Real People’s Input

What else can you accomplish when you acquire and apply human-first, engineering-and-design driven problem solving tactics?

  • Test MVP-level assumptions (without building new technology) yet earning money doing it
  • Design and build a website on time and under budget
  • Pilot an improved app with 65 new private alpha testers
  • Collect 300+ responses to a survey, validating new features, and picking up 246 email address to add to a launch list

Plus, Community and Connections.

Accountability & Group Programming that Creates a Brain Trust

You get exclusive access to a private Facebook group for real-time support from past and present Labs founders. The connections you make here provide extra support on your journey. You maintain access to the group and any corresponding activities for 6 months after your sign-up date.

Connections to an Extended & Trusted Network of Subject-Matter Experts

My team and I help facilitate 1-on-1 connections amongst Labs founders and with my extended network.  Need help with financial projections? Want a recommendation for a UX Designer? Would like to connect with potential strategic partners? These introductions are so much easier for you to get when you join Labs and the Inner Circle.

What Labs* Founders are Saying

Labs was amazing to dig deeper into validating the pain points, identify early evangelists, getting into the beginnings of a product (i.e., filling in the details between all the concept / theory that we just blindly execute on and hope for the best)... BEFORE sinking a bunch of $ or giving away equity to end up not truly creating something that the market wants.

Erin ChenFounder, GetGilly.com

For 3 years, I did several accelerator programs where there were only stories and I struggled to transition the learning into my startup. When I took Labs*, I quickly realized Labs* is not just about stories but taking founders on the journey of making it work for their startups. Being in Labs* is by far the most valuable journey for my startup and our team.

Santha GokulFounder, B@FourFront

I can’t tell you how much I have re-learned how to do/manage the PM job correctly. It has been an amazing experience both with Lindsay but also with the other founders - especially at office hours. Listening to Lindsay answer their questions has really sparked great progress for me.

Carmela AbrahamFounder of Xiggit (FinTech)

Labs* gave me extremely thorough tools to qualify and test my ideas. Before, I was uncertain about so many aspects of my new business. However, the unprecedented level of concrete detail in Lindsay's program obliterated all uncertainty and revealed a clear path forward.

Lisa CooleyFounder & Art Advisor, Oko (Modern Art Education)

Past Labs* Startups Include

What other outcomes can you achieve with Labs*?

  • Acquired 200+ paying subscribers organically in the first 3 months after launch from following my product-market fit framework
  • Won $65K in non-equity funding from Uber x GirlBoss Pitch Competition after two pitch working sessions
  • Received $25K in funding from a local accelerator before having a product in the market
  • Accepted into top accelerators like ERA, LAUNCH’s Founder University, B2B Accelerator Accelprise.vc, Nasdaq Milestone Makers, Leap Ventures Startup Bootcamp, Ready Set Raise, and more
  • Mentioned by large media outlets like the NYTimes, CB Insights, ABC/Good Morning America, to name a few
  • Got enough encouragement from me to stick out the hard pandemic then get acquired (with money to spare!) one year later

Curious about other successes? Read a handful of honest testimonials, here!

Let’s Do This! Choose Your Plan

Pay one time or with 3 monthly payments. The 6-month Labs* program will be the most valuable, efficient, sensical and practical approach to building momentum around you and your startup. 

One Easy Payment (Save $205)

$ 995

-
Contact Us
  • 12-Week Online Instructional Videos, Guides and Templates
  • Connections to Extended & Trusted Network of Subject-Matter Experts
  • Save $205

3 Monthly Payments

$ 400

per month
Contact Us
  • 12-Week Online Instructional Videos, Guides and Templates
  • Connections to Extended & Trusted Network of Subject-Matter Experts

You’re close to saying yes, but not quite ready to commit? Get in touch, and we can connect you with a current member for an insider perspective. Or text me at 978-822-2726.

Put in the effort, and if you aren’t happy within the first 4 weeks, we’ll give you a full refund.

For a full refund, you must share a completed Industry & Customer Research Tracking worksheet shared in Modules 1 & 2.

Questions asked before confidently saying “yes!”

How is Labs* different from other accelerators?

In most startup accelerators and new business programs, you’ll learn the fundamentals of being a business owner like a business plan, financials, and legal framework. Those are all defensive tactics when you’re starting out.

Playing offense means putting yourself out there, talking to real customers, and experimenting with products and offers that will actually make your audience open their wallets.

Unlike other programs out there, by the end of Labs*, you’ll have a real framework for handling future product concerns, and the tools to continually quantify and test your ideas with actual people. These are the skills you need to scale for the long-term.

What are the signs that Labs* is right for me?

Labs* is for you if:

  • You are a non-technical founder blocked in building the product because you are struggling to find a co-founder or CTO to bring the product to life
  • You are either non-technical or technical and have a product or prototype, but do not know how to find and test your potential early-adopter segments
  • You’re an aspiring founder looking for concrete steps on what to do next with your app or product idea
  • You are a CPG founder looking to develop your website and build an audience to, possibly, leverage for crowdfunding production in the future.

How will I get the type of customer information I need to discover my relevant marketing segments?

I love this question because this is where Labs* shines, and I know your family and friends are a bit exhausted from all of your inquiries.

In the first 4 weeks, we aggressively go after customer insights and discovery. That includes recruiting for interviews, as well as leveraging different technology platforms and communities to gather more intel and recruit people we do not yet know.

One of the beauties of being in Labs* is that you can leverage the extended community in our private Facebook group.

I got great tips about finding information about potential customers through unconventional channels, like asking questions in reddit, Facebook groups, etc. Doing this type of research was extremely valuable and helped me immerse myself in my customer's needs.

Lori M.Founder, ISeeBingo (EdTech)

Is Labs* all strategy or is there actually tangible, results-oriented work?

Labs* covers both strategy and tactics so that you are empowered to face product and marketing iterations long after the program ends. There are very specific, tangible outcomes that are detailed in the Labs* At a Glance section.

Here are some quick hits I’ve been asked before:

Does Labs* help with content creation? 

We go through the steps for you to build a content strategy that makes sense for YOU and your audience, and that includes putting together an inspiration board of the types of content you want to create and share based on your brand personality/archetype.
The Lady Engineer® Tools Library has additional resources I can share, upon request, when it comes to Instagram hashtags and quickly/efficiently making lots of social media images.
Would you assist with finding features/publicity opportunities?
PR is not a core offering of Labs*, but again, I have resources and intel t offer you. I’m also capable of pointing you in the right direction.
From time to time, I and other members will share features & publicity opportunities in the private Facebook group.
Does Labs* help with a launch plan?
Your launch plan is fundamentally built into what we are doing. Throughout Labs*, we are identifying the right marketing tactics, the right distribution channels, and the right messaging and content for you to find and connect with your customers.
Throughout the program, if there is something you feel you are missing or need, use the private Facebook with questions and myself or other members will share what we know.

When does Labs* begin? What is the pace?

Labs* is now accepting new founders on a rolling and ongoing basis! As soon as you enroll:

  • You’ll have access to the first 4 chapters, then you will get an email weekly with new content
  • You can join the private Facebook group

Does my access to program materials expire?

Once you’re part of Labs*, you have access to all of the course content as long as the course and website live on. I want to see you succeed for the long term!

For 6 months after enrollment, you will have access to the private Facebook group.

What will my interaction with the other participants in the program be like?

In the private Facebook Group, we foster an innovation/creative brain trust.

Typical interactions include:

  • One founder asks for help with no-code tools and another offered her time and experience
  • One founder hosted another on her IG Live
  • Community members often become interview participants and survey takers because they meet each other’s early adopter criteria

You will 100% feel that you have a peer group to bounce ideas off of and lean on for support.

Is there any accountability?

While I’m not personally reviewing all of your individual materials, I do keep track of the founders that show up and interact with me and the community.

You should know, if I don’t hear from you, believe, you will hear from me!

Is this program just for women, or is it designed for men, too?

Labs* is open to all genders and identities, and is definitely not designed exclusively for women. The last cohort in Summer 2021 was majority men.

“It's great to be around talented founders & I love the course material.”

Dan JacobFounder & CEO of Versa (Marketplace to Find Photographers)

Should I just do private coaching with you instead?

I take on a limited number of private, 1-on-1 coaching clients that start with a 3-month commitment at $1150 per month. You can Schedule a call with me, and we’ll talk about whether (1) Labs* + a monthly 1-hour private session or (2) exclusively 1-on-1 is a better fit for you.

I've been working on my startup for some time, will I have to start from scratch?

Short answer: No.

I have had founders with mature products and enterprise clients take Labs* because they want to refresh or beef up their customer research and product management skills.

There have been other Labs* founders who are product managers that simply want to know all of the stuff that I know in these fields.

Labs* does start with Customer Research because research and connecting with customers needs to be a constant priority through every stage and lifecycle of a company. Based on your next milestones, you can adjust your line of questioning and the information you pursue.

Labs* also starts with tools for you to assess yourself and your confidence in what you already know. It’s up to you to be honest with yourself.

How can I add my co-founder?

Have cofounders? There is a 1-time fee of $300 for each additional founder who would like to attend Labs* Q&A and join the Facebook Group. Contact team@tabasconsulting.com after your purchase to let us know you would like to add on a founder.

I still have outstanding questions!

I’m here to make sure Labs* is a good fit for you and your startup.

Please find time to talk to me one-on-one here.

Still have questions? Get in touch.

An efficient and effective system only a Lady Engineer® could design

If wading into the murky Silicon Valley waters has been anything but smooth, I’m glad you’re here. You need to know the popular startup blueprint is wrong. I confidently say this because I’ve been designing software since 2002 and went to SF in 2005 to start my career.

Very few people are successful with the “just pitch something/raise money” approach. Just building a great product does not a company make.

It’s not your fault: You followed a roadmap that wasn’t designed for you.

You can scale your startup and find customers that love you without the Silicon Valley snake-oil, bro culture. In fact, throw it all out!

The skills you need to align your customer, product and marketing are far EASIER TO LEARN and MORE COST EFFECTIVE TO IMPLEMENT than any growth hack you’ve tried.

You just need to love your customers, be humble to their opinions, and have the willingness to do the work. If you have what it takes, it’s my honor to show you the way!

Labs* draws on 6 years of tech/engineering education and 15+ years working with hundreds of startups and investors, as well as teams across Fortune 500 Teams

Established 2017 with over 40 founders served

Awesome brands I've worked with:

Want to know what I know?

Let’s Do This Startup Thing the Right Way

Pay one time or with 3 monthly payments. The 6-month Labs* program will be the most valuable, efficient, sensical and practical approach to building momentum around you and your startup. 

One Easy Payment (Save $205)

$ 995

-
Contact Us
  • 12-Week Online Instructional Videos, Guides and Templates
  • Connections to Extended & Trusted Network of Subject-Matter Experts
  • Save $205

3 Monthly Payments

$ 400

per month
Contact Us
  • 12-Week Online Instructional Videos, Guides and Templates
  • Connections to Extended & Trusted Network of Subject-Matter Experts

You’re close to saying yes, but not quite ready to commit? Get in touch, and we can connect you with a current member for an insider perspective. Or text me at 978-822-2726.

Book cover reads the candid truth about product-market fit

Want to Learn More About Product-Market Fit?

I wrote this e-book to answer your questions about how experienced practitioners and entrepreneurs prove their innovations are valid, viable, and valuable. In the book, I cover the three myths that founders need to stop believing in order to avoid all of the reasons 90% of startups say they fail.