KISS: Keep It Super Simple

One of the main problems I've run into in the passed years of running Packaly, is NOT keeping thing KISS... Here's how I now avoid this...

Hey there,

Let’s get real about simplicity.

When you’re knee-deep in building a startup, it’s easy to think every problem needs a new team, every goal a new title, and every feature a new roadmap.

But here’s the truth: keeping it super simple (KISS) is one of the best ways to stay agile, efficient, and sane.

Here’s how we’re learning (sometimes the hard way) to keep things simple, and why it’s been a game changer for our product and team.

1. Keep the Org Chart Simple

When we started out, we thought we needed layers and layers of “structure” to get things done.

We created roles, departments, and teams that didn’t always serve a purpose.

result? Lots of talking, little action.

Lesson learned:

Only create a team or division if it’s absolutely necessary.

Lean teams move faster, and it’s easier to get everyone on the same page when there aren’t ten people in the room.

Now, each person wears multiple hats, which keeps things moving and cuts out the filler.

If you can keep your org chart in your head, you’re doing it right.

2. Don’t Hand Out Titles Like Candy

At one point, we tried giving everyone a unique title, thinking it would boost morale.

It just added confusion.

Suddenly, we had “Specialist” this and “Coordinator” that, but no one was sure who was responsible for what.

Lesson learned: Titles should serve a function, not just sound cool.

For a startup, it’s better to keep things clear and focus on actual roles and responsibilities rather than flashy titles.

This way, everyone knows what they’re doing and why they’re doing it.

3. Break Down Big Goals into Bite-Sized Pieces

Nothing kills momentum faster than an endless roadmap.

Early on, we found success by focusing on bite-sized goals—launching a simple feature in days, not weeks, and getting feedback quickly.

Here’s how we make it work:

  • Set Tiny, Achievable Goals: Instead of “launch the product,” we broke it down to “get the login page live,” “add the first five features,” etc.

  • Iterate Quickly: A half-baked product that people can use and comment on is more valuable than a perfect one sitting in the dark.

  • Launch and Learn: Launch something, then use real feedback to make improvements. It’s faster, and you’ll learn more than you would speculating with your team.

4. Challenge Ideas and Focus on Product

As a founder, it’s tempting to shift focus to managing operations.

But managing without product knowledge is like steering a ship blindfolded.

By staying hands-on with product details, you can challenge ideas that aren’t adding value.

Tips that help us stay product-focused:

  • Daily Product Check-ins: We schedule a 10-minute team chat each day to talk about the latest product changes and challenges.

  • Regular Challenge Sessions: We regularly ask, “Does this feature solve a problem or add to the noise?” It keeps us honest.

  • Keep Learning: Stay involved with your product. The more you know it inside-out, the better decisions you’ll make for the business.

Simplicity keeps us sane. It keeps us moving.

And most importantly, it keeps us focused on what matters: building something people actually need and love.

Let me know your thoughts. Have you found any hacks for keeping things simple in your own startup?

Here’s to cutting through the noise,

On to the next one,

Axel & Onnick