Your Platform Is a Project

Lessons from going all-in for 5 days — and what it taught me about building smarter.

Hi there,

Most platform founders think they’re building a product.

But what they actually need to build — especially in the early stages — is a project.

Here’s what I mean:

• A product sits still.
• A project moves.

Last week, I ran a 5-day sprint to revive one of my own platforms — ClearShift, a hospitality staffing network.

No new features. No automations.

Just personal outreach, consistent action, and small daily moves.

And it worked.

We placed people. We reconnected with clients. The energy returned.

The biggest lesson?

Movement beats motivation.

And platforms need movement more than most businesses.

If you’re building a platform or marketplace, here’s what I want you to know:

→ Talk to people on both sides.

→ Treat it like a living system, not a static tool.

→ Use AI and tech after you’ve built real motion.

→ Show up. Then keep showing up.

This is the kind of work I help founders with every day.

If that’s you, and you’re looking for clarity and momentum — get in touch.

→ dna.co.za/platforms

Alan

Platform & AI Advisor

dna.co.za/platforms

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