Vibely, a startup founded by former Asana employees, is aiming to challenge Discord and create a positive platform for creator communities. Unlike other platforms, Vibely has prioritized organic growth through word of mouth rather than spending large amounts on customer acquisition. In fact, their success in 2020 can be attributed to their 600 communities, 392,000 messages sent, and 37,000 challenges completed.

Vibely, a startup founded by former Asana employees, is aiming to challenge Discord and create a positive platform for creator communities. Unlike other platforms, Vibely has prioritized organic growth through word of mouth rather than spending large amounts on customer acquisition. In fact, their success in 2020 can be attributed to their 600 communities, 392,000 messages sent, and 37,000 challenges completed.

This approach of building upon what already works is not unique to Vibely. Innovators and creators throughout history have understood the value of iteration rather than starting from scratch. The Wright brothers, for example, did not invent the concept of flight. They learned from the work of others and built upon it to create the world's first flying machine. By recognizing the interconnectedness of ideas and innovations, they were able to achieve their goal.

Innovation often arises from the combination of existing ideas. The most creative solutions are often new combinations of old concepts. This is because we are often blind to the remarkable interconnectedness of things. When faced with a complex problem, it is better to build upon what already works rather than reinventing the wheel. By leveraging existing knowledge and ideas, we can save time and resources while still achieving innovative results.

So how can we apply this principle of iteration and building upon what already works in our own lives and work? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace collaboration and learn from others: Just as the Wright brothers learned from the work of other aviation pioneers, we can benefit from collaborating and learning from others in our respective fields. Seek out mentors, join communities, and engage in conversation with those who have expertise and experience. By building upon the knowledge of others, we can accelerate our own progress and achieve greater innovation.

2. Focus on incremental improvements: Instead of striving for a complete overhaul or starting from scratch, focus on making incremental improvements to existing ideas or processes. Look for areas where small changes can make a big impact. By taking small steps forward, we can continuously iterate and refine our work, leading to greater innovation over time.

3. Be open to unexpected connections: Often, the most innovative ideas arise from unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration, seeking out diverse sources of inspiration. By exposing ourselves to different perspectives and ideas, we increase the likelihood of making unique connections that can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

In conclusion, starting from scratch is rarely the most effective approach to innovation. Instead, the most creative and successful innovations are often the result of building upon what already works. This principle can be seen in the success of Vibely, the Wright brothers' achievement of flight, and throughout history. By embracing collaboration, focusing on incremental improvements, and being open to unexpected connections, we can harness the power of iteration and achieve greater innovation in our own lives and work.