I don't think patio11 was suggesting that automating spreadsheets was the only / best way to build a business. For me the thing folk should be taking away from

I don't think patio11 was suggesting that automating spreadsheets was the only / best way to build a business. For me the thing folk should be taking away from the piece is that understanding your customer, their problems, and the channels you need to have to reach those customers before you build and launch your product is a rather good idea ;-) Because that's the mistake I see companies make again and again. They build something that nobody wants, or that nobody can use in way that solves their problem, or solves a problem for people they cannot sell to. Find that shit out early - not late.