From what I've read, just get the bare bones that demonstrate your product's value. If it's productivity, then maybe task management and time tracking? Also check out what your competitors' earliest versions looked like for clues.

IMHO go and speak directly to your ideal customers where they hang. For small biz owners, maybe it's LinkedIn, Facebook groups, or local meetups. Networking like crazy often opens more doors than you expect!

Totally agree with you. I've found that running a lean operation from the start forces you to really focus on what's essential. Also, being resourceful without VC money can lead to some really innovative solutions that you might not consider if you had a big budget. Bootstrapping isn't easy, but …