How do you decide on an MVP feature set?

I keep recommending people listen to this podcast with Rob Fitzpatrick. Try that and let me know if you think that helps!

We do lean canvas. https://leanstack.com/leancanvas

It helps understand the idea and weak points better. Also it helps to find out what hypothesis you should validate first with your MVP.

Also I highly recommend to reach you potential customers and try to sell them the idea. They will definitely have concerns. From that you will know what features make sense for them.

I've stopped thinking about MVPs and started thinking about MLPs - Minimum Loveable Products.

The best representation is a visual one: MVP cake vs. MLP cake (from the article)

What features will people love, or can you polish into things that they will love?

Hi MK,

Try to put yourself on the other side. Choose a couple of features and try to see yourself as an end user. Which feature would be more useful to you?

Also, ask friends and colleagues for feedback. But keep in mind too much feedback can be problematic at some extended.
Listen to everyone and keep an open mind but be critical.

Hi,
Seems to me like you're doing 2 things "wrong":

1. You're not talking to your users, as @rosiesherry recommended.
2. You don't need features - you need one feature. When you're small, most of your clients will choose you because of a "killer feature" that gives you a noticeable distinction on all other competitors. All your features (plural) should be supporting to "THE FEATURE" (singular).

Hope this helps,
Jonathan

Read The Lean Startup by Eric Reis. Then go out to potential users and interview them to figure out what the minimum they need in order to use (not open their wallet) is. As soon as you can get real users, even if free, you can start getting real-world product feedback that will then drive the next feature.