To run a successful beta, it's essential to start by defining what problem you're trying to solve and how you'll measure success. You should also consider who will have access to the beta, how you'll communicate with them, and how you'll gather feedback. A small group of early adopters should be invited first, followed by a random selection of other users to ensure diverse feedback. The goal is to create a solution that's good enough as an incentive in itself, rather than relying on external incentives. Feedback should be gathered through messages, calls, and usage metrics, and codified using spreadsheets or similar tools. When evaluating feedback, it's crucial to chase the "why" behind each comment, look for patterns, and make decisions based on success metrics and qualitative feedback. Finally, set a timeline for when you'll decide whether to ship the feature, considering factors such as confidence in the solution, replacement of existing features, and marketing timelines.