4 ms·

I have seen this advice throughout this thread - "first find customers, and then build it" but I can't seem to understand the following: 1. why will those cust

I have seen this advice throughout this thread - "first find customers, and then build it" but I can't seem to understand the following: 1. why will those customers wait for your software? 2. what if you delay launching your software? 3. As a software dev, I've noticed that 90% of the product is built in 10% of the time. However, it's the final 10% that make/break it - how do you account for that (as you have already promised your future customers a product that you have yet to build) ?

keenrodent 9y ago
When people say, "first find customers, then build it", they mean find people or businesses with problems that they will pay you to solve. With this in mind, your questions have sensible answers: Customers will wait for your software because their problems are not being addressed in the marketplace. The consequences of launch delay are that you erode your credibility and allow opportunities for competitors. You will want customers to start that will work with you closely so that as you continuously deploy your always-working solution, they see benefit with every release. The second highest compliment you can get is "Your product just gets better and better". The highest complement you can get is payment.
dceddia 9y ago
I try to think of the "market" as a pond. The customers are the fish. If you manage to catch a few fish, but can't hold on to them because your product isn't ready yet, it's not the end of the world. At that point, you know that some of the fish like your bait, and there are probably more out there who will want it when the product is ready.
softwarefounder 9y ago
Agreed. The advice should be. 1) Build an MVP, and get it to beta. 2) _Then_ get customers to try it out (give them an incentive, such as giving it to them for free). This works well with individuals, or small businesses. Larger company's won't give you the time of day, and you probably want to wait until you have some sort of following before you approach them; or you'll get squashed. 3) Get feedback. 4) Repeat steps 2/3 until your out of beta.
0xdeadbeefbabe 9y ago
It's also key to know the software can really solve the problem. Some primitive folks think computers are magic, but it is human sacrifice that makes their religion work at all.

keenrodent 9y ago

When people say, "first find customers, then build it", they mean find people or businesses with problems that they will pay you to solve. With this in mind, your questions have sensible answers: Customers will wait for your software because their problems are not being addressed in the marketplace. The consequences of launch delay are that you erode your credibility and allow opportunities for competitors. You will want customers to start that will work with you closely so that as you continuously deploy your always-working solution, they see benefit with every release. The second highest compliment you can get is "Your product just gets better and better". The highest complement you can get is payment.

dceddia 9y ago

I try to think of the "market" as a pond. The customers are the fish. If you manage to catch a few fish, but can't hold on to them because your product isn't ready yet, it's not the end of the world. At that point, you know that some of the fish like your bait, and there are probably more out there who will want it when the product is ready.

softwarefounder 9y ago

Agreed. The advice should be. 1) Build an MVP, and get it to beta. 2) _Then_ get customers to try it out (give them an incentive, such as giving it to them for free). This works well with individuals, or small businesses. Larger company's won't give you the time of day, and you probably want to wait until you have some sort of following before you approach them; or you'll get squashed. 3) Get feedback. 4) Repeat steps 2/3 until your out of beta.

0xdeadbeefbabe 9y ago

It's also key to know the software can really solve the problem. Some primitive folks think computers are magic, but it is human sacrifice that makes their religion work at all.