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Something I learned the hard way: You really need to be your own first customer. You need to solve a pain you have a deep understanding of, especially if you wa
by BobbyJo 5y ago
Something I learned the hard way: You really need to be your own first customer. You need to solve a pain you have a deep understanding of, especially if you want investment from VCs. It's the only way you'll have the necessary credibility short of already having good traction or pre-existing relationships.
A 'good idea' isn't enough. Knowing and talking to lots of potential customers isn't enough. If you can't make big decisions with speed, clarity and confidence without outside input, you're dead.
- tailspin2019 5y ago> You really need to be your own first customer. This is very good advice.
- LaundroMat 5y agoThanks for this. I'm in no way planning a start-up but it helps me to focus on the "right" side-project, i.e. the one that solves the most of my own pains.
- laurex 5y agoI am not sure this is true. If so, we'd be building a world that serves people who start tech startups and leaving out huge markets of people who are not this customer. Instead, I think you need to understand whether there's a real opportunity. If you have the problem yourself, that's one data point, but it is also possible to have humility and learn from other people who have needs. What doesn't work is trying to serve people who aren't you and also you don't listen to or understand.
- BobbyJo 5y ago> but it is also possible to have humility and learn from other people who have needs. Possible, yes. Although, it will cost you lots of time and money getting what you need second hand. Those 'other people' don't care how much runway you have, or when your next release is, or what meetings you have coming up. They WILL slow you down. Succeeding with a startup is a game of squashing risks, and that's a massive risk to have out of the gate.