Anyone have discovery interview / idea validation tips for a first timer? #idea-validation

This might be difficult, but anything you can do to mask validation is a plus. The second you ask, "What do you think of this?" the conversation changes from, "How is this useful to me?" to, "How can I destroy this?"

Don't be afraid. Talk to more people than you think you need to.

Hey TJ. Even I'm a first timer. One trick that I used to validate my idea was to look for existing competition. If your idea isn't something very unique, you could try searching for companies who are already doing what you have in mind. If they exist successfully, you can exist too! The next problem would be dealing with the competition.

Chat to potential users until you are clear what the problem is, and how you’re going to solve it. You should be able to deliver a 30 second, concise pitch that explains exactly what you do in a way that people will instantly know what problem you’re solving.

Then, test intent. Set up a landing page and drive traffic, or do some cold sales and test if you can sell your solution to 10 people.

I think one initial way to validate an idea is to build something that solves your own need or problem. With that said, I would still go out and ask who you think are potential users of your product to see if it resonates with them or any feedback they can give on what problems they are looking to have solved.

My last two startups were born that way, however I'm still working on the traction part on the second - //end disclaimer 😆