Validate before you build

Why validate first

Building takes time. Validating means checking that a problem is real before you spend weeks on it. You can't get certainty. You can only lower the risk.

Customer interviews

Talk to 5 to 10 people in your niche. The goal isn't to pitch your idea. It's to understand their problem.

A simple script:

1. "Tell me about the last time you had to [do the task]."
2. "What was the most frustrating part?"
3. "How do you handle it today? With what tool?"
4. "How much time or money does it cost you?"
5. "Have you looked for another solution? Why didn't it stick?"

Traps to avoid:

• Don't pitch too early: people will just be polite.
• Don't ask "would you buy this?" The answer proves nothing.
• Ask about past facts, not future intentions.