Every startup that doesn’t focus on its customers really early fails.
In all the startups I’ve tried the ones where I got out the building and started talking to customers worked. They worked even better when it was the first thing that I did.
Know Your Customer
We came to Revolution Startups in a very simple way. A few years ago needing some more cash I started doing gigs on Fiverr for entrepreneurs. I also helped out at lots of local entrepreneurial events in my city. I taught at accelerators and incubators.
The result is that I have spoken to thousands of entrepreneurs. I have seen them when they have their first ideas. I have seen early stages of business plans. I have seen train wrecks in slow motion. I’ve worked for some amazing people who have ticked all the boxes and make it look effortless.
So before Leander and I started we had deep domain knowledge of who we were targeting. We knew what the problems they faced were.
Forget the Technology
A great many of the entrepreneurs I’ve worked with have focused on the technology. They have built an app or a website based on their idea. Then they have hit reality and it hasn’t been pretty. It’s hard to get people onto the platform. The platform isn’t what people want. it doesn’t solve a problem.
It’s hard to get people come back. The platform didn’t do what they wanted it to do. Its hard to make sales because the service doesn’t offer value.
Start with the customer. Ask what their problems are. Then look for solutions. Your first idea is a good starting point. On a journey we leave the starting point behind.
At Revolution Startups we help you make that journey as drama free as possible. It’s still an amazing ride, not quite so scary
