Max, this is a wonderful post. It was great taking this journey with you from concept to validation to idea-testing to eventual decision to not pursue it.
It is easier to invert our model and try to falsify the assumptions it is based on. The inversion won't guarantee project success, but it will save us from a predictable failure.
This is very powerful advice, and had I been better at embracing it, I could have avoided a few mistakes in my own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Most of your friends want you to succeed, so they will just say, yeah, it's a great idea and change the subject.
Related to the above idea, sometimes it is a good idea to free your friends from their protective instincts, and to empower them as a "designated naysayer." You can ask them to point out flaws, poke holes, generally try to tear the idea down. It's important that you assure them it's a safe space and that you're honestly seeking that sort of feedback.
On the topic of Channels, finding distribution and matching Supply / Demand in the early days is a very common and interesting problem. You may have heard of AirBNB's "creative" use of leveraging Craigslist.
Max, this is a wonderful post. It was great taking this journey with you from concept to validation to idea-testing to eventual decision to not pursue it.
This is very powerful advice, and had I been better at embracing it, I could have avoided a few mistakes in my own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Related to the above idea, sometimes it is a good idea to free your friends from their protective instincts, and to empower them as a "designated naysayer." You can ask them to point out flaws, poke holes, generally try to tear the idea down. It's important that you assure them it's a safe space and that you're honestly seeking that sort of feedback.
On the topic of Channels, finding distribution and matching Supply / Demand in the early days is a very common and interesting problem. You may have heard of AirBNB's "creative" use of leveraging Craigslist.
Thanks Peter :)