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Asking the Wrong Questions Can Screw Your Startup Over (engineergrowth.substack.com)
3 points by veebuv 2171 days ago
1 comments

Do you think it’s a good idea? | BAD | Only the market decides whats good

Would you buy a product which did X? | BAD | You're asking for opinions from optimistic people, they'll always say yes

How much would you pay for X? BAD | Ask them how much the problem costs right now

Why do you bother? | GOOD | You understand the perceived problem. You understand why they go through the pain

What are the implications of that? | GOOD | Distinguishes between a need and a want. If you don't use Xero, your accounting is screwed

Talk me through the last time that happened. | GOOD | Understand how often they face the problem

Talk me through your workflow. | GOOD | Understand how they solve the problem

What else have you tried? | GOOD |

Figure out what people are doing to solve the problem

Would you pay X for a product which did Y? | BAD | People are optimistic and tell you what you want to hear

Where does the money come from? | GOOD | Understand the decision makers

Who else should I talk to? | GOOD | If they're not willing to recommend then your problem isn't big enough, you havent explained it well

^^^ Inspired by the Mom Test

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