Validate your idea before you spend a dime

The biggest startup mistake is building something nobody will pay for. Validation means proving real people want your product or service — and will buy it — before you sink in time and money.

Do this

1. Talk to 10 potential customers about the problem (don't pitch — listen).
2. Ask what they do today and what they'd pay for a better solution.
3. Get a real signal of demand: a pre-order, a deposit, a waitlist, a signed letter of intent.
4. If the signal is weak, adjust the idea before you commit.

5 Questions to Ask Potential Customers

Don't pitch — ask, then shut up and listen:

1. "How do you handle [the problem] today?" 2. "What's the most frustrating part of that?" 3. "What would a better solution be worth to you?" 4. "Who else has this problem?" 5. "If I built this, would you buy it? When?"

The strongest validation isn't a "that's a great idea" — it's money, a deposit, or a firm commitment. Chase the real signal, not politeness.