Before you Build, Take a Breath

Sometimes, what feels like a great idea isn’t necessarily a sustainable one. Many founders launch products, even secure funding, only to watch their dream unravel down the line. But here’s the catch: failure doesn’t mean the idea itself was flawed. I’ve come across so many founders who wrestle with the reasons things didn’t pan out, often missing the real issue.

The heart of the problem? It usually comes down to weak ideation and planning, especially when it comes to validating the idea from the start. Struggling with product-market fit is often the first red flag. You may have some innovators in your corner, but without those early adopters or referrals from existing customers, growth stalls.

Sometimes, we get so carried away with an idea that fixes a problem for ourselves and a few friends that we leap into building it—without testing the waters. We skip steps that seem mundane, like assessing the real demand, competition, and market trends. But when those steps are missed, you could find yourself in a market that doesn’t value your idea or has already moved on to the next best thing.

The excitement to jump from concept to cash flow can be overwhelming. And spending money upfront to validate an idea that already “feels” right might seem like a waste of time. But here’s the hard truth: validating your idea early on, while it doesn’t guarantee success, can spare you an even greater loss down the road. It’s far better to pivot or even shut down early than to launch and watch it crumble.

Yet, going big doesn’t have to mean emptying your pockets. Here are a few low-cost ways to validate your idea before you dive all in:

Drop the act

People can tell when you’re pitching them, so if you want genuine feedback, drop the sales pitch. Don’t try to convince or oversell; just listen. Set aside your pride in the idea, and pay attention to whether others even recognize the problem or understand your solution. If they don’t, consider it a red flag.

Rally your troops

Why work alone when you can lean into your community? Too many people guard their ideas, fearing they’ll be “stolen,” only to miss out on invaluable insights. Today, there are online communities for nearly every industry. Reach out, ask specific questions, and use the wisdom in these spaces. I’ve seen founders use surveys in these groups and social media polls to gather early insights. Don’t overlook the power of crowdsourced feedback.

Roll out the welcome mat

Find those who genuinely care about the solution you’re building, and ask for their perspective. Take them out for coffee if you need to, but be open to the insights they bring—even if it’s not what you want to hear. Don’t replicate everything they say, but listen carefully to their pain points. They may not know exactly what they want, but they do know what’s not working for them. As you refine your idea, keep these early supporters close; they may just be your first customers and word-of-mouth champions.

Spill the beans

If you’ve got an audience on LinkedIn, Medium, or elsewhere, share your idea. People love to weigh in, and in today’s digital age, feedback is everywhere. It may seem overwhelming at first, but this engagement can be incredibly beneficial.

Prototype, prototype, prototype

Building a full product is costly, so start with something simple—a sketch, a mock-up, anything that visualizes your concept. A prototype can help you gather essential feedback before making a significant investment. But remember, don’t start with a prototype until you’re confident in the product’s foundation.

Keep ten fingers on the pulse

Watch your competitors, tune into social media channels beyond LinkedIn, and follow industry updates. Even Google Alerts can keep you informed about key movements in your field. And never forget to check the regulatory landscape—licenses, fees, or rules could quickly make your idea a non-starter.

Validation is not a one-and-done process. It’s a continuous journey, a practice that needs to be maintained even after you launch. It may seem tedious, but it’s an investment in a vision that can withstand the test of time. And in the end, isn’t that what every founder dreams of?