Startup Bootcamp, Part 9: Get market feedback from 10 people

You’ve done the necessary introspection and research to identify what you’ll be testing with your MVP, what vehicle you’ll use to do it and who you’ll be talking to, all to get to this point.

This next step kicks off the Agile, validated learning and iteration process. Get used to it, nerds (that’s a compliment); this process is continuous from this point onward. 

 Let’s start with a rapid survey of 10 people within your target audience. You’re not looking for statistically significant results here; this is a quick gut check to gauge if your idea is a good one, if the problem you’re trying to solve actually exists and whether there are any holes in the assumptions you identified earlier in this blueprint. Here’s how:

• Identify 10 people to talk to, starting with contacts in your network. Then, expand your pool via digital platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, Instagram polls, etc.

• Ask questions to acid test your assumptions. Sample questions: 

  • What’s most frustrating when [insert scenario/problem]? What would make it easier? 

  • Have you ever heard of [insert description of the type of solution you’d offer] to solve this problem?

  • Would you use it? Try it?

  • Would you pay for it? How much?

• Analyze your feedback.

  • What did you learn? 

  • What was the overall reaction you received? The feedback on the extremes may provide some insight; if a majority of those surveyed loved a particular feature of your concept, it might help drive your MVP. 

  • Did people naturally identify your problem, or was it forced?

  • Were at least three people in love with your idea? Did most express some interest? Fist bump--you might just have a viable concept.