Why “just go for it” is awful startup advice
“I guarantee once you do it… You’ll never look back.”
☝️ some of the worst startup advice I’ve ever seen.
I find it hard to comprehend how anyone with experience launching and running their own business would utter these words, let alone post them as advice on LinkedIn. Not only is it borderline irresponsible, it’s also simply not true.
I know several founders who spent at least 10 of their best “earning years” working on their own startup, with very little income, who later had to shut down with nothing but scars and experience to show for it.
These people look back plenty.
If you’re in a job, wondering if you should quit and go all in. Don’t.
Take action today, yes!
…but don’t give up your income.
It might surprise you that in the earliest days of a startup, there really isn’t a huge amount to do.
It definitely doesn’t necessitate your full-time attention.
Instead, stay in your job, and spend whatever spare time you have talking to your potential customers.
Don’t even think about resigning until you’ve had at least 20 conversations.
Better yet, 100.
Only then will you know whether there’s truly demand for your idea.
Oh, and read The Mom Test Book before you speak to anyone. If you don’t do these calls the correct way, you may as well not bother.
Good luck!
