In the early stages of your startup, focus on building the product and talking to users to gain insights that data alone can't provide.

When starting a startup, it's crucial to talk to users rather than just relying on your own experiences, as most startups are not built solely for the founders.

At Justin.tv, we initially built a product based on our own experiences, which limited our understanding of broader user needs and use cases.

To pivot Justin.tv, we realized we needed to talk to users to identify valuable use cases and directions for growth, particularly in gaming.

User interviews are essential; who you talk to is as important as the questions you ask, as different user groups provide different insights.

When conducting user interviews, avoid focusing on specific features; instead, understand the users' problems to design effective solutions.

To validate a product idea, consider building a minimal version or a related feature rather than a full product, allowing for quicker feedback. Sales is a powerful way to validate interest in a product; getting someone to commit to paying upfront is one of the most validating actions you can take.

When developing a product, it's crucial to talk to users who are already using your service to understand their detailed needs and pain points.

Feedback from users of your product often reveals specific feature requests, but it's important to read between the lines to understand their true needs.

Talking to non-users is essential because they can provide insights into barriers preventing them from using your product, which is critical for market expansion.

Recording user interviews is highly beneficial; it allows you to engage fully in the conversation and later share insights with your team.

User interviews should focus on understanding the user's context and problems rather than just asking about specific features or products.

To gather user feedback effectively, encourage users to share their thoughts freely and provide a full picture of their experiences and needs.