YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

When starting a company, it's crucial to validate your idea rigorously rather than relying on superficial methods like cold emailing a large number of people.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

If you can't even interview potential customers effectively, you're likely to struggle with acquiring your first customers.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

The most important customer to convince is yourself; you need to believe in the value of your idea before trying to sell it to others.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Founders often need to build conviction in their own ideas before seeking validation from others, including investors.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Having low conviction can hinder a founder's ability to succeed, regardless of their skills in programming, sales, or fundraising.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

It's important to recognize that many successful companies faced skepticism from investors initially, which doesn't necessarily indicate a bad idea.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Fear can lead founders to make irrational decisions, such as pivoting too quickly without proper validation of their ideas.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Don't base your entire life philosophy on something you read online without verifying it.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

It's essential to differentiate between companies that enter a startup batch with a product and users versus those with just an idea, as expectations should vary accordingly.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

When trying to get your first customer, reflect on your past experiences as a buyer and consider which sales tactics would have worked on you.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

It's crucial to remember your expertise as a buyer; this realization can help you understand your customers better and refine your sales approach.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Fear can cloud judgment and lead to poor decision-making; it's important to recognize this and not let it hinder your progress as a founder.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

The new Y Combinator standard deal alleviates pressure on founders by allowing them to focus on building conviction without the immediate stress of fundraising.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Founders often suffer from 'pivotitis,' where they change direction too frequently without learning from their initial experiences, leading to a lack of progress.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

A 'random walk' approach in startups, where decisions are made without a clear direction, can lead to wasted time and energy without meaningful results.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

If you can't get anyone to use your MVP, it likely isn't viable; an MVP should be something that at least works for one person.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

It's essential for founders to use their own product and feel proud of it; if they can't, it raises questions about its value to others.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Many companies fail to build an MVP, which is often seen as the first crucial step in creating a successful product.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Founders should focus on making one customer happy before scaling; this foundational step is critical for long-term success.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

Building confidence in your ideas takes time, and it's important to manage expectations and not let fear dictate your decisions.

YC

Y Combinator Cast

03/01/24

@ Y Combinator

To build strength in any endeavor, whether in startups or exercise, it's vital to maintain good form and practice effectively to avoid injury and ensure progress.

Building Confidence In Yourself and Your Ideas

Takeaways