YC
How To Earn Customers For Life
@ Y Combinator
03/03/23
Takeaways
MS
Michael Seibel
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Do you like your users? Many founders don't even consider this question, but it's crucial for building a successful business.
MS
Michael Seibel
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
A lot of companies don't like their users, which can lead to poor customer experiences and negative perceptions.
MS
Michael Seibel
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Comcast rebranded to Xfinity, which suggests they dislike their users and designed their services with that assumption in mind.
MS
Michael Seibel
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Facebook's user-hostile practices, like dark patterns, indicate a disconnect between the company and its users, raising questions about who their real customers are.
MS
Michael Seibel
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Founders should not emulate the practices of large companies that have become disconnected from their customers; instead, they should focus on genuinely caring for their users.
MS
Michael Seibel
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Startups have a unique opportunity to gain a competitive advantage by simply being good-hearted and caring about their customers.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Startups often mistakenly try to mimic big companies by creating a facade of having numerous employees and customer support, but this approach can hinder genuine connections with customers.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
People prefer to communicate directly with the founders of companies and feel valued and heard, which is something large corporations struggle to provide.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
When Stripe overcharged my customers, Patrick, the founder, personally reached out to apologize and resolve the issue, which made me appreciate Stripe even more despite the mistake.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Creating a personal connection with customers and genuinely caring about their needs can significantly enhance their loyalty and satisfaction, setting startups apart from larger competitors.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Caring about your customers is not just a strategy; it's a superpower that can lead to long-term success and a positive reputation for your startup.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
It's challenging to compete against a company that genuinely cares about its customers, as customers can sense the difference in commitment and service.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
Founders should focus on building authentic relationships with their customers, as this can lead to better sales, customer retention, and overall satisfaction.
YC
Y Combinator Cast
03/03/23
@ Y Combinator
If you genuinely care about your customers, they will be more willing to share their problems with you and give you the benefit of the doubt when issues arise.