Stage 02

Validate

Replace assumptions with conversations, commitments, and evidence.

Validation is a sequence of inexpensive tests. The goal is not applause. The goal is evidence that a real customer will take a meaningful next step.

The question to answer

Will anyone change behavior for this?

Evidence that earns the next step

  • Customers describe the problem in their own words.
  • At least a few people agree to a concrete next step.
  • You have tested price or commitment, not only interest.

Your next three moves

  1. 01Interview 10 prospects
  2. 02Test the riskiest assumption
  3. 03Ask for commitment
Watch for this

Compliments, survey votes, and email opens are weak evidence by themselves.

You do not graduate from a stage by finishing a checklist.

Move when the evidence changes.

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