Have you ever felt like starting a business is like running on a treadmill—lots of effort, but you’re not getting anywhere? What if I told you the secret is to flip the process upside down?
Why Most Startups Chase Their Own Tails ➥
Picture this: You spend months perfecting a product, only to realize you’re shouting into the void, desperately searching for customers. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: Most small business owners start with a product, then scramble to find people who want it. It’s like baking a cake and hoping someone’s hungry. But what if you started by finding the hungry crowd first?
Step 1: Find Your Audience Before You Build ➥
Don’t pick a product—pick your people. From day one, get crystal clear about who you want to serve. If you choose the product first, you’ll end up chasing customers later.
Let’s get specific. “Everyone” is not an audience. Drill down:
- Vehicle spare parts: Is it for bikes, cars, or trucks?
- Bakery: Is it cakes, bread, or something else?
If you target everyone, you’ll reach no one. One product, one audience. Be specific, not broad.
Step 2: Become Their Trusted Friend ➥
Before you sell, listen. Your audience shares their real problems with people they trust—a friend, a relative, or someone who understands them. So, become that trusted friend.
Find out where your prospects hang out—search engines, social media groups, forums. Join the conversation as one of them, not as a salesperson. Network, discuss, and listen. Collect their feedback, pain points, and stories.
Step 3: Start Conversations, Not Sales Pitches ➥
Your content and community posts should spark conversations, not push products. Be a friend, not a salesman. This is how you uncover what really matters to your audience.
- Ask questions.
- Share stories.
- Gather feedback.
Early input helps you build a network of loyal prospects before you even launch.
Step 4: Solve Real Problems—Then Validate ➥
List the top problems your audience faces. Come up with solutions—products, services, or advice. This all happens before you start the business.
Draft a message that speaks directly to their pain:
- “3 easy steps to fix a leaking roof”
- “5 quick recipes for weight loss”
Share these in your groups and channels. Instant feedback will help you validate your idea before you invest time and money.
Step 5: Build With Confidence ➥
Once you’ve iterated and gained enough confidence, you’re ready to launch. Now you know:
- Who your audience is
- What their problems are
- How to solve those problems
- And most importantly, you have prospects who trust you
Reach out directly—DM, email, or chat—and ask if they’d be interested in your solution. You’re not selling; you’re helping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid ➥
Here are the traps most new founders fall into:
- Starting with a product, not a customer
- Targeting everyone instead of a specific group
- Generic messaging that means nothing
- Trying to sell before building trust
- Ignoring feedback and real pain points
A Story to Remember ➥
Imagine two bakers. One bakes cakes and waits for customers to wander in. The other walks the neighborhood, listens to what people crave, and then bakes exactly what they want. Who do you think sells out every day?
Your Turn ➥
Are you ready to flip your business plan and start with your audience first? What’s one step you can take today to get closer to your ideal customer?
Stop chasing. Start attracting. Your future business will thank you.
