Starting a Small Business · Level 1 of 5 · Intro

From idea to customer

Find a real problem, a clear customer, and proof that people will pay.

Study notes

Start with a specific customer and a problem they already pay to solve.
Validate before you spend: talk to potential customers, look at competitors, and try to get pre-orders or deposits.
A value proposition says who it is for, what it does, and why it is better than the alternative.
Competition is not always bad. It often proves demand exists.
A minimum viable product (MVP) is the simplest version you can sell to learn what customers actually want.

Quiz: 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question, then check your answers. Score 5 of 6 to pass. Then enter your name and email to download a PDF certificate and have a copy emailed to you. Answers are graded in your browser.

1. The strongest early sign of demand is:

Customers paying or placing deposits Friends saying it sounds cool A nice logo A long business plan

2. A value proposition explains:

Who it is for, what it does, and why it is better Your tax ID Your office lease Your hobbies

3. Finding several competitors usually means:

There is likely demand, and you need a clear difference You must quit The market is illegal Nothing at all

4. An MVP is:

The simplest version you can sell to learn from customers The most valuable player A finished product with every feature A loan

5. Before spending savings on inventory you should:

Validate demand with real customers Buy as much as possible Rent a large store Hire a team

6. Which is a specific customer?

Dog owners in apartments who work long shifts Everyone People The internet

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