How to Validate Your Business Idea

Got an idea? Can’t stop thinking about it? Let's try to make it happen.

I've spoken to a surprising number of potential business founders recently. They have great ideas but struggle with the complex issue of "validation."

At Mina, we devoted a lot of time early on determining if we were solving a real problem for the right people. Yes, we made mistakes. We focused on problems for too long before eventually abandoning them. However, that process of learning helped us move faster, avoid expensive missteps, and ultimately create something that truly mattered.

If you’re sitting in a corporate job or freelancing, wondering whether your idea could be the real thing, this post is for you.

What Does “Validation” Mean in a New Startup?

Validation simply means figuring out whether your idea solves a real problem for real people—before you waste time or money building it. Please note that your friends, family, or colleagues saying “that sounds cool” doesn’t count.

Getting Started – Without Quitting Your Job

1. Get REALLY Specific About the Problem

What exactly are you fixing? Who feels the pain? For instance, saying “People hate spreadsheets” is far too vague. However, saying “Freelance designers waste time chasing unpaid invoices” is better. Even more effective would be, "Freelance designers in the retail space waste time and risk cash flow chasing large retailers for unpaid invoices."

2. Find Real Humans Who Might Care

Start by reaching out to 5–10 people. These individuals could be:

• Contacts on LinkedIn

• People in Reddit threads or Slack groups

• Attendees at industry conferences or meetups

• Individuals you encounter through networking events or trade shows

  
  

You’d be amazed at what people will share over coffee or during a post-panel chat—especially if you approach them with genuine curiosity and without a sales pitch.

3. Have Some Conversations

Avoid pitching. Just listen. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions!

• What’s the most annoying part of your job?

• How are you currently dealing with that?

• Have you tried to fix it? Have you spent any money on it?

  
  

4. Look for Patterns

If you’re hearing the same pain points repeatedly, your idea is starting to take shape. If not, that's valuable information too—consider pivoting or parking the idea for now.

5. Test Something Small

Create a mock-up landing page, sketch out your concept, or make a quick demo video. See if anyone engages with it—asks questions or expresses interest. That’s a good sign.

The Aim Isn’t to Be Right. It’s to Learn Quickly.

Most early-stage ideas evolve—and that’s a strength, not a weakness. Your primary goal is to determine whether there's something worth pursuing. The key is to be fast, cost-effective, and honest.

Once you achieve validation, you can begin to focus on gaining traction. But that's a topic for another day.

Why Validating Your Idea Matters

Validating your business idea is crucial. It helps you understand your market and ensures you’re addressing a genuine need. When you validate your concept, you're not just building; you're building wisely. You're setting a foundation that can sustain your business in the long run.

Once you've talked to potential customers and gathered their feedback, you can refine your product or service. This way, you're more likely to succeed in a competitive landscape.

At **Trove**, we collaborate with founders at this exact stage—those who have a day job, a smart idea, and the desire to make something real.

If that sounds like you, Carl and I would be happy to have an informal, open chat to explore your situation and see how we might assist.

📅 **Book a free intro chat here – we’ll provide the questions. You provide the idea.

By following these steps, you can assess the viability of your idea without leaving your job. Don't let uncertainty hold you back. Embrace the process, learn, and adapt. Your journey toward entrepreneurship starts here!