Ideas and Checks

Today, I cancelled eight website domains that I had bought over the last year.

These domains ranged from design services to ChatGPT marketplaces to Airbnb curation. Over the past three years, I have launched around 50 ideas, and I think I have a good grasp on how to take an idea from conception to product.

💪 Building a product from just an idea is like building a muscle, and it takes time and effort to develop.

The best part is that my ideas have evolved and been subjected to a reality check. Here’s how I evolved my ideas and learned what works and what doesn’t:

• I shared my ideas with colleagues who were always encouraging and willing to provide feedback.

• We put the ideas down with a value proposition in place, so we could understand what worked and what didn’t.

• We conducted desk research to understand what exists in the market and what actual value proposition people pay for.

• Finally, I talked to at least four people who might have a need for the product. Obviously, this is not formal research, but as you converse with various human beings, you can ask questions without sounding like a researcher.

I hope these checks help you choose your ideas, and may you also cancel more domains in the future ✨