Let’s be honest, most of us have been conditioned to avoid talking to strangers. But what if I told you that strangers hold the key to unlocking valuable insights you need to build a successful product, launch a thriving business, or even navigate complex personal decisions? It sounds counterintuitive, but stick with me. I’m about to share how embracing conversations with strangers – the right kind of conversations.
I’ve always been comfortable chatting with people, but when it came to my business ideas, I found myself falling into the trap of seeking validation rather than valuable feedback.
“The Mom Test” – a book by Rob Fitzpatrick, isn’t about passing some awkward family interrogation. It’s about learning how to have real conversations with potential customers – conversations that actually matter.
You see, the problem with most of us is that we’re too focused on pitching our brilliant ideas. We bombard people with questions like, “Isn’t this amazing? Would you buy this? Tell me how awesome I am!” (Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the point).
But here’s the thing (The Key lesson): Nobody cares about your idea (yet!). They care about their own problems, and their desires. They want solutions, not sales pitches. And that’s where talking to strangers comes in. In short, It’s Not About You, Silly!
The Power of the Unknown:
Strangers, unlike friends and family, have no reason to sugarcoat their opinions. They’ll tell you if your idea is confusing, your product is unnecessary, or your price is too high. This unfiltered feedback is a goldmine for refining your approach and ensuring you’re creating something people actually want and need.
But it’s not just about criticism. Their unique experiences and viewpoints can challenge your assumptions, broaden your thinking, and lead you down paths you never would have considered on your own.
Conversation Hacks I learned:
- Be a human, not a salesperson: Forget the elevator pitch. Start by asking open-ended questions about their life, their challenges, and their aspirations. Show genuine interest in their world.
- Embrace the awkwardness: Let’s face it, talking to strangers can be weird. But that’s okay! Embrace the awkwardness and laugh it off.
- The “Why” is Key: Dig deeper by asking “why” questions. Uncover the reasons behind their actions, frustrations, and desires. This will reveal their core motivations and pain points.
- Skip Hypothetical BS: Instead of asking hypothetical questions about what they might do, focus on what they’ve actually done in similar situations. This gives you concrete data to work with.
- Listen more than you talk: This is a hard one for me, but it’s crucial. Shut up and listen to what they have to say. You might be surprised by what you learn.
Bad Questions (aka The Mom Test Fails):
- “Do you think my idea is great?” (Who cares what they think?)
- “Would you buy this?” (Hypothetical BS)
- “How much would you pay for this?” (They’ll probably lie)
Good Questions (aka The Mom Test Wins):
- “Tell me about the last time you encountered this problem.” (Get specific!)
- “What are you currently doing to solve this problem?” (Uncover their current solutions)
- “What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?” (Dig deeper into their pain points)
Want More? Go Read the Book!
This is just the tip of the iceberg. “The Mom Test” has lots of actionable advice, hilarious anecdotes, and many (makes you go hmmm…) insights. If you’re serious about building something people actually want, do yourself a favor and read the book.
But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Get out there and start talking to strangers. You might just be surprised by what you discover.