#customervalidation

Hello, my Keyomi’s!! What’s up, you guys?

Attending the Tech101 Week 6 Lecture on Customer and Market Validation was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just another lecture for me but it was a wake-up call. I realized how crucial it is to validate an idea before jumping into execution. Many aspiring entrepreneurs, including myself, tend to fall in love with their ideas without actually testing if there’s a real demand for them. This session opened my eyes to a simple yet powerful truth—assumptions can be dangerous.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of asking the right questions during customer interviews. The speaker emphasized that questions should not be answerable by just ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ Instead, they should be open-ended to gain deeper insights. This hit me hard because, in the past, I had asked people if they “liked” my business idea, and naturally, they said yes. But as I learned, this doesn’t mean they would actually pay for it. The real validation happens when customers express a real problem that my product or service can solve.

Another key lesson was about conducting face-to-face interviews effectively. While surveys and online forms are useful, nothing beats the raw and authentic feedback from talking directly to potential customers. I was reminded that these conversations should focus on their pain points rather than leading them to agree with my idea. This part made me rethink how I approach market research. Instead of seeking validation for what I want to hear, I should listen to what the market needs.

The ‘Mom Test’ concept was another highlight for me. It made so much sense—don’t pitch your idea directly, but instead, ask about the customer’s experiences and struggles. The goal is to understand their needs, not to sell your idea upfront. I realized that many entrepreneurs, including myself, make the mistake of selling too early instead of learning first.

Reflecting on this lecture, my biggest ‘aha moment’ was that customer validation is not a one-time process but an ongoing effort. It’s about continuously refining my idea based on real feedback. It’s not about proving myself right but about discovering what actually works.

This session reshaped my mindset. Moving forward, I now understand that the market dictates success, not just my passion or assumptions. I’m ready to go out there and ask the right questions, listen actively, and build something that truly matters.

Following the nod from our instructor after a successful pitch for our app, WeFetch, and the anticipation building up for our final midterms presentation, our team eagerly dived into the heart of our user community. We split into pairs, just like we did before, aiming for a more intimate connection with our potential customers scattered around the Central Mindanao University (CMU) campus.

Wandering through the grounds, we were fortunate to engage in candid conversations with various individuals, each sharing their unique insights on WeFetch. Our app, inspired by the likes of Angkas and FoodPanda, aims to go beyond conventional boundaries, offering an array of services such as transportation, food delivery, and even the option to send personalized items to someone special. The richness of our interviews went beyond a mere exchange of opinions; it delved into the potential impact of WeFetch on people's lives. The heartening feedback we received during these conversations echoed the sentiment that WeFetch isn't just about services; it's about creating opportunities. Whether you're a student looking for a part-time gig or someone seeking full-time employment, WeFetch opens its doors, provided you have a driver's license and get the green light from our system.

Amidst the positive vibes, we also encountered valuable suggestions, particularly around the user interface. Some shared concerns about the potential learning curve, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that WeFetch is effortlessly navigable for everyone. This feedback resonated with us, underlining the need to make our app not just innovative but also inclusive.

One standout theme that emerged was the impact WeFetch could have on student life. The convenience it offers, especially for those with dorms situated far from the campus or those attending night classes, struck a chord. Beyond being a job provider, WeFetch became a beacon of safety, ensuring that students could book a ride or service anytime, anywhere within Central Mindanao University.

Customers, the heart of any business. Their approval is the lifeline of the business. How they react to a product can make or break a business.

Starting a business is not easy as 1,2,3 there are several things that needs to be overlooked before introducing something to the market. On top of the list is the customers, their validation is the fuel to the business. As depicted on the marshmallow activity, prioritizing your customers first will make the business stand through time. Building a good pasta structure that is enough to support the weight of the marshmallow. The marshmallow serve as the representation of the customers while the pasta structure is the product. If the structure is not strong enough to support mallow the tower will not stand no matter what. Just like the customers, their satisfaction and positive perception on the quality and value of the product is essential in the viability of the business.