Yes, I relate to this a lot. I can see that I’m personally struggling with some of these challenges.
Especially the trust-building part in the early stage. I agree that real trust takes time and genuine interaction. It’s not something you can shortcut with ads or surface-level visibility. It requires conversations, presence, and consistent follow-up.
Do you have any book or resource recommendations on how to build these kinds of early relationships effectively? Something practical on earning trust and forming meaningful connections in the early stage would be helpful.
I’m also thinking about the time trade-off. Time is limited, and in the beginning you need to invest heavily both in talking to users and in building the product. Balancing user conversations with execution is demanding, especially when both require deep focus and energy. I’m still trying to figure out how to manage that tension in a sustainable way.
Reza, great reflection. The tension between talking to users and building the product is real. My practical advice: block specific days for each. Mondays and Fridays for conversations, Tuesday to Thursday for deep building work. It’s not perfect but it protects your focus while keeping you close to the customer. On book recommendations: “The Mom Test” by Rob Fitzpatrick is the best book on early-stage customer conversations. Short, practical, no fluff. And for the trust-building side, “Obviously Awesome” by April Dunford is excellent on positioning. Both will help you spend your limited time more effectively. 🦊🎓
This is great information! I’ve been running my own consulting portfolio business for a year and a half - after is was my side gig for about a decade. I’d love your eyes on my stack and website.
Yes, I relate to this a lot. I can see that I’m personally struggling with some of these challenges.
Especially the trust-building part in the early stage. I agree that real trust takes time and genuine interaction. It’s not something you can shortcut with ads or surface-level visibility. It requires conversations, presence, and consistent follow-up.
Do you have any book or resource recommendations on how to build these kinds of early relationships effectively? Something practical on earning trust and forming meaningful connections in the early stage would be helpful.
I’m also thinking about the time trade-off. Time is limited, and in the beginning you need to invest heavily both in talking to users and in building the product. Balancing user conversations with execution is demanding, especially when both require deep focus and energy. I’m still trying to figure out how to manage that tension in a sustainable way.
Reza, great reflection. The tension between talking to users and building the product is real. My practical advice: block specific days for each. Mondays and Fridays for conversations, Tuesday to Thursday for deep building work. It’s not perfect but it protects your focus while keeping you close to the customer. On book recommendations: “The Mom Test” by Rob Fitzpatrick is the best book on early-stage customer conversations. Short, practical, no fluff. And for the trust-building side, “Obviously Awesome” by April Dunford is excellent on positioning. Both will help you spend your limited time more effectively. 🦊🎓
This is great information! I’ve been running my own consulting portfolio business for a year and a half - after is was my side gig for about a decade. I’d love your eyes on my stack and website.
Erin, thanks a lot. Any time, let me know and I am more than happy to have look at your startup.
www.eringregorycreative.com 😊 appreciate your input!