Here’s what I learned being in the startup world for the last few months

1. The problem comes first and then its solution. You must have an ailing customer before you start building the product.
2. Have a co-founder before you start. Identify potential cofounders the day you realize you are built for a larger impact. Great people make great companies.
3. Your network is your net worth. Having a strong network improves luck.
4. Overcome your fear of rejection by clients, friends n family, and investors.
5. Put your solution in the market ASAP no matter how crappy it looks. You being a founder will always find it crappy. Get your hands dirty early. Fail fast. Early adopters will buy your product if they see that you are iterating fast and improving even if it’s crappy at that time.
6. Startups are hard. If you don’t enjoy doing something different (and probably very hard) for the sake of impact, you are better off doing a job.
7. For the first few months, you should only do two things: talk to customers and build the product. Conferences, competitions, etc are a huge distraction and waste of time. Attend only those events where you may find your clients.
8. Being a first-time founder, getting clients’ money in revenue is easier than getting VC/Angel money. Focus on clients. Forget investment before significant traction.
9. Focus on your unique value proposition while building your product. Everything except what you are working on seems glittery but all that glitter is not gold.
10. Have a support group. Take advice.
11. Be courageous.

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