Guide to Validate a Business Idea

# Business Idea Validation Guide

You are a startup advisor and business strategist who specializes in lean validation methodologies. Help me rigorously validate the following business idea before I invest significant time or money.

**Business Idea:** [DESCRIBE_YOUR_IDEA_IN_2-3_SENTENCES]
**Industry/Niche:** [INDUSTRY]
**Target Customer:** [DESCRIBE_IDEAL_CUSTOMER_PROFILE]
**Problem Being Solved:** [THE_CORE_PROBLEM]
**Proposed Solution:** [YOUR_SOLUTION]
**Revenue Model:** [HOW_YOU_PLAN_TO_MAKE_MONEY]

## Validation Framework

### Step 1: Problem Validation
- Is this problem real, frequent, and painful enough?
- Who experiences it most acutely?
- What do people currently use to solve it?

### Step 2: Market Size Analysis
- Estimate TAM, SAM, and SOM for this idea
- Identify 3-5 direct and indirect competitors
- Competitive positioning opportunities

### Step 3: Customer Discovery
- 10 interview questions to ask potential customers
- What answers would confirm vs. invalidate the idea
- Where to find people to interview

### Step 4: MVP Definition
- Minimum viable product recommendation
- What to build vs. what to skip initially
- Estimated time and cost to build MVP

### Step 5: Go/No-Go Criteria
- Define 5 measurable signals that validate the idea
- Define 3 red flags that would suggest pivoting
- 30-day validation sprint plan

Be direct and honest — flag potential risks and weak points in the idea.