You've screened your ideas, but here's the truth: your assumptions about customer problems are probably wrong. Even the smartest entrepreneurs guess incorrectly about what customers actually want.
Customer discovery interviews solve this by talking directly to potential customers before launching anything—whether it's an app, a food truck, a consulting service, or a neighborhood café.
Engagement Message
When was the last time a conversation with a customer overturned one of your assumptions?
Most people do customer interviews wrong. They pitch their solution, ask leading questions, or talk more than they listen. This confirms their biases instead of revealing truth.
Great interviews feel like friendly conversations where customers do 80% of the talking.
Engagement Message
What percentage of talking should you aim for in customer interviews?
Start by identifying 5-10 people who experience the problem you're exploring. Don't aim for perfect demographics—you need anyone who faces this challenge regularly.
Friends, colleagues, social-media contacts, shoppers at a farmers market, or patrons waiting for a table at a busy restaurant all work for initial discovery.
Engagement Message
Name one place you could find people who experience your chosen problem.
Your interview script needs three parts: opening context, problem exploration, and solution discussion. Spend most time on problem exploration—understanding their current frustrations and workarounds.
Keep it conversational, not like a survey. Follow interesting threads that emerge naturally.
Engagement Message
Which part should get the most time: opening, problem exploration, or solution discussion?
Start with: "I'm exploring challenges around [problem area]. Can you walk me through how you currently handle [specific situation]?" This gets them talking about real experiences.
Avoid asking "Would you pay for a product that does X?" Instead ask "How do you solve X today?"
