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How To Talk To Users | Startup School

From Y Combinator · Published Jul 21, 2023 · Watch on YouTube

TL;DR

The video argues that the best founders talk to users throughout the company’s lifetime to stay honest and get unfiltered feedback. It teaches a process for finding users via personal networks, LinkedIn, Reddit, Slack, Discord, and in-person events, then interviewing them without introducing your idea.

Key insights

  • Users and customers are the only stakeholders who actually pay you, so they will tell you the truth if you listen.
  • Most founders hide behind “do not reply” emails and miss the personal connection that radical founders (e.g., Airbnb’s Brian Chesky) built by living with hosts.
  • Interviewing people you know is easier but may yield less honest answers; strangers can give more candid feedback.

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