Don't Start A Business Without This

You have heard the stat: 90% of startups fail. But most people are wrong about why they fail. It is rarely because they lacked a "genius" idea. Most founders obsess over the product but ignore the sequence of execution. They launch without a checklist. If you skip the validation phase—specifically asking for cash, not just opinions—you are building a hobby, not a business. Without a financial runway and a plan for the worst-case scenario, you will panic when things get hard. And things always get hard. Stop guessing. Follow the proven pattern of the businesses that actually survive. This video outlines the exact 4-step system you need to validate your idea and protect your downside before you ever quit your day job. 3 Biggest Takeaways 1. Validation Requires Cash: Feedback is cheap. True validation only happens when a customer opens their wallet. If they won't pay, you don't have a business. 2. Sequence Over Genius: You don't need a revolutionary idea. You need to follow the right order of operations (Talk - Validate - Plan - Fund). 3. The 6-Month Rule: Never launch without a 6-month cash runway. It buys you the time to make mistakes and correct them without going under. Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs Q1: Why do you say "genius" isn't required? A: Because I've seen brilliant people fail because they couldn't execute, and average people succeed because they followed a checklist. Business is about discipline and systems, not high IQ. Q2: How do I ask for cash before I have a product? A: You sell the concept or a prototype. If the pain point is real enough, customers will pay a deposit or sign a letter of intent. If they won't, the problem isn't painful enough to build a business around. Q3: What if I can't save 6 months of cash? A: Then you aren't ready to quit your job. Keep your job as your primary investor. Build the business on the side until you have that safety net. Launching without it is gambling, not business. Q4: What is the "worst-case scenario" exercise? A: It's writing down exactly what happens if you fail. Will you lose your house? Will you just be embarrassed? Usually, the reality is far less scary than the imagination. Once you accept it, you can move forward without fear. Q5: Why is talking to customers step one? A: Because you are likely solving a problem that doesn't exist. You need to hear the problem described in their words, not yours, to ensure there is a market for your solution.