1. Start with the problem
“I help entrepreneurs” leaves too many questions unanswered. Pick a recognisable situation: a freelancer who receives enquiries but struggles to turn them into meetings, for example. Write down what they do today, what gets stuck and the consequence. This is a hypothesis to test, rather than established knowledge about your market.
2. Compare alternatives
Your competition may be a service provider, a tool or simply the habit of doing nothing. The SBA recommends studying demand and competition to understand a market. In your own notes, separate observations, customer quotations and interpretations. The business coach can help prepare interview questions, but the answers need to come from the people involved.
3. Choose a bounded test
Define a proposition, a period and an observable signal. For example, present your offer to five prospects fitting your chosen profile and record their objections. Five opinions do not provide statistical certainty. Look for what needs clarification before investing more: outcome, scope, evidence or price.
