Validation & First Revenue
Build MVP
An MVP is the smallest version someone will pay for. Use the MoSCoW Method: Must-have (build this one feature), Should-have (wait), Could-have (banned for now), Won't-have (explicitly excluded). If you can solve the problem with a Google Sheet or manual email, do that first to prove demand.
The most successful startups often solve things that sound boring like payroll, logistics, or waste management.
- Avoid Hot topic ideas (like the next social media app). There is too much competition there. Instead, look for industries that are Old School and haven't used new technology in 20 years.
- If you solve a boring problem in a niche industry (like helping plumbing companies track their trucks), you will have almost no competition. These businesses are often desperate for simple, working solutions.
Free Resource: Boring businesses tend to make more money
**[6 BORING Businesses That Always Make Millionaires (90% Success Rate?)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgv8HhL-7HE)**
3) Validation & First Revenue
Building a business is not just about building a product, it is about building a customer base. For international founders in the U.S., the goal is to reach First Revenue as fast as possible. This isn't just for the money, it’s the strongest evidence you can show the U.S. government that your business is a "real" entity that deserves a visa.
Here is your step-by-step guide to validating your idea and getting paid.
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.