When you’re building a product, seek truth at all costs

Founders, be careful whose advice you take.

• Your friends say your idea is great, but it isn’t.
• Your peers say “go for it”, but you shouldn’t.
• Your investors say don’t give up, but you should.
• Your board says it has your back, then fires you.

None of these people are evil. Either they mean well but don’t know what they’re talking about (most friends and peers), or their incentives are misaligned with your own (most boards and investors).

The point is simply this: advice is rarely impartial.

So, if there’s one thing you can do for yourself, do this…

Find a truth-teller.

I’ve been lucky enough, throughout my startup career, to have people around me who weren’t afraid to hurt my feelings (you know who you are).

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that every founder needs a mentor with the experience and backbone to tell you how it is, even when it’s not what you want to hear. In fact, especially then.

They’re few and far between, but they exist.

Do yourself a favour. Find one.