The mistake every first-time founder makes (that second-time founders never repeat).

So i have noticed something working with founders.

first-time founders build for 6 months then launch. second-time founders launch in 2 weeks then iterate for 6 months.

first-time founders think they need to build the perfect product before anyone sees it. second-time founders know the market will tell them whats perfect.

first-time founders are scared of looking stupid with a scrappy MVP. second-time founders know looking stupid early is how you avoid looking stupid later when youre out of money.

first-time founders add features because they think more features = more value. second-time founders remove features because they know focus = value.

first-time founders talk to 5 people and call it validation. second-time founders talk to 50 people and call it the beginning.

the biggest difference? first-time founders are afraid of wasting peoples time with something imperfect. second-time founders are afraid of wasting their OWN time building something nobody wants.

if you are a first-time founder the best thing you can do is act like a second-time founder. ship fast. talk to lots of people. iterate based on reality not your head.

speed of learning beats perfection every time.