I've been rethinking this idea of "build an audience before you build a product." There *are* benefits. But there are also some major downsides.
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This performance anxiety can cloud your judgment. When you’re worried about “what will my audience think?” it’s harder to evaluate your business clearly, and make smart choices. It’s like trying to solve a complex math problem, while thousands of people look over your shoulder.
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The other big problem with having an audience? Ego. It’s gratifying to have fans; they make you feel good. But it can lead to us subconsciously deluding ourselves into thinking we’re on the right path (when what we’re really doing is protecting our ego).
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This is why you'll sometimes see well-known artists release work anonymously. They want the work to stand on its own and attract attention on its own merits. Similarly, standup comedians know that a room full of friends isn't a good barometer for how funny their act is.
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Customer intent is huge. What you want: folks who are genuinely searching for a solution to their problem (and are willing to pay to fix it). What you don't want: folks signing up for any other reason ("I'm curious," "Saw you on Product Hunt, and wanted to see your UI")
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In the past, I released a product that looked like a big winner. Lots of preorders and positive testimonials. But after the initial launch, sales stopped. What I learned: many of those launch customers were fans, excited about my new project. But beyond fans, nobody wanted it.
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Contrast that with
@TransistorFM (and projects like@megamaker and@marketingdevs): these products benefitted from my audience initially, but have found good (ongoing) traction from other channels. Your product has to have legs outside of your personal network.Pokaż ten wątek -
Again, this makes me think about comedians. Lots of new comics will invite all their friends to their first show. And they'll kill! But then they'll go on the road and bomb. The audience doesn't know them; their material has to stand on its own legs.
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I think
@barelyknown found the sweet spot. Has an audience, yet forever remains@barelyknown -
I wish he'd write a newsletter or blog or something. I miss the old podcast quite a bit, but I understand it takes a ton of time and he's got a business to run.
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It really makes sense. I'd argue that there's a spot where it's not a big of an audience, but still some very very impactful connections and friends which weren't possible without some followers and credibility.
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My guess is after getting and audience we forget how hard it was at the beginning when we had no credibility in the community or helpful connections. That's a noticable upside. Also helps to keep mental energy bc of peers and lay out more luck surface.
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Wydaje się, że ładowanie zajmuje dużo czasu.
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