Essay · About 12 min read

The Convergent Theory of Finding Truth (vetting startup ideas)

Jason Cohen · A Smart Bear (Jason Cohen) Free Intermediate

Jason Cohen bootstrapped WP Engine and shares a simple test for whether a problem is real: when you talk to people, do their answers converge on the same pain, solution, and price, or scatter in every direction. Divergence means you are hearing politeness. It is a clear, honest lens for the problems on your running list.

  • Convergent answers across people signal a real problem
  • Everyone saying good idea while disagreeing on the details is a warning
  • Be honest with yourself, since founders bias toward hearing yes
Open on longform.asmartbear.com ↗

The question it answers

  1. I want to start a startup but I don't have an idea. Where do I even begin?

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