User Surveys Aren't That Valuable When Choosing a Startup Idea

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Dalton: Surveys are a useful way to get certain kinds of feedback. But when you're looking for fundamental truths or trying to find your first customer, you want to be harsher and harder. He says Airbnb got users in the very early days by offering free digital photos as part of their service. Dalton: A survey that I've seen really be horrible is there's a tiny subset of your potential users who actually have expertise.

Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel on the importance of talking to your users, why successful founders are ok with rejection from potential customers, and how protecting your ego by not talking to your users can kill your startup.

To create Rookies Mistakes we asked YC founders: Is there a simple fact you wish you knew when you started your company or a rookie mistake you wish you could take back?

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