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LESSON 03 OF 06

Compare problems, not excitement

20 min guided session · 0 / 2 checks passed

WHAT YOU WILL PRACTICE

Choose the next problem to investigate using evidence, access and existing alternatives.

01

Use criteria to expose assumptions

Compare problem frequency, consequence, access to customers and evidence of current spending or effort. A score is a prompt for discussion, not a prediction of business success. A high score with no real evidence is still a guess.

02

Include what customers already do

Alternatives include spreadsheets, agencies, internal tools, a competitor and doing nothing. Ask why switching would be worthwhile once migration, trust, learning and money are included.

03

Investigate the weakest important claim

If the problem seems painful but you cannot reach buyers, test access first. If buyers are easy to reach but do not spend time or money on the problem, investigate urgency. Choose the cheapest next piece of evidence.

IN PRACTICE · ORIGINAL EXAMPLE

Idea A has a large estimated market but no customer access. Idea B serves one type of bookkeeper you can interview this week. B may be the better learning experiment even if A sounds more impressive.

Keep in mind

A weighted score cannot replace customer evidence. Do not quietly give your favourite idea generous ratings.

The course

A free startup course in three paths

Equip is a free course from X-Dreamers, a Christian community that helps believers turn God-given ideas into startups, projects and ministries. Read any lesson first, or do the exercises here in the learning desk.

  • How to validate a business idea

    Six free lessons on validating a business idea: find a real problem, interview customers, compare ideas, run a test that can fail, then decide.

    6 × lessons · 110 min

  • How to find your first customers

    Six free lessons on finding your first customers: pick an audience you can reach, say why they should choose you, test one channel and measure.

    6 × lessons · 115 min

  • Communication skills for founders

    Six free lessons in communication for founders: listen well, write messages people can act on, open a talk, pause for questions and pitch with evidence.

    6 × lessons · 105 min

Questions about Equip

Is Equip free?

Yes. All 18 lessons are free, with no sign-up and no account. Your notes and progress are saved in your own browser on this device.

Is Equip a Christian course?

Equip is made by X-Dreamers, a Christian community that helps believers turn God-given ideas into startups, projects and ministries. The lessons teach practical skills that work for a business, a church project or a ministry. If you would like people to pray and think it through with you, tell us about your idea.

Tell us about your idea →

How long does the course take?

Each lesson takes 15 to 25 minutes: 18 lessons, about five and a half hours in all. Take one path at a time, or follow the six-week plan that mixes all three.

What do the lessons cover?

Three paths of six lessons: how to validate a business idea, how to find your first customers, and communication skills for founders, from listening well to pitching with evidence.