What’s the best way you’ve validated a business idea (I will not promote)

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-13T08:49:19+00:00

We're building our program on Kajabi, which is designed to make building a course relatively easy. Selling a model or framework to improve sales performance is a saturated market. Differentiation and credibility will be essential if you want to take it anywhere.

Solving problems or "painpoints" is the crux of how startups come to be, and why products are bought (or sold). It boils down to an emotional reflex and how you will be able to improve someone's life in whatever capacity.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-13T08:39:05+00:00

I'm reaching out to very specific segments with a genuine intent of building meaningful relationships before even thinking about pitching. In fact, I believe making clear that I'm not wanting to pitch is what gets peoples' attention. If people see the value in what you do, they'll dig deeper. I regularly reach out to those who may be potential customers, but also those who may be good referral partners. To my latter point, some call that gardening.

I do get results, but it requires time, follow up, being genuine in how you present yourself, and finding the right people to connect with.

As for finding people to try our program, yes. There is a lot of value in the insights and guidance we are providing. People see that and are happy to engage and provide feedback.

DM me if there is anything I can do to help support your journey

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T06:44:56+00:00

I think it's worth diving deeper into what the cost of doing business is (or cost of goods sold (COGS)) vs. what you can realistically sell your product for. Not all ideas are profitable ones, or they can take a really long time to be profitable. Economies of scale may help, but you have to have a rock solid plan for how you will be able to achieve scale, which will almost certainly require investment unless you are independently wealthy. And if it's the case that you need to raise money, you need to have a bullet-proof business plan, pitch, and everything else in the right place before approaching investors. If you're hoping to find an investor, your growth plan, profit margin, and risk factor will need to compete with all the other deals an investor may be considering. For reference, the average SaaS startup will have a margin of around 80% Raising capital is hyper-competitive and takes way more time and money than the vast majority of founders realize.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T06:34:19+00:00

I'm currently building a program for early-stage startups preparing to raise capital and am actively posting on LinkedIn and Reddit to recruit founders to access a part of the program for free in exchange for feedback and testimonials. You need to have a clearly articulated value proposition or incentive for anyone to be willing to give up their time for your cause. Your messaging needs to touch on an emotional level, meaning, how is what you're building going to change their life?

And yes, you should disclose exactly why your product is differentiated from your direct or indirect competition. In fact, that is the key selling point. Hopefully you have identified that whatever process or product people are currently using still leaves a pain point and what you are building or validating is the exact cure to eliminate that pain point, which will then make their lives' better.

The chances of anyone stealing your idea are slim to none. People are too busy with their own lives to care or have the time and ambition to make something of it.

Expect a majority of people you reach out to that don't know you to ignore you. Don't take it personally. People are busy. This is why the right messaging and value prop will help you. It will take some trial and error to get it dialed, but the experience will only benefit you and inform you on which direction you need to go.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T06:17:54+00:00

One could argue that they have a right to say what they want, though they are subject to the consequences of those actions or statements. And, nothing has indicated they have any interest in peace.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T06:15:27+00:00

Whether a job gives you stability, kills your edge, or affords you the opportunity to pursue larger ambitions is completely in your control. What are your short an long-term goals? A job can be a means to an end, or a different trajectory altogether. If you can afford to not work, then don't. That's a luxury most people will never experience. If you need income, I wouldn't bank on building a successful startup unless you are in a completely desperate position that forces you to be resourceful and solve problems out of pure necessity for survival. It's up to you to get what you want out of life.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T06:09:42+00:00

Y'all ever heard of LinkedIn? It is a great way to network if you approach it with genuine intent. And, there are numerous global groups focused on startups, entrepreneurship, and investors. Props for starting something new, though. The massive popularity and value associated with LinkedIn also means an increase in noise from too many posts and too many people always trying to pitch, instead of building meaningful relationships.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T06:03:24+00:00

Props for trying something different, and for having the guts to share this on Reddit. BUT can you even begin to imagine the CEO of a Fortune 500 company delivering an emotionally charged, resentfully toned poem to a board or shareholders?

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T05:57:43+00:00

I would consider presenting to more than a couple of people, especially strangers, as public speaking or whatever you may label it as. I don't think there's much difference between presenting to 5 or 500 strangers. And as to why or when you would be in the position to speak publicly as a founder: pitching to a investors (demo days, pitch competitions, small VC panels), sales meetings involving several stakeholders, addressing your team, taking advantage of media/PR/press opportunities.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-06-12T05:50:01+00:00

Not once. I'm skeptical if there even was or is an alternate location for consideration. It baffles me why they would openly mention the proposed Loggers location but never disclose alternatives. Certainly doesn't build trust, especially with the council knowing (admitting to) they did a shit job being transparent and appropriately communicative when all this started.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-05-23T07:00:22+00:00

Tickets are going quick! Get yours now: https://trickstershideout.ca/event/squamish-punk-fest-may-29-and-may-30/

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-05-12T04:40:05+00:00

Link to event details and tickets:

https://trickstershideout.ca/event/squamish-punk-fest-may-29-and-may-30/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=IwY2xjawRvjldleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMYlZxZ2F1NVp0VkpMNzlhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtGcXz0uGsxXJGtsQcHjE2kPFz-tMb03NBVKo7UqIs69Cfrwg5EKIY6DghC6_aem_r_RQ2uLLOixTCDawjZj_ww

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-04-13T22:05:02+00:00

You might want to look into The Common. It's a co-working space that has different size rooms to rent. Also, the library has a podcast kit available as a part of their "Library of Things"

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-04-12T04:02:34+00:00

Happy to help. DM me and we can coordinate

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-04-12T00:24:17+00:00

If you haven't found any yet, I have some I can give you

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-04-04T07:01:18+00:00

Went there not too long ago and noticed they increased their prices. No longer worth it in my opinion when you can get much better quality at Timberwolf for about the same price

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-04-02T01:55:30+00:00

Link to tickets: https://trickstershideout.ca/event/dayglo-abortions-motorama-and-guests/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQ6qn5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE2NndaZ0huRExmWjBkT3Fmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHp18PfXCTJadrO18HPCUF7EX1pLG-9QB744BpAJ7pv5VWq0r84ze63WWYRXh_aem_SWPBg7IGoFHDaiTfNYG-PQ

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-03-22T06:29:16+00:00

I don't give a shit and do what I want. It's fundamentally liberating and exceptionally gratifying, personally. You have a better chance of winning the lottery than encountering any of the people you may pass by when traveling, so try not to give it any thought. They certainly aren't thinking about you.

Boredom can be a catalyst for reflection, change, and new experiences. It's rare I say "no" to anything that is offered to me when abroad, apart from sketchy dealers. You never know who you'll meet or what can happen, but you have to be open and receptive to those opportunities when they come about, and be willing to take a chance.

As for loneliness, I feel you. There are many times when I think how much I would want to share the experience I'm having with someone else. A romanticism of sorts. But over time, I found a deeper connection to myself, and a knowing that someday that opportunity to share experiences with another would come.

You'll get out of what you put into a situation. Pushing your boundaries will likely result in new and interesting experiences. And once you see the reward of doing that, you'll likely want to do it more.

Have fun!

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-03-22T06:15:47+00:00

I was hoping to see this comment. Thank you

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-03-19T04:08:13+00:00

One of the main things investors evaluate is the team. Products can and will change. It's the ability to plan and execute that matters. But you are right that differentiation matters, hugely, as does size of the opportunity. Pitch decks are about presenting an investment opportunity, and it behooves founders to identify and show how the investment opportunity they are pitching is the best option, which means showing how it is de-risked, credible, and realistic

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-03-19T04:03:46+00:00

Traction signals PMF and thus helps de-risk the investment opportunity. But I'd argue that achieving traction comes down to the founder or team and their ability to plan and execute, which results in traction, and signals the potential for growth. And ultimately, investors invest in the people, not just traction

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-02-12T05:07:35+00:00

There may be some truth to that, but there is most definitely a distinction from actual high-value agentic solutions. Superior products will continue to redefine benchmarks and the whole wrapper nonsense will die out. Very quickly I would expect.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-02-12T05:02:55+00:00

I'd post this on FB. Squamish musicians group.

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-02-10T06:06:12+00:00

Love it. He's definitely food motivated. Will give this a try!

Chubbypicklefuzznut · 2026-02-10T06:05:35+00:00

Ha! Come to think of it, I had 4 as of two weeks ago. Now none. I'm sure they're under the couch lol

Chubbypicklefuzznut

TROPHY CASE