Startup Sales — 5 Common Sales Mistakes by Founders
August 12, 2025
Founders are responsible for the first sales a startup will make. For many founders, this is one of their very first experiences of sales and mistakes are often made.
Today, we’re talking about your first customer research.
Once you’re armed with a rough idea of a problem to solve and who might need your help, we have to start talking to people.
Different types of customers in different locations can have very different problems, needs, and budgets. Don’t limit your conversations too early.
We’re not selling anything yet — instead, let people know that you’re building a product, especially for them, and you need their help — because of their strong experience or situation.
Most first-time entrepreneurs will only do 20–30 interviews, but successful serial entrepreneurs usually do around 250. That’s because they’re not willing to commit years of their life to a problem without knowing it’s important.
Best of luck out there.
