One of the most important lessons I’ve learned — and one that many founders overlook — is this:Before you spend a dollar on inventory or packaging or web design, you need to know if you can get people to care. And the simplest way to do that is by building an audience. — ehandbook.comToo many startup founders rush straight to logistics: products, packaging, fulfillment, and e-commerce stores. Yet without audience interest, all that infrastructure is like building a ship without knowing whether anyone wants to sail.
The Hardest Lesson in Startups: Build Audience Before Inventory
The Hardest Lesson in Startups: Build Audience Before Inventory
by Clint Day
0
0
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned — and one that many founders overlook — is this:
Before you spend a dollar on inventory or packaging or web design, you need to know if you can get people to care. And the simplest way to do that is by building an audience. — ehandbook.com
Too many startup founders rush straight to logistics: products, packaging, fulfillment, and e-commerce stores. Yet without audience interest, all that infrastructure is like building a ship without knowing whether anyone wants to sail.
Why Audience Comes First
At the earliest stage, the real question isn’t “Can I build this?”
It’s “Does anyone want this?”
You can answer that question without spending on inventory — by creating value in advance. When you start posting useful content related to your product domain, two things happen:
You attract the right audience. People who are already interested in your subject matter will find you.
You validate demand. Engagement — follows, comments, shares — becomes a signal that people are not just interested but invested.
Content That Builds Trust (Before You Sell)
If your startup is in a niche like tea, for example, you might start with content such as:
Brewing tips for different tea types
Comparisons of steeping temperatures and times
Behind-the-scenes glimpses into sourcing and blending
Funny or educational tea culture stories
Common mistakes beginners make (and how to fix them)
These aren’t hard sells. But they are opportunities to build real interest and an audience who will care when you do have a product to sell.
Leave a Comment 👋
Leave a Comment 👋
0 Comments
The Hardest Lesson in Startups: Build Audience Before Inventory
AI Is Changing Work, Are You Ready? What the 2025 Shift Means for Jobs, Skills & Opportunity
In 2025, we are witnessing one of the biggest transformations in the labor market — driven not by outdated industries, but by the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to Entrepreneur, more than 22,000 tech-industry workers have already been laid off this year, with 16,000 of those layoffs occurring in just one month. This shock may feel like random downsizing, but it’s part of a deeper structural shift: AI isn’t just cutting jobs, it’s redefining what kinds of work are valuable.When companies restructure to build AI-first operations, the ripple effects are far-reaching — from who gets hired, to what skills are in demand, to how people should think about their careers.
5 Powerful Ways to Use Thought Leadership to Grow Your Business
In today’s crowded market, having a high-quality product or service alone isn’t always enough. To truly stand out — to attract loyal clients, build trust, and grow sustainably — you need more than a brand name. You need influence. This is where thought leadership comes in. By sharing your expertise, unique perspectives, and real-world insights, you can position yourself or your business as a trusted authority in your industry — and watch opportunities follow. Here are five powerful ways to leverage thought leadership to grow your business.