What happens when you ask your mom for her opinion? She coats it in sugar and you walk away encouraged. What happens when you ask a professor, a peer or a stranger? You get something closer to the truth. Almost as feared as public speaking, open critiques are a critical step in a creative launch. It may feel like baptism-by-fire, but an honest critique is the best way to troubleshoot your idea, earn validation and solicit useful suggestions.
Grace Welch, who invented the Patemm Pad, took her baby product idea to the park. She approached moms at her area park and asked them to try her product. She noted their initial reaction and the feedback they gave her after using the product.
On Twitter SewSensible sent out this smart tweet a couple weeks ago: Need a couple more testers for revised scoop neck dress top, specifically size 6m-9m and size 1-2yrs, email me if u r interested. What a great way to reach out!
While I’m at it, if you haven’t given your 2¢ on the title of my upcoming e-book on business models, please take my survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JVuSbABmp0T_2b56B_2fjFQW9Q_3d_3d
See, that wasn’t so hard was it?