Before going through classes that involved starting businesses, I thought it would be a lot simpler than it actually is. My original philosophy was that if you had a good product, the money to back it, and a way to market it, the customers would just come. Apparently, there is a lot more back story than this. First things first is that you need to interview multiple people including but not limited to potential customers, people who have created similar businesses before you, advisors, mentors, industry professionals, legal advisors, the list goes on and on. With these interviews, I have also learned you SHOULD not just wing it, but instead know a little bit about the person you are interviewing, as well as the questions you intend to ask them.
You might be asking yourself, why though, why do you need these interviews. It is basically so you can judge the market to see if there is a need, and you have to have proof of a need to get bank loans for your start up. These interviews could also sway the direction of the design of your product as well.
WHO you are interviewing:
To learn a little more about the people you are going up to interview, I have been advised to do a google search to find out their job title or role in the company, or perhaps a LinkedIn search to determine more about their job description. Another place to look is the company’s website. This is just a basic curtesy, so you ask appropriate questions and don’t waist someone’s time or look like a fool in the interview process.
WHAT you need to ask:
For potential customers, don’t immediately dip into asking about your product, and if it would be beneficial for them. Start asking about what issues they have already. To see if your product would fulfil one of their needs. Talking about your ideas makes the interview bias, and it also can give away too many of your new company’s secrets.
As for talking to people within the industry you are interviewing DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR IDEA. Talk to them about how they got started, about their role in the company, maybe ask for a tour. If you are a student you can get a litter further with this than an “outside source” can, but this should be your goal, see how similar businesses in your future industry are ran.
Feed Back:
Be sure to give feed back when talking to someone an interviewing them. This can be something as simple as tell me more about blah blah blah or asking questions like who what where why and when. It is important to not sit there like a rock. Just saying.
How to structure your interview to make it professional:
- Prepare your questions and have a goal of information you want to figure out.
- Introduce yourself and shake hands with the person (American thing)
- THANK the person profusely for meeting with you
- Start out by asking your questions, try to make it more of a conversation
When closing up ask things like if they can recommend anyone else for you to talk with, thank them, and if you need to follow up later, ask them if you can so you can keep the communication lines open.
Example Interview Questions:
Let’s talk actual questions to ask, I know for me this is difficult. So here is some open-ended prompts for you.
- How are you currently dealing with_________________________
- What to you like or dislike about it________________________________
- Is there anything you wish you could do that currently isn’t possible???
- What is your current role in the company?
- How did you bring your business to life?
- How do you market your products?
Lastly, I have a free e-book to offer you on how to talk to people in an interview setting in a way that isn’t leading or too revealing of your new product. It will also allow you to gain further knowledge on how to enhance your people skills.
Or use this link to access it online here: https://mommydaughterlove.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TalkingtoHumans.pdf
I hope this course topic was helpful to you all today!
Happy interviewing,
Brie
