Module 2
Listen Now.
Welcome to the second module of FTF Circle! In today’s episode, we’re joined by Seema Vora and Shariq Shah. Seema graduated from SJSU with a degree in software engineering. During her time at SJSU, she founded Xircle, a startup to create community within universities. Shariq is a serial founder and CEO of several companies, including Edvisor & LaunchVisory. Shariq helps startups build MVPs and adds value as a fractional CTO.
This module focuses on Idea Validation, specifically to assess the feasibility, desirability, and viability of your startup.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will:
Learn to evaluate the significance of problems to identify meaningful opportunities.
Understand how to stay problem-focused to avoid premature solution-building.
Adopt strategies for customer-driven ideation using tools like The Mom Test.
Gain frameworks for collaborative brainstorming and problem reframing.
Lesson 1: How to Spot Problems Worth Solving
Why Startups Begin with Problems, Not Ideas
Many first-time founders make the mistake of starting with a solution instead of a problem. But great startups don’t come from cool ideas—they come from deeply understanding real frustrations people face daily.
“The best businesses solve problems that impact people’s lives in real ways—whether it’s saving time, saving money, or even saving lives. If you’re building something that improves health, education, or the environment, you’re working on something that truly matters." - Shariq Shah
How to Identify Problems Worth Solving:
- Observe inefficiencies in your own life – What slows you down or frustrates you?
- Pay attention to workarounds – What tasks require excessive effort or extra steps?
- Notice patterns – If many people experience the same issue, it’s a signal of opportunity.
Case Study: Seema’s Xircle
Seema built Xircle after noticing a common problem among students at San Jose State: commuters struggled to make connections on campus.
- She validated the problem by talking to fellow students.
- She tested simple ways to help students connect before developing a full product.
Action Step: Write down three daily frustrations you or others experience that could signal a business opportunity.
Lesson 2: Reframing Broad Problems into Actionable Opportunities
Making Problems More Actionable
Some problems feel too broad to tackle. If your problem statement sounds overwhelming, try reframing it with these steps:
Narrow the scope – Instead of “People struggle to be productive,” ask, “How can remote workers eliminate distractions?”
Identify high-friction points – Where do people feel the most frustration?
Turn complaints into insights – What are people already saying about the problem?
Example: Shariq’s Approach at Advisor
Initially, Shariq wanted to build an AI chatbot for classrooms. But he quickly learned that teachers didn’t want chatbots—they wanted better tools to manage coursework.
Instead of pushing his original idea, he pivoted to a solution that fit teachers' real needs.
Action Step: Take one of your three frustrations from Lesson 1 and reframe it into a more specific, actionable problem statement.
Lesson 3: Avoiding the Trap of Falling in Love with a Solution
How to Recognize You’re Too Attached to a Solution
Warning signs that you’re solution-focused instead of problem-focused:
❌ You’re defending your idea before validating the problem.
❌ You’re more excited about building features than talking to customers.
❌ You’re ignoring feedback that challenges your vision.
Solution: Stay Curious About the Problem
Instead of pitching your idea, ask customers about their experiences.
Don’t rush to build—test demand with lightweight experiments first.
Action Step: Ask yourself: If my solution disappeared today, would I still care about solving this problem?
Lesson 4: Using “The Mom Test” to Uncover Real Pain Points
How to Conduct Meaningful Customer Interviews
Many founders ask leading questions that give them the answers they want to hear. Instead, follow The Mom Test:
3 Key Questions to Ask Customers:
“Tell me about the last time you experienced this problem.” (Focus on facts, not opinions.)
“How do you currently solve this?” (See if they already spend time/money on a workaround.)
“Would you pay for a better solution?” (If they wouldn’t pay, it’s not a business—it's a hobby.)
Shariq’s Advice:
✔️ Avoid hypothetical questions like “Would you use this?”—instead, ask how they already behave.
✔️ Look for strong emotional responses—if they’re indifferent, it’s not a big enough problem.
Action Step: Find three people experiencing your problem and ask them The Mom Test questions.
Lesson 5: Generating Fresh, Diverse Startup Ideas
Brainstorming Methods That Work
Cross-industry inspiration – How are other fields solving similar problems?
Crazy 8’s method – Rapidly sketch 8 variations of a solution in 8 minutes.
Reverse brainstorming – Ask, “How could we make this problem worse?” to uncover hidden insights.
Why Outside Perspectives Matter
Sometimes, the best ideas come from people outside your industry who aren’t stuck in conventional thinking.
Action Step: Organize a brainstorming session with people from at least 3 different fields.
Lesson 6: How to Quickly Validate If a Problem Is Worth Pursuing
How to Assess if a Problem is Big Enough (Without Overthinking)
💡 You don’t need months of research—use these quick tests instead:
✔️ Market Size Check:
Can you estimate at least 1 million potential users?
Would customers pay enough to make it a sustainable business?
✔️ Customer Behavior Check:
Are people already spending money or time on a workaround?
Are existing solutions complicated, expensive, or outdated?
Action Step: Estimate the total number of potential customers who have this problem and how much they’d pay for a solution.
Lesson 7: Avoiding Analysis Paralysis & Taking Action
How to Move Forward Without Overthinking
Common traps that stop founders from taking action:
Waiting until the idea feels “perfect.”
Spending months researching instead of testing.
Thinking you need an LLC or business plan before starting.
What You Should Do Instead:
✔️ Run a simple experiment—set up a landing page, post on social media, or start a conversation.
✔️ Gather real-world feedback—don’t rely on personal assumptions.
✔️ Iterate based on actual customer behavior, not guesses.
Action Step: Take one small step TODAY to test your idea—whether it’s posting about it, talking to potential customers, or sketching a prototype.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Key Takeaways:
Great startups begin with a deep understanding of the problem—not just an idea.
Customer conversations matter more than brainstorming sessions.
Reframe broad problems into specific, solvable challenges.
Validate demand before building anything.
What to Do Next:
✔️ Download the Idea Validation Resource Map for interview scripts, problem-framing worksheets, and early-stage testing templates.
✔️ Connect with Seema & Shariq for mentorship on early-stage startup development.