One valuable piece of advice I'd offer is the importance of perseverance, coupled with the ability to recognize when a strategic shift is necessary. Perseverance is often emphasized in today's world, with the abundance of resources like technology and platforms such as YouTube. Observing various entrepreneurs sharing their success stories, it's tempting to believe that instant millionaire status is easily attainable within a few months of starting a new business. While this may happen for a select few, the reality for most is a gradual journey. It has taken me a considerable amount of time to reach a point where I feel a sense of accomplishment and success.

Absolutely ensure validation before construction. Without a doubt. Additionally, prioritize positive cash flow—it reigns supreme, no exceptions. Pursue something you are genuinely passionate about. Identify the challenges that resonate with you deeply, the ones you are eager to address. Lastly, based on my observations, many venture into building ventures unrelated to their core passions. While I can't guarantee the success of what I'm working on, the driving force behind my commitment is an authentic love for the daily pursuit of solving a meaningful problem.

Focus on mastering the resolution of a single issue initially. When embarking on a new venture, the temptation, which I personally experienced, is to branch out in numerous directions, offering a plethora of services to diverse audiences, thinking this is the key to expansion. However, this approach complicates growth and scalability. The key is to develop one product that effectively tackles a specific problem for a particular customer segment. Dedicate a year to this focused effort, and you'll find yourself significantly more advanced than if you attempt to cater to a broad audience, maintain a presence on numerous social media platforms, and market across the board. Specialize in solving one problem for one demographic.

Rather than prescribing advice, my approach is to share perspectives, especially when individuals starting a business seek guidance. I prioritize understanding the deeper motivations behind their entrepreneurial journey, comprehending the business context, strategy, and thought processes. I've learned that people value advice when they explicitly seek it. Offering unsolicited advice to those who haven't asked for it can be unproductive, as it may be perceived as a waste of time. Recognizing the genuine interest in advice when it's sought ensures a more meaningful and effective exchange of insights.

Success is tough, especially for startups. Rejections are a big reason many fail. I've faced numerous "no's" in my journey, but I don't let it stop me. Some people give up after just one rejection, but that's not the right approach. Keep pushing forward because behind every "no" lies another opportunity. I've seen others quit after a few setbacks, but the trick is to see each rejection as a step closer to a "yes." Eventually, someone will believe in your vision, and when that happens, prove them right. Life throws a lot of rejections your way, but if you persist, you'll get those crucial "yeses" that push you to the next level.

I believe a crucial piece of advice is to seek input from various sources by openly sharing your business with others and absorbing their insights. However, it's essential to recognize that individuals without a vested interest may offer well-intentioned yet generic advice. Seasoned professionals from unrelated industries might not provide the most pertinent guidance for your specific venture. Reflecting on my own initial business experience, I may have placed excessive reliance on the recommendations of admired figures from different fields, adapting my approach accordingly. In hindsight, I realize the importance of balancing external advice with trusting my instincts. While soliciting diverse perspectives is valuable, it's equally crucial to stay attuned to your own intuition. Additionally, the vast resources available on the internet can serve as a valuable supplement to conventional advice channels.

Engage in meaningful conversations with your customers. My advice is to genuinely connect with them and grasp their true needs, as opposed to mere desires. This process involves ongoing learning, honing the skill of deciphering unspoken cues. Reflecting the sentiment of Henry Ford's timeless wisdom – "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses" – it underscores the importance of understanding the underlying challenges hindering business growth or causing issues. Distinguishing between essential requirements and nice-to-haves is a skill worth mastering. The ability to discern and address core business obstacles ultimately contributes significantly to the success of the enterprise.

Certainly, I would strongly recommend ensuring you have a dedicated technical co-founder who is fully committed to the venture. However, on the flip side, it's equally important to approach the journey one day at a time. Some of the most challenging experiences I've faced were overcome by simply waking up each morning and deciding to make it a successful day. Consistently making that commitment day after day eventually paves the way for a successful overall journey. Essentially, success boils down to waking up every day and consistently showing up.

I would begin by extending my congratulations for taking such a bold and courageous step—a move not suited for everyone. My foremost piece of advice, applicable to all, is to persevere once you've embarked on this journey. It's crucial not to give up, even in the face of numerous challenges that will inevitably arise. As someone who holds strong faith, I believe that despite possessing a multitude of skills and talents, we often fail to fully utilize them until we venture into the realm of entrepreneurship. Consider this: you might not be tapping into all the gifts you possess until you initiate and operate a business.

Reflecting on the past 10, 15, 20 years, I've come to realize the importance of being open and responsive to others, as well as embracing new ideas. In the earlier stages, I held preconceived notions about how things should be, often imposing my perspectives on others with statements like "you should do this" or "you should do that." Over time, I've learned the value of advising others to remain open-minded, encouraging them to explore new ideas and experiences. It's crucial to allow people to express themselves authentically while finding common ground to connect with one another.