This document provides advice on various aspects of starting a new business or product, including: 1) Validating the idea by speaking to 20 potential customers and getting feedback before building anything. 2) Recognizing the importance of building a team with roles for sales, marketing, technology and legal. 3) Testing the value proposition and messaging with prototypes and getting customer feedback to refine it. 4) Gaining early customers by providing value for free or low cost in exchange for feedback.