A Practical Guide to Idea Filters for First-Time Founders

Step-by-step. From notes-app dump to a shortlist worth interviewing.

Step 1: Dump All Ideas

Open one document. List every product idea in your head and your notes app. Aim for 15-30. Do not edit yet.

Step 2: Apply Filter 1 — Reachability

For each idea: can I reach 50 buyers warm in the next 30 days? Yes or no. Strike the nos.

Step 3: Apply Filter 2 — Existing Spend

Are they already paying for something adjacent? Yes or no. Strike the nos.

Step 4: Apply Filter 3 — Pain Frequency

Is the pain weekly? Strike monthly or quarterly pains.

Step 5: Apply Filter 4 — Three Named Buyers

Can you name three real people who would pay today? Strike anything where you cannot.

Step 6: Outside Reviewer

Send the shortlist (and the killed list) to one outside person. Ask them to challenge any kept idea and any killed idea. Adjust.

Step 7: Interview the Survivors

Ten conversations per surviving idea. Pain confirmed and money already moving means build. Otherwise drop.