Successful Founders Are OK With Rejection - Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel

Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel on the importance of talking to your users, why successful founders are ok with rejection from potential customers, and how protecting your ego by not talking to your users can kill your startup.
To create Rookies Mistakes we asked YC founders: Is there a simple fact you wish you knew when you started your company or a rookie mistake you wish you could take back?
/ daltonc
/ mwseibel
Chapters (Powered by bit.ly/chapterme-yc) -
00:00:00 - Rookie Mistakes
00:00:36 - Note from YC founder
00:00:59 - Ideas vs Reality
00:01:38 - User surveys
00:02:25 - Charge for it
00:03:20 - AirBnB
00:05:27 - Twitch
00:09:35 - Note from YC founder
00:09:59 - Rejection
00:10:52 - Be scientific
00:13:13 - Note from YC founder
00:13:40 - Real customer
00:14:15 - Sales
00:15:53 - Customer validation
00:17:48 - Trade-off - Employee vs Founder

[@matiroy]

summary: avoid ego-protection - science approach - users that invest money, time, or social capital in your product will give better / more credible feedback - try to get nos faster; allow customers to disqualify themselves fast; important part of sales is also identifying types of customers that will say no - be okay with the feeling of being rejected

[@harishs9808]

This series demystifies all those meta-physical aspects of a business that are generally attributed to the "born entrepreneur". Keep 'em comin!

[@ADOConnection]

15:10 I like when Michael starts saying “convincing is not on salesperson list” the souls of founders who never made it start singing in background 😆

[@richbodo]

For founders, this conversation is so cathartic. My god it hits so darn close to home. Listen to the end. Sometimes after looking at the world with your own two eyes long enough you just want to go back to the way things were for a while.

[@davidshamiri1448]

Lot of soul searching and self improvement as a founder. Thanks for talking about these topics makes me feel less alone. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@alexanderfardella8709]

Keep grinding my man, you are not alone!

[@lam_roger]

Talking to a customer or potential partner can be incredibly energizing - much like the Airbnb founders finding the person who had years of notes! I reached out to ten jewelers to sell an engagement ring. Seven responded. One was a really annoying conversation. The last was someone who was easy to talk to and was open to talking more about different startup ideas. We had a great 30 min conversation - pitching ideas, learning about the industry. None of this would have happened if I was still in that initial nervous phase of emailing and eventually calling people. If the conversation doesn't jive, go to the next one. 2022 is the year you build your vision. You got this!

[@NewcolorStudio]

19:04 -" reality is tricky when it's not filtered " - this is the good stuff! we can try to limit uncertainty, but there's no avoiding it altogether. Best to fall in love with that messy process if you're taking an uncommon path--because the trip; even though it's rougher--when someone takes it, they sign up for AP Learning and it can be painful. People watching this video are all signed up...we must love learning.

[@gorilladatalabs5785]

Both of these guys are great. Great video. Siebel's cool, calm and collected demeanor is really awesome. Thanks and pls keep em coming!

[@davidbang1t]

This was my best of the series by far. Thank you so much for the amazing content.

[@techronin_]

This was a really great. Real and authentic episode guys. Please keep them coming super helpful for even us OG’s

[@cj-pr3sm]

Been loving this series. One of the most practical, relatable, no-frills video series out there. There's a reason ya'll have set a precedent in the startup world

[@LemmingAttack]

It's horrible when people are subjected to what you developed in a silo, but it's also freeing. You get to discard the old and move towards the new.

[@rubyrodriguez1304]

Wow I'm so glad I was sent this video! I have a feeling I will be digging through your back catalogues. Many thanks!

[@just1689]

Taking a crack at a problem I found recently. This is a fantastic reminder of core commitments I need to have. Thanks guys

[@pratyushrai3295]

YC, you folks are genuinely sharing so much required stuff... that even with practically bad dilution levels vs other pre-seed / seed investors. I would want to give you equity & make you rich (if I get rich). Share the biggest value add you have to give to with founders (knowledge).. for free!........ Is the most charitable thing to do. Love and deep respect for you all.

[@primaryrecord]

I can't get enough of these videos. Thanks. I'm watching all of them.

[@curiousmind7967]

Your channel is a gold mine. This is content is perfectly timed for me. Thank you

[@theliftleague4090]

I really enjoy these. It's so easy to get tunnel vision when building. These short talks remind us of the bigger picture we need to be ready for when we climb out of the dungeon after a sprint.

[@katwoods8514]

The marathon quote is so inspiring. It reminds me of a quote from the Upside of Stress (kind of like the book expanded version of this video) where they talk about how doing something important is like climbing Mt Everest. When you're camping for the Nth night, freezing, cold, exhausted, you're not like "Omg this is the worst." You knew this going in! This is the whole point! If climbing Mt Everest were easy, it wouldn't be great. It's just another night on the side of Mt Everest, and that's what makes it epic and meaningful.

[@shawnemployee6906]

The last 5 minutes is one of the greatest segments I have ever seen in a business video

[@impactfully5714]

I love this conversation. Thanks, YC!

[@amanjha__]

Every single video in this series centers around managing your own emotions and thinking more clearly. Seems like the #1 best way to go is get a therapist

[@FoolishFounder]

Such a gift, thank you for the content. I would love for you guys to talk about what genius moves rookies made during YC.

[@mtrisi]

that'd actually be really cool

[@amadsamara]

Super smart idea

[@cj-pr3sm]

rookie moves that work... I like that

[@metagoat]

I really appreciate this content. Concise and useful.

[@adnansiddiqui3650]

Precious content! Thanks for sharing your vast experience in the startup arena.

[@amadsamara]

This is incredible man thank you guys so much.

[@josedelaluzlopez7513]

I loved this one, thank you so much for creating these videos!

[@SuperKillaki]

This is nice way to transition CEO from Michael to Dalton and give him more visibility. Could kind of spot he may be next to steer the ship from earlier videos.

[@wdai03]

Is Dalton actually gonna become CEO? I really enjoy Dalton's content and way of thinking, I think he'd make a pretty good ceo

[@find-z3424]

This is such high quality advice, thank you so much for sharing it for free. You guys are doing a great service to a generation of entrepreneurs.

[@sarveshbhise4300]

Just two words for YC team for this video and the series : THANKS TONS...

[@rantg]

i love Michael and his peaceful way of talking.

[@EruvadhronLOE]

I love these videos, I’m learning so much ! Please keep them coming, thank you !!!

[@Ashwin.M.S]

This series is GOLD!

[@margaretcezar1109]

Thanks for the tips Dalton and Michael. I'll adjust my questioning.

[@DimitarTomovEU]

Valuable conversation. All these mistakes of other people are valuable.

[@alihaidersoni199]

Love this, PLEASE KEEP THIS COMING

[@healingzen338]

This right here, is PURE GOLD. Thank you :-)

[@benholmquist3589]

Great point Michael about "seeking expertise". Haven't heard it in those words. Thanks!

[@rafaelfilho8114]

Great content in this conversation. Thanks for sharing!

[@vusalkarimli5682]

Great content. Thank you guys.

[@PhantomKThief]

These videos are very helpful.

[@davidshamiri1448]

Thank you Michael youre the man

[@aaronalexander8826]

I fucking love these videos and the format. Please keep them coming.

[@knodoublex]

My favorite channel!

[@duongtt3]

Thank you YC! V7

[@FahmiEshaq]

Excellent content

[@artashesvardanyan763]

This was a great chat

[@thomas-sinkala]

I agree with the Survey analysis from Dalton. It is one way to go the wrong way.

[@jeromeneareo4730]

Awesome content ! I'm hooked

[@christellafenisianti1140]

I think a step further about talking to potential users, we need to talk more about how to get these calls. because in my experience, it is not always the case that somebody wants to sit down with you and talk about it. It is a limited resource

[@richbodo]

Summary of the entreprenurial experience that should be required watching before anyone is allowed to start a business

[@rajatgupta001]

You guys are awesome!

[@yestin3509]

Thanks!

[@husainzaidi]

amazing series, I did all of the mistakes during my pandemic, all my projects were dead on arrival haha

[@ekkamailax]

Growing up with a mother who constantly belittles you and puts you down, or a father who beats you like a slave for getting an A- instead of an A will create that fear of rejection. Very common in the tech world.

[@RGKottawa]

I love how you guys basically spend these whole podcasts trying to convince people to not start companies with some gold nuggets of brilliant advice thrown in

[@Lionsgala]

That's what I've been doing with this whole NFT project/brand. I'm trying to put a spin on it . I particularly have an idea about how to turn all of our holders and to creators or at least help push them in that direction

[@BrodieTheAthlete]

Great talk🙏🏻🙌🔥

[@christianhamir3284]

Thanks

[@mahindersingh-wb3ik]

Can you please talk about Hard-tech startups? Can we pitch at the idea stage? When to raise money? What is an ideal MVP for a hard-tech? How to scale it fast, etc.

[@jpmergulhao.]

I think that Michael was very assertive when he said that fouders don`t run test because they have afreid of being wrong. I have already being there.

[@TheBrenton24]

This is basic stuff that should come natural I agree. The good thing is that if you know that, it makes you feel confident that you do have what it takes to accomplish what you want to accomplish. That you're good enough. Whether you do it on a big stage or in Silicon Valley is one thing, but you can get the job done anywhere and do it in relative silence. So I appreciate YCombinator for dispelling all the much deserved hype in Silicon Valley and inspiring ppl around the globe.

[@amorosogombe9650]

I had an employee mindset co-founder. I even made the start-up environment very "traditional employee" friendly. Big mistake. Start-ups are for gritty people on a mission. Not people who want it nice and cushy. Nothing wrong with wanting nice and cushy, but then go get a traditional corporate job. Forget being in a start up. He did in the end. You're better off being a solo founder than with an employee mindset co-founder.

[@drewkantos]

I absoultely love this serires guys. This is exactly the kind of insight I want from mentors. Thank you!

[@randy4ii411]

Thank you very much guys, brilliant insights. Now to funding, how much do I get?

[@yuqin9912]

Be scientific, this part really blows my mind and I thought that I was very scientific in my approach.

[@hasnainvohra9276]

It's more fun to look at the sky with your own eyes!

[@UcheOgbiti]

Please do a video on dope moves that rookie founders made

[@lotusli9144]

Doing my start up. This is the best advice. A star up isn’t for a faint heart. Rolled out the mvp，reach out to a bunch of people on my network, the response rate is less than 10%. Why would they respond since you haven’t proved yourself? A stat up should try tele market or to preach people on the street and build a right mindset. Assume nothing.. is my coping strategy . Or think about how you respond to an unsolicited call ?

[@Neonb88]

Same with job apps and dating; get to "no" quickly and it's a numbers game

[@josephtimkovsky201]

we are building a B2B service that helps businesses to navigate consumers through the wine selection process. We can definitely talk to the business users, but how do we talk to the end-users (consumers)?

[@adityaomar8802]

the best lines are from 17:49

[@R_manatee]

oof.. "hope you're doing something that you're passionate about because you're going to feel bad all the time" ... truth bomb right there.

[@CaliforniaRussianRiverBees]

Mr. Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel You Guys Nailed it !!! Even some salemen don't get this Concept. Make a sale and make more sales the you will find the truth. Some people don't want to sell they just want a quick anwers with out testing the waters. Great Job Guys!!! See the people and you will find out quick

[@maximusandsenecagloballlc1209]

I will not be ok with rejection especially when i see how my startup fit with current trends

[@Anants27]

Hey please discuss about, What if someone is already working on your startup idea, with very less scope for improvement. P.S - I am very passionate to solve that problem.

[@fineline392]

If you could bring on Sam Altman for one of these, it would be great 😃

[@grabys447]

Dalton Caldwell is like Bob Saget, but without any sort of edge.

[@serignembackeka8751]

What are the 3 questions to ask to a potential customer to figure out whether or not they can be disqualified for the product?

[@krisnaga91]

They would probably be unique to your own companies mission/capablitities. A better question is, what is a good methodology for figuring out those 3 (or however many) questions.

[@bcyc2004]

Ask them what's their problem related to a situation. If you have a product idea for sales, then ask them the last time they try to sale.

[@santhoshkarate1]

I have only 1 question. I appreciate if you take only 1 minute and answer. 1. I have a an idea of decade. And I don't have MVP. For developing MVP make take minimum 6 months. Do Y COMBINATOR FUND FOR IDEA? OR WE SHOULD HAVE MVP?

[@Prima-Infotainment]

There is 1% difference between ego and self respect.. I was rejected by few investors.. I convinced myself.. Then I started servicing for revenue and generated 0.8 mil in 12 mnths because I had both technical and product background.. which were sufficient for what I need.. I am satisfied with my revenue of 29 M $ in 3 years.. Now I am my own investor, Sir.. and I am your subscriber because I really respect your subscribers and your partners.. and someday I will again pitch in front of YC.. :-D

[@bihanijewellers]

YOU SHOULD INVITE GUESTS ALSO TO EVERY VIDEO , JUST TWO OF YOU AREN'T ENOUGH ANYMORE .

[@amigo3211]

3:21 -- 9:00

[@Taka-tg8zq]

Founder: My hypothesis keeps failing when I talk to the customers or validate our MVP! Willem Dafoe: I can help you. You know. I'm something of a scientist myself.

[@AyseSerraCollete]

So having 2 or more co-founders focusing on different parts of the business, becomes a great relief for the burden of having all these filters, I guess.

[@maximzavadskiy]

I didn’t want to watch this video cause I wanted to protect my ego

[@juanok2775]

Rejected by girls rejected by VC bros