As a first-time founder or creator of a new product, you’ll inevitably face rejection at some point in your business journey. You’ll hear ‘no’ from investors, customers, and potential hires who can’t see your vision—especially when you’re strapped for cash and unable to afford the expertise you need.
During these tough moments, it’s natural to question everything. To persevere and eventually achieve success, you need two crucial elements: strong conviction and effective storytelling (without resorting to deception).
1️⃣. Conviction means you have a deep belief that what you’re building is truly valuable. It stems from carefully understanding customer needs and the problem your product solves.
Your conviction is further validated by testing your product in the market. If your research and data support your product’s potential for success, your conviction only naturally grows stronger.
Remember, conviction doesn’t mean shutting your ears to feedback, or being stubborn or egoistic. It’s about being resilient and adaptable while staying true to your vision.
2️⃣. Getting your story right.
Once you’re confident that there’s a market for your product, it’s time to communicate that conviction through storytelling.
Research by cognitive psychologist Jerome Bruner found that people are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it’s embedded in a story. This means a well-crafted brand or product story can create an emotional connection with customers and investors alike.
This emotional connection is built through a blend of facts, data, and a narrative that builds trust and excitement for what you’re offering.
Speaking of data, it plays an essential role in this mix. According to Disrupt Africa, 73% of African startups fail due to a lack of market understanding. So, while your product may “feel” right, without data to back it up, its chances of success could fall short of your expectations.