The One Book Every Young Founder Should Read
If you're trying to build something people actually want — whether it’s a product, service, or startup — there’s one book I keep coming back to:
The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick.
It’s a short, practical read that completely changed the way I talk to people about ideas. I first listened to the audiobook (around 3 hours, great narration), and then ended up buying the physical book for a few people in the office. That’s how useful it is.
If you’re a young founder, early-stage entrepreneur, or someone who works in marketing, product, or sales, you need this book in your life. It’ll save you from wasting time and money building things people say they want… but don’t actually buy.
Also, the book as great pictures on how you can even structure your notes, what key things are important and how to recruit people to ask questions!
Why is it called The Mom Test?
Because your mom will lie to you.
Everyone does, actually. Friends, customers, even strangers at conferences. Not out of malice — people just want to be supportive. But if you're not asking the right questions, you’ll walk away with false confidence instead of real insights.
Here are some of the key takeaways that hit me hard:
Everyone is lying to you. Not because they’re mean — just because they’re nice.
It’s your job to ask better questions. The burden is on you to get to the truth.
You’re not allowed to pitch. If you talk about the solution too early, you’ll influence the answers.
If you’re talking more than listening, you’re losing. Real learning happens when you shut up and pay attention.
It’s uncomfortable at first, but once you get the hang of it, your conversations with potential customers become 10x more valuable. You start to hear what people actually struggle with — and what they would actually pay to solve.
Final word
If you're serious about building something useful — whether it’s your next startup, side hustle, or MVP — do yourself a favor and read The Mom Test. You’ll make better decisions, avoid expensive mistakes, and maybe even build something people will actually pay for.
Also: if you’re into book recs, early-stage product thinking, and the messy but fun world of starting something from scratch — follow my journey! I’m documenting the whole thing, one step at a time.
https://everyday-christian.beehiiv.com/
