Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn

Test Your Business Idea Before Launch

Key Lessons from Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn

Don’t start a business you aren’t willing to support for the long haul.

9 Key Takeaways from the Book

Align Your Business with Your Life Goals

Flynn recommends interviewing your “future self” to ensure your business aligns with your personal values, lifestyle, and goals. This approach helps avoid regret by building a business that enhances, rather than complicates, your life.

Validate Your Idea with the Customer P.L.A.N.

Flynn’s Customer P.L.A.N. ensures your idea matches your audience. “P” is for Problems to solve, “L” for the Language your audience uses, “A” for Anecdotes that reveal needs, and “N” for specific Needs you can address.

Test Financial Viability Early

Instead of asking if people would buy your product, Flynn suggests securing pre-sales from at least 10% of your target audience. This financial validation confirms genuine demand, saving time and resources on ideas unlikely to sell.

Look Back to Move Forward

Gaining clarity on your strengths can help you identify valuable opportunities. Reflecting on past successes and challenges provides insights into your unique skills and experiences, guiding your entrepreneurial path.

Create a Mind Map of Your Idea

Mapping out your concept visually, from broad ideas down to specific details, helps clarify your business vision and can highlight any gaps or additional opportunities to explore.

Research and Organize Customer Insights

Flynn suggests using a spreadsheet to record customer feedback, problems, and frequently mentioned desires. This database ensures your offerings are directly aligned with real customer needs, leading to better product-market fit.

Cheaply Test Interest in Your Idea

Start small with inexpensive methods like surveys, landing pages, or social media ads. These low-cost tests gauge interest, allowing you to adjust based on initial responses without major investment.

Engage in Direct Conversations

Talking one-on-one with potential customers reveals insights beyond survey data. These conversations provide deeper understanding and help refine your product idea by clarifying real customer preferences.

Distinguish a Hobby from a Business

Flynn emphasizes that only ventures generating revenue are true businesses. Without monetary validation, your “business” may actually be a hobby, making profitability tests essential for serious entrepreneurs.

Success = Life Alignment + Customer Validation + Financial Viability

Before investing time and money, ensure your business idea aligns with your goals and meets real customer needs. Testing interest upfront can save you from chasing unviable ideas.

If they’re willing to pay for it now, you know your idea is worth pursuing.

Summary Note

Will It Fly? by Pat Flynn provides a framework for testing business ideas before launch. By aligning ventures with personal goals, creating a Customer P.L.A.N., and securing pre-sales, entrepreneurs can confidently pursue ideas with genuine market demand, avoiding costly missteps.

Explore More

Small Giants by Bo Burlingham

Stay Small, Stay Strong  Key Lessons from Small...

Influence by Robert Cialdini

Master Persuasion with the Power of Influence Key...

For More Details

Ready to elevate your business? Our tailored coaching programs help entrepreneurs unlock their potential and achieve sustainable growth. Start with a free strategy session to discover your roadmap to success!

Registration

Wiseway coach Form

Integrate

Leadership
Seamlessly incorporate advanced leadership practices into your daily life. Lead with consistency and make a lasting impact.
Well-Being & Harmony
Fully embed well-being practices into your daily routine. Maintain harmony and balance consistently, ensuring long-term health and happiness.
Self-Discovery & Self-Esteem
Integrate self-awareness and confidence into all areas of your life. Consistently practice self-acceptance and leverage your strengths.
Money Mastery
Fully integrate financial discipline into your daily life. Maintain financial security and freedom through consistent and smart money management.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Fully embed entrepreneurial practices into your lifestyle. Grow and sustain your business with innovative strategies and resilient mindset.
Family Relationships
Integrate strong family values into everyday life. Maintain supportive and loving relationships consistently, nurturing a harmonious family environment.
Empathy
Fully integrate empathy into your life. Consistently practice understanding and compassion, strengthening personal and professional relationships.
Professional Development
Integrate professional growth into your daily routine. Consistently pursue excellence and stay updated with advancements in your field.
Spiritual Wisdom
Fully integrate spiritual wisdom into your everyday life. Maintain a sense of tranquility and fulfillment consistently, guiding your actions and decisions.

Elevate

Leadership
Enhance your leadership skills by taking on more challenging roles and responsibilities. Refine your approach and build confidence.
Well-Being & Harmony
Deepen your commitment to well-being by incorporating comprehensive wellness practices. Address all aspects of your health and create a balanced lifestyle.
Self-Discovery & Self-Esteem
Build your self-esteem by embracing your unique qualities and working on personal growth. Develop confidence through continuous self-improvement.
Money Mastery
Advance your financial knowledge by exploring investment opportunities and strategic financial planning. Enhance your money management skills.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Enhance your entrepreneurial skills by creating a business plan and taking actionable steps towards launching your venture. Learn from successes and setbacks.
Family Relationships
Deepen family relationships by resolving conflicts and enhancing mutual understanding. Develop effective communication and empathy.
Empathy
Enhance your empathetic abilities by engaging in deeper emotional connections. Show genuine concern and support for others.
Professional Development
Advance your career by gaining specialized knowledge and taking on challenging projects. Continuously improve and adapt to industry trends.
Spiritual Wisdom
Enhance your spiritual growth by engaging in regular spiritual practices and seeking deeper insights. Cultivate inner peace and purpose.

Initiate

Leadership
Begin your leadership journey by learning the fundamentals of effective leadership. Understand core principles and start applying them in small settings.
Well-Being & Harmony
Start prioritizing your well-being by adopting basic healthy habits. Focus on simple lifestyle changes to improve mental, physical, and emotional health
Self-Discovery & Self-Esteem
Begin your journey of self-discovery by exploring your strengths, values, and passions. Engage in self-reflection to understand your true self.
Money Mastery
Start mastering your finances by learning the basics of budgeting and saving. Set financial goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ignite your entrepreneurial passion by brainstorming ideas and exploring opportunities. Begin developing your business concept.
Family Relationships
Strengthen family bonds by prioritizing quality time and open communication. Establish a foundation of trust and support.
Empathy
Begin fostering empathy by actively listening and understanding others’ perspectives. Practice compassionate communication in daily interactions.
Professional Development
Start your professional development journey by setting clear career goals and acquiring foundational skills. Seek opportunities for learning and growth.
Spiritual Wisdom
Begin your spiritual journey by exploring your beliefs and practicing mindfulness. Develop a deeper understanding of your inner self.

Initiate

Leadership
Begin your leadership journey by learning the fundamentals of effective leadership. Understand core principles and start applying them in small settings.
Well-Being & Harmony
Start prioritizing your well-being by adopting basic healthy habits. Focus on simple lifestyle changes to improve mental, physical, and emotional health
Self-Discovery & Self-Esteem
Begin your journey of self-discovery by exploring your strengths, values, and passions. Engage in self-reflection to understand your true self.
Money Mastery
Start mastering your finances by learning the basics of budgeting and saving. Set financial goals and create a plan to achieve them.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ignite your entrepreneurial passion by brainstorming ideas and exploring opportunities. Begin developing your business concept.
Family Relationships
Strengthen family bonds by prioritizing quality time and open communication. Establish a foundation of trust and support.
Empathy
Begin fostering empathy by actively listening and understanding others’ perspectives. Practice compassionate communication in daily interactions.
Professional Development
Start your professional development journey by setting clear career goals and acquiring foundational skills. Seek opportunities for learning and growth.
Spiritual Wisdom
Begin your spiritual journey by exploring your beliefs and practicing mindfulness. Develop a deeper understanding of your inner self.