So you do your pilot run, get your first client, release to a 'by-invitation-only' group of users, whatever. No matter how small the customer/user base, this is big. This is the real deal, the first time your idea takes concrete shape and achieves its objective - be used by real customers.
This in itself is a huge thrill. Your startup has made something happen, and the creative urge is a big driver for entrepreneurs. And then, the icing on the cake, the cherry on top - you get great reviews. Your pilot customer is excited by your product, your client sends a glowing email, your users send feedback with smiley faces. OK, you haven't got a million-dollar check or cracked a million users a day mark or any such thing, but still, this is a milestone worth savoring and the excitement is worth spreading.
Here's what you should do:
- Jump up and down, cheer, dance a jig - at a minimum, break out a giant smile.
- High-five your team. They deserve to know their hard work is paying off - and this makes it easier to continue doing more of the same.
- Share the details with your advisors, investors, board members. Everyone loves hearing good news about ventures they have a stake in, even if the news is not about the big money deals. The small wins portend better things to come.
- If appropriate, share it with other customers/users. The halo effect is real.
- Send a quick thank you note to the customer who gave you the kudos. Basic customer relations management.
Of course, in the back of your mind you're thinking about how to get more customers, where you're going to get funding, wondering if this is just a one-off, flash in the pan or a true measure of the worth of your offering. And yes, you should consider those things. But for now, remember you have earned this sweet rush. Savor it. Enjoy. And believe there's more of it to come.
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