The Mom Test is one of the most popular startup idea validation frameworks out there. But let me tell you why it doesn’t work in Asia.
I was born into a traditional family where education was highly valued. My family had always encouraged me to study hard and get good grades. However, I was passionate about social impact and had a burning desire to start my own product to help people. I was convinced that my startup project was the way to do it. But here’s the top 3 responses I got from my family’s relatives:
“Make sure you get your university degree first, working is for later”
“Startup is risky, don’t you see people lose money in the stock market?”
“Extracurriculars are good, but not more important than your GPA.”
You see, Asians parents’ first impulse is to dismiss young people’s ideas as a distraction to their career. This is totally opposite to the idea of the Mom Test, which assumes that because your mother loves you, she would always encourage you to do it.
One day, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of trying to persuade my mother with words, I decided to show her the results of my hard work. I began to put in extra effort, dedicating every spare moment to my startup project. I read books, attended workshops, and sought out mentorship to develop my skills. I worked tirelessly.
Eventually, my mom saw the tractions we made with LEAN Social, a website with customized study-with-me rooms to foster motivations in how young people study and work. We were winning competitions around the world and gaining support from top-notch professionals in tech, product, and academia.
That is how I passed the Asian Mom Test and got her full support. Here are some of my best takeaways so you can, too:
1. Show, don’t tell:
Instead of just telling your parents about your dream, show them your commitment and dedication. Let your actions speak louder than your words. Work hard, consistently, and demonstrate your progress and achievements.
2. Listen and understand:
Before trying to convince your parents, make sure you understand their concerns and reservations. Listen to their advice and take their opinions into account. Show them that you respect their perspective and take their advice seriously.
3. Prove your capabilities:
Any parents want to support their children, but they also want to ensure their well-being. By demonstrating your capabilities and the steps you are taking to pursue your dream, you can show your parents that you are capable of managing your responsibilities and making smart decisions.
Remember, your parents want the best for you and by working together, you can achieve your dream and make a positive impact in the world.
What do you think?
