Advice on launch/exposure
Hi All! I’m building a platform to support businesses navigate frontier markets. Have a couple of questions:
I’m trying to build an MVP from scratch. I am taking courses in the language I’m building it in. I’m working hard to build as I learn. I estimate that I need 4-6 months to get to the MVP, but that there’s no guarantee it’ll be 100% ready by then. There’s a large industry event happening in November where I can show the MVP. But it will cost me a significant amount of money. I don’t have cash inflow but I have my savings. Should I sign up for this exhibition or defer it for a time where I have a bigger portfolio, more clients, full fledged MVP? It’s a chicken and egg situation because the exposure would get me potential clients but to get exposure I also need clients.
What is the best way to get the idea validated? I know from my desk research that there is a gap in the market. But I don’t know how to get in front of the right people as I am new to the UAE. I am also introverted so being out there on social media frightens me.
Does the UAE “reward” people at this stage of building something? In other words, is a polished product expected for credibility? My background is VERY strong on its own. I just don’t know what the bar for credibility is here.