The Built by Community session at Reddit headquarters explored how Reddit can be useful for founders. It was another reminder that understanding customers belongs alongside building the product.
The event featured Chris Slowe, Reddit cofounder and former CTO.
Make customer understanding part of the work
The session added a different perspective to my usual outreach and learning. It made me think about the places founders can learn what people are asking, discussing and struggling with.
Listen before offering a solution
My takeaway across the week applies here too: spend more time listening, understand what people have already tried and ask what is still getting in the way. That is the question I want to carry into future customer conversations.
My takeaway
Treat customer understanding as ongoing work. The session broadened the places I want to learn from, without replacing direct conversations with founders.
Thank you to Chris Slowe, Reddit and the organizers for the session.
Questions from this recap
What did I learn at Built by Community?
The session explored Reddit’s usefulness for founders and added to my interest in understanding customers before offering a solution.
What was Chris Slowe’s role?
Chris Slowe is a Reddit cofounder and former CTO. This recap does not describe him as the current CTO.
Explore further
Where do your customers discuss the problems they do not mention in a sales call?