I can explain the problem I solve in one sentence a stranger outside my field understands.

I have talked to at least 10 potential customers about this problem in the last 90 days.

I know exactly who pays for this, how much, and why now.

I have a scoped version of my product a customer could use within 90 days.

I know how long my current savings will support me, and the exact date I would need revenue or funding.

I introduce myself as a founder, without qualifiers, in professional settings.

I can explain, in one sentence, what my technical background lets this company do that competitors can't easily copy.

I make business decisions at the same speed I make technical ones.

I have priced my work without discounting it first.

I spend more time building the business than perfecting the product.

People outside my immediate network know what I am building.

I publish or speak about my work at least twice a month.

When someone searches my name, they find the founder and the company I am building.

I have asked for something big (an intro, a deal, a stage, money) in the last 30 days.

Inbound opportunities (intros, invites, leads) reach me monthly without me chasing them.