Tap Your Network For Initial Traction

Most founders fail at network outreach by mass-blasting generic messages to their entire contact list, but only 5% of your network can actually help you right now. The key is strategic targeting rather than volume. Start by identifying clear goals for each contact: getting first customers, product feedback, introductions to key players, or amplification through their audiences. Then systematically review all your digital connections—LinkedIn, email contacts, social media—and use a simple scoring system based on relevance, influence, and accessibility to filter down to only contacts scoring 6+ points.

Research each person for 5-10 minutes before reaching out, focusing on their recent LinkedIn activity, company news, and personal context. Craft personalized messages that reference specific details about their work, lead with their problems rather than your solution, and make small asks with easy next steps like a calendar link. Follow up systematically using the "Tuesday Strategy"—initial message Tuesday at 11am, Thursday follow-up for non-responders, and a thank-you email the following Tuesday. Track everything in a spreadsheet to avoid double-messages and maintain systematic follow-up. Success comes from treating this as relationship-building rather than transaction-focused outreach, offering mutual value while being honest about your product's early-stage limitations.