How can you build a network of people to help you develop your product idea?

Identify your goals & always stay focused on it. Our client Zoe charted a clear vision for her product, pinpointing specific expertise and resources she needed. Focused, she sought out individuals aligned with these goals at networking events and online platforms. Each connection was a strategic step towards assembling a dream team, united in turning her vision into reality.

Clearly defining your product idea or service is the first step to this. If you're unable to relay what you're selling, even to friends or family, how do you expect to be able to find the specific talent or expertise you need to achieve your goals ? Identify the key areas where you require assistance within the idea and reach out to your network or actively go and network to make that happen.

— Participate in online webinars and workshops. — Engage in industry-specific online communities — Connect with local business owners. — Join entrepreneurial meetup groups. — Engage with professional bloggers and YouTubers. — Contribute to industry publications. — Attend startup pitch events. — Utilize business incubators and accelerators. — Join online forums and discussion groups. — Speak to anyone who can help you, even if you don't think they can. Set a target, like 1000 people a day.

Discover what makes your story unique from others. Why can people trust in you? It's important that you believe in what you preach and that you can transmit that. However, you need to be able to find a stable ground between reaching out and letting people get to you.

Always engage in relevant conversations: One of our clients, Zoe navigated industry forums and social media, sparking discussions around her product's niche. Each insightful exchange attracted like-minded professionals, transforming chats into a network of collaborators, mentors, and potential customers. Her conversational journey was key to building a vibrant community, eager to support her product's evolution.

Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. Even if this isn't something you've done previously, do your homework and put in the research hours. Share your insights, experiences, and expertise through blog posts, articles, or social media. This can attract attention and make people more willing to connect. Get your personal brand out there anyway you can.

Feedback and referrals are excellent if you get enough of them. I recommend watching all the YouTube videos by Steve Case, who sold his last start-up for $8 billion and has taught customer discovery and validation at Stanford for years. Also, "The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick is super practical for starting this. I started a podcast and made friends with high-profile Founders and CEOs by giving them free PR and then, after the show, getting their advice. I've done over 900 episodes of Innovation and Leadership now, and it is like pushing the easy button to get time from incredibly insightful entrepreneurs who have helped me see so many of my roadblocks. Anybody can start one; just start recording them on zoom or riverside.fm.

Here's a Million$ trick while connecting with someone in 99% of the cases it will work -> Introduction -> Personal anecdote to make the connection -> Set the agenda -> Ending with a good note

I always found networking tough, and trust me I'm not shy and I can talk, but it takes a particular skillset to turn it into a successful venture. When you're starting out, especially in a new field, meeting the right people to help you on your journey is the only way you're able to proceed with speed. When networking, you need to target individuals who have the skills, knowledge, or experience relevant to your product idea and ignore those that don't. It's all too easy to go to an event and meet no one, or the wrong people. You need to be laser focused in your goal and maybe you meet the right person, maybe you don't, but at least you made a concerted effort to do it. Don't go half-hearted, only the brave succeed !! Be Brave.