One of the first challenges at the beginning of VentureWrench Launch! (and probably any Lean Launchpad inspired progra) is very tactical – how do I find people to talk to in order to get 75-100 interviews done in 10 weeks!

So here are some suggestions

First, consider where your target customers/partners are “online”.

  1. Facebook – Facebook is great if you are looking for folks in any type of “support group” – those can be shared interests, shared difficulties, medical conditions etc
  2. LinkedIn – LinkedIn is fantastic for B2B customers and partners.  Experts suggest using paid LinkedIn products (navigator, sales etc), but even navigating your network can be a good start
  3. Alumni networks – university and graduate school alumni networks are excellent sources of contacts, particularly if you have specific companies in mind
  4. Professional Associations – many, many professions have professional associations, particularly those requiring continuing education or accredidation such as law, medicine, accounting etc.  Leadership of those associations can be excellent candidates, and there are various ways to reach out to members of the association.
  5. Industry Associations – These are associations of like minded organizations (Chambers of Commerce, Tech associations, agriculture, manufacturing, consumer products etc).  Again, a way to find both industry leaders and individuals.
  6. Search Engine – this sounds obvious, but if you know a role or position at an organization that you’d like to talk to – search engines are your friend.  This is especially true at government entities – even if they try and hide, most government personnel have some sort of profile or connection available online.
  7. Your state workforce services department often has a downloadable database of employers in your state.  This can be sorted by NAICS codes (if you’re looking for B2B interviews in specific industries) or by geography etc.
  8. Trade Shows, Industry Expos etc – Many teams find that being “on the ground” when an industry gathers can rapidly yield 10’s of interviews in a couple of days.