Growing an Email List of 20,000 (Without a Product to Sell)
Shopify Masters · with Will Afrikanno · December 10, 2018 · 51 min
Summary
This episode reveals how to build immense anticipation and validate a product concept by cultivating an email list of 20,000 potential customers before even launching. Learn the strategies for finding the right co-founder, fostering strong team communication, and securing initial funding through crowdfunding, even for highly technical hardware products.
Key takeaways
Focus on solving a deep-rooted problem experienced by your target audience; Gnarbox identified the pain point of content creators needing rugged, portable backup without a laptop.
Prioritize cultural fit and shared passion when selecting co-founders, especially for highly technical projects. Utilize "co-founder dating sites" if needed, but vet thoroughly for commitment and complementary skills.
Implement regular, structured communication (e.g., weekly stand-ups, bi-weekly leadership lunches) to maintain alignment and address potential founder disagreements proactively amidst evolving company visions.
Leverage crowdfunding platforms to validate market demand and secure initial capital (Gnarbox raised $500k+ on Kickstarter) before bringing a complex product to market.
Actively involve your pre-launch email list in product development and surveying to ensure the final product truly meets user needs and builds early evangelists.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Focus on solving a deep-rooted problem experienced by your target audience; Gnarbox identified the pain point of content creators needing rugged, portable backup without a laptop.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Prioritize cultural fit and shared passion when selecting co-founders, especially for highly technical projects. Utilize "co-founder dating sites" if needed, but vet thoroughly for commitment and complementary skills.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Implement regular, structured communication (e.g., weekly stand-ups, bi-weekly leadership lunches) to maintain alignment and address potential founder disagreements proactively amidst evolving company visions.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Leverage crowdfunding platforms to validate market demand and secure initial capital (Gnarbox raised $500k+ on Kickstarter) before bringing a complex product to market.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Actively involve your pre-launch email list in product development and surveying to ensure the final product truly meets user needs and builds early evangelists.
