When you are an early-stage founder trying to share your vision, don't forget your greatest asset -- passionate users. They can take your megaphone far further than you.
Taking the time to recognize and respond to a single user can feel like a waste of time compared to all of the other planning, executing and sales responsibilities you have. After all, it's just one person and you're hoping to build an empire.
At MyBlogLog, we were lucky to benefit from the passion of Drew Meyers, Mark Zschiegner and others. They were pretty relentless in sharing their love of MBL and they brought in loads of other members.
My fiancée laughs at me because whenever I have an issue with a product or service, I immediately reach out to the CEO on LinkedIn and let them know that I love their service and I'm struggling with something. Sometimes they respond. Sometimes they can help and sometimes they can't. But the ones who take a moment to let me know that they saw my message have a passionate fan for life.
Recently, a ring that I bought years ago from Silver Phantom Jewelry had a small issue. I found the owner on LinkedIn (Steve Creasy) and asked for help. He was super helpful and gracious and I want everyone to know about his company now. Previously, I was a fan of the ring I bought there. Now I'm a fan of *him* and I want his business to succeed.
Founders, be like Steve. Make time to respond to your users. We'll carry you far.
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