How do I get started with customer interviews
Any feedback on how to get started from zero in terms of customer interviews? If I'm building a product (for example, a recruiting tool) would you just start cold emailing folks in your area to set up a time to talk? I've frequented some forums on reddit for feedback and have received some. I'm trying to learn what the next best step is to refine my mvp.
thankss
If possible, start with 5 people who you can meet in person and take the time and effort to invite them on a coffee face to face.
You'll learn much more than via Skype
You'll maybe find actual fans and customers if they Like you too.
Local people = you already have something in common, more likely to accept your invitation
Once you know a few potential clients personally it is much easier to talk to new ones since you become part of their world with each conversation
Don't procrastinate - there is nothing to loose by just asking, worst case is they say no - or not now ;-)
Cold emails, relevant online forums, invitations to talk through Craigslist, etc. are all good ways to start to finding people. Check LinkedIn to see if your friends can introduce you to any recruiters at first, and then try opening it up to a wider scope of potential customers once you get a good foundation down and know what you're getting into.
If you know your audience, the hardest thing about customer interviews isn't finding people to talk to--it's making sure you get good insights out of every conversation. For instance, you should generally avoid yes/no questions, and instead frame your questions so the customer can respond with an anecdote or story.
I'm a fan of these guides to customer interviews--
I personally, during my current venture, have posted a survey on LinkedIn asking ppl relevant to the product to fill in. That got me ~25 answers which was very useful. I ended the survey with an e-mail field so they could let me get in touch for additional questions which some did.
Besides that I also used my small business network and directly contacted specific people that I felt were good matches for the product and asked them for interviews. I've done five so far and it's been more useful than any prototype or landing page.
Tip: Be very frank, honest and appreciative. You're basically asking strangers or acquaintances for help.
Give them some reason and benefit (like free coffee, free service, some bonus) - ask to meet or have a call and be prepared with relevant questions.
I've found these resources to be pretty good for getting started with customer interviews:
http://customerdevlabs.com/2014/02/18/how-to-send-cold-emails/
http://customerdevlabs.com/2013/11/05/how-i-interview-customers/