Feedback and traction are 2 different things. For feedback: directly contact people in the sector which your product is intended to serve. Send people whom you respect in the industry an email and ask them for their thoughts.

Getting 'initial traction' is likely about not losing interest while waiting for 'real traction', and being confident that your product/service accomplishes it's core function/value very well. Someone correct me if I am wrong: traction is measured in gaining popularity ( increasing users, or sales at an increasing rate ).