I am working on a project that I would like to push to fruition. I have knowledge in software development, and I definitely need some guidance for other aspects of the project. I think the best way to learn about these aspects is to find experts in those fields. How do you find experts, and how do you reach out to them for help?
Thank you!
kovek
Some general tips
- Good founders will always try and pay it forward, even the big (locally) famous ones
- Check out trade associations, they are typically open and can hook you up with an expert.
- Avoid VCs & other people who are busy or only tangentially related to the industry
- Avoid people who are very publicly associated with an industry (usually just personal-brand folks and busy)
- Look for people who have been execs but are now semi-retired (commissioners etc)
You can use a simple template like this
"Hi xx, im building yy to do zz. I was wondering if I can send you some questions to learn from you?"
I did this before and a lot of nice people gave me time, some v big names in the field (to me, a randomer). Just come prepared, keep it short, be thankful, dont try sell them your product etc.
Edit to add: I used linkedin and email to contact.
I’ve had this same problem in the past and couldn’t find a good way to reach experts, I tried LinkedIn but conversation tends to fizzle out as people are so busy in their day to day (not to bash anyone, but it’s just how it goes sometimes)
Are you looking for collaborators? Or have a specific topic in mind? I have a group called The Polymath Club (thepolymathclub.com) to collaborate on ideas. The purpose of building the group was to get input from many smart people in cross-discipline fields. We currently have 8 members. Not trying to advertise- I just thought you might find it helpful in the future :)
Hope you’re doing great
-Jane
(Really, what I'm looking for is someone to teach me how to do estimates. But at this point in my career, such a person would also need to have an understanding of C-PTSD)