How to Find People to Interview for Idea Validation
One of the biggest hurdles founders face when validating an idea is finding people to interview. But here's an important truth: if your idea addresses a real problem, people will want to talk to you. We’ve seen this happen time and time again.
If your topic resonates, it’s not a chore for them—it’s a conversation worth having.
Who Should I Talk To?
When validating your idea, focus on speaking to individuals who are directly impacted by the problem you're solving. Prioritize those who:
- Feel the pain most acutely
- Are actively seeking solutions
- Have tried multiple approaches without success
Making Interviews Happen
The key to securing interviews is simple: honesty. Let people know upfront that you genuinely want to learn about a problem they care about.
A founder in my network shared how she completely transformed her idea research by leading with:
"I'm researching how people handle [specific challenge] in [industry]. Would you mind sharing your experience in a short call?"
Engagement shot up 3x, and the insights she gathered were dramatically more valuable compared to her previous solution-based approach.
It’s a low-stakes request, and people love to talk about challenges they care about, especially if they sense you're relevant to the field. You’ll be surprised at how willing they are to help.
Leverage LinkedIn for Cold Outreach
We've seen impressive success rates from simple cold outreach, especially on LinkedIn. The platform is built for these kinds of professional exchanges. When you reach out, ensure you make a connection between your background and the problem you're investigating. Maybe you've worked in the field or have faced a similar challenge yourself. This relevance shows that you're not just fishing for information—you’re digging into something meaningful.
Show Genuine Gratitude
After each interview, always express sincere gratitude. This isn’t just about being polite—it’s about building long-term goodwill. Your interviewees are giving you valuable time and insights, so make sure they know you appreciate it. Offer to return the favor, whether by helping them in some way or connecting them with someone in your network. Even if they don’t take you up on it, the gesture matters. It lays the foundation for future interactions.
Conclusion
People love to talk about their problems, and if your idea hits on a real pain point, they'll be eager to engage. The more authentic and appreciative you are in your outreach, the more willing they’ll be to help you solve it.
