Read on Twitter
Looking to break into startups or make friends on twitter?
Here are 12 pointers that (might) help you level up
Here are 12 pointers that (might) help you level up
1. Get active on Twitter, ProductHunt & LinkedIn (in that priority):
spend a good amount of time exploring and discovering products, people & start-ups online. everyone likes a well-read human being.
spend a good amount of time exploring and discovering products, people & start-ups online. everyone likes a well-read human being.
2. Channelize your enthusiasm by giving feedback on products:
Nothing makes founders happier than getting emails from users with feedback, suggestions & areas of improvement.
Nothing makes founders happier than getting emails from users with feedback, suggestions & areas of improvement.
3. If you have any product/service you've built of late - offer it to folks for FREE!
4. Do the job before you get the job 
- proof of work:
Here's where you show your talent;
re-designing landing pages, growth documents, user research, product tear downs, innovative & constructive campaigns, re-writing 4-5 copies, list of features users would enjoy et al
- proof of work: Here's where you show your talent;
re-designing landing pages, growth documents, user research, product tear downs, innovative & constructive campaigns, re-writing 4-5 copies, list of features users would enjoy et al
5. DON'T wait for a Job/internship post - startups are always hiring rockstars.
A kick-ass cold mail coupled with good proof of work (personal brand online is a big +) will land you an interview (mostly).
A kick-ass cold mail coupled with good proof of work (personal brand online is a big +) will land you an interview (mostly).
6. Engage with their tweets/posts/blogs/updates as MUCH as you can:
Hit the bell icon of all the internet personalities you like.
Show-up regularly, they will eventually recognise (read: remember) you.
P.S. Don't be generic, comment only when you know it's worth reading :)
Hit the bell icon of all the internet personalities you like.
Show-up regularly, they will eventually recognise (read: remember) you.
P.S. Don't be generic, comment only when you know it's worth reading :)
7. My personal favourite: Video DMs
There's no better way to add a personality to your twitter profile, this breaks the ice, really well.
Drop a line of admiration, a clear ask & something you like/remember about them.
My hit rate: 95%.
There's no better way to add a personality to your twitter profile, this breaks the ice, really well.
Drop a line of admiration, a clear ask & something you like/remember about them.
My hit rate: 95%.
8. Tag founders/their start-up in relevant places — that’s how you show actual support.
Every founder loves a super-fan :)
Every founder loves a super-fan :)
9. Make sure you're putting yourself out there :)
y'all have already seen what shit-posting can do for u, there is no good/bad when it comes to content (avoid being cringy, though) - build social proof.
you might never know who is on the other end reading your tweet :)
y'all have already seen what shit-posting can do for u, there is no good/bad when it comes to content (avoid being cringy, though) - build social proof.
you might never know who is on the other end reading your tweet :)
10. Master the art of cold-mails:
quick intro, catchy subject line, clear ask, proof of work, 2 possible meeting times & keep following up!
P.S. don't forget to drop a 'thank you' note after the call :)
quick intro, catchy subject line, clear ask, proof of work, 2 possible meeting times & keep following up!
P.S. don't forget to drop a 'thank you' note after the call :)
11. Never ask for more than 12-20 minutes of their time:
never try going for 'casual catch-ups' early-on; some people don't like it.
P.S. Always be on time, with good research & a list of questions (shows you are well-prepared & curious)
never try going for 'casual catch-ups' early-on; some people don't like it.
P.S. Always be on time, with good research & a list of questions (shows you are well-prepared & curious)
12. Side-projects:
build them in public -- people love it. helps build credibility (if it has a good use case)
build them in public -- people love it. helps build credibility (if it has a good use case)
13. Feedback loops:
Has helped me immensely -- it can be a book, a particular industry, a start-up, a sport, a movie or an idea; connect over something & keep sharing updates/articles with them :)
Has helped me immensely -- it can be a book, a particular industry, a start-up, a sport, a movie or an idea; connect over something & keep sharing updates/articles with them :)
Avoid:
"Hi, My name is XYZ and i really like what you are doing at ABC"
See, nothing is wrong with this text. But your goal is to stand out.
Figure out your leverage, and play harddd.
"Hi, My name is XYZ and i really like what you are doing at ABC"
See, nothing is wrong with this text. But your goal is to stand out.
Figure out your leverage, and play harddd.
Reminder:
Don't suck up to whoever you’re reaching out to, instead:
a) understand their vision and show willingness on working towards achieving it,
b) become a power-users who know what they're talking about
c) maintain character
ass-licking is ill-advised.
Don't suck up to whoever you’re reaching out to, instead:
a) understand their vision and show willingness on working towards achieving it,
b) become a power-users who know what they're talking about
c) maintain character
ass-licking is ill-advised.
the end. i barely know anything, this may or may not work for some of you - this is only restricted to my personal experience.
be curious, be genuine, show that you're high agency.
RT if you liked it.
be curious, be genuine, show that you're high agency.
RT if you liked it.
