Most founders burn money on paid ads before they have product-market fit. Here's what actually moves the needle early:

1. Cold outbound (but done right)

Forget spray-and-pray. Find 50 people who fit your ICP this week. Send a message that proves you understand their problem. No pitch — just value. Convert 5-10% into calls.

2. Content that compounds

Pick one platform. Post daily for 90 days. Not "thought leadership" — share specifics: your numbers, your mistakes, your frameworks. Specificity is what goes viral, not polished takes.

3. Strategic partnerships

Find someone with your audience who sells a non-competing product. Cross-promote. One newsletter swap or podcast appearance can do more than a month of cold DMs.

I break down one strategy like this every week inside Growth Memo — frameworks, real numbers, zero fluff.

What channel is working best for you right now?