Want To Build Something People Want? Do Some Interviews First.

The Question

I got this email from Mixergy fan Azra Panjwani about an idea she has for an upcoming project:

Hi Andrew,

I’ve been listening to your interviews for a week, and am inspired enough to start making changes in my life. I emailed you earlier to be on the (not so) short list for ‘backup’ interviewees.

I’ve done some research and found resources out there for women entrepreneurs, but NO v-blog connecting women entrepreneurs to female role models. Your blog is inspiring me to potentially start one, though I’m not sure how. Should I build a following, then launch? Should I start with a written blog first? Any advice is much appreciated. Looking fwd to your interview on 2/4!

My Answer

This is what I emailed her:

When you start something new, it often helps to talk to the most experienced people in the space because you’ll learn from them and add them as contacts.

So my suggestion is that you interview the women who you’d ideally like to have participate as mentors. Do it before you launch anything, but do post them online to establish your reputation and draw out the people who’d want to be mentored.

In your interviews ask mentors questions like:

– Have you mentored anyone? why did you do it? What did you get out of it?

– What would it for you to mentor someone?

– Were you ever mentored yourself? Could you tell me about the experience?

The more you learn about what they want and what works for them, the better your project will be when you launch.

Also, don’t get hung up on the technology. Doing video interviews the way I do could slow you down. Consider simply calling them and posting your notes. Record the call so you have a record for yourself, but don’t bother with heavy editing.

Your Turn

– What do you think of my answer?

– If you want to do interviews and have questions about them, email me. I want to put together a FAQ to help others interview.