You want to build something. First, you need to talk to potential customers to see if anyone actually wants it.
But here's the problem: most entrepreneurs suck at getting people to agree to customer interviews. They send generic LinkedIn messages that get ignored. They write long emails explaining their "revolutionary solution." They lead with their product instead of the customer's problem.
The result? 5% response rates and months of radio silence.
Here's the script that consistently gets 80% of people to say yes to a 15-minute call.
The 3-Part Framework That Works
Part 1: The Pain Hook (First 10 Words)
Start with their specific problem, not your solution.
Bad: "I'm building a new project management tool and would love your feedback."
Good: "Struggling to keep your team aligned on project deadlines?"
The hook needs to be so specific that your ideal customer thinks "Holy shit, how did they know?"
Part 2: The Credibility Bridge (Next 20 Words)
Give them one reason to trust that you understand their world.
Examples:
- "I've managed 15+ remote teams over the past 3 years"
- "After interviewing 50+ marketing directors at SaaS companies"
- "As someone who's launched 4 products that failed"
Notice: no credentials, no company names, no buzzwords. Just proof you've been in their shoes.
Part 3: The Easy Ask (Final 15 Words)
Make it stupidly simple to say yes.
The exact phrase that works: "Quick 15-minute call this week to understand your biggest challenge?"
Not "pick your brain." Not "get feedback on my idea." Just understand their challenge.
The Complete Script Templates
For Cold LinkedIn Messages
Subject: Project deadline chaos?
Hi [Name],
Struggling to keep your team aligned on project deadlines?
I've managed 15+ remote teams over the past 3 years and keep seeing the same coordination nightmares.
Quick 15-minute call this week to understand your biggest challenge? No pitch, just curious about your process.
[Your name]
For Email Outreach
Subject: 15 min chat about [their specific problem]?
Hi [Name],
Are you constantly chasing team members for project updates?
After talking to 30+ project managers, I keep hearing the same frustration about visibility into what's actually getting done.
Would you be open to a quick 15-minute call this week? Just want to understand how you're handling this challenge right now.
Thanks,
[Your name]
For Reddit/Community Posts
Title: How do you handle [specific problem]?
I've been struggling with [their problem] for months.
Tried [common solution 1] but it created [new problem].
Tried [common solution 2] but my team hated it.
For those who've figured this out - would you be willing to jump on a 15-minute call to share what's working? Happy to return the favor however I can.
DM me if interested.
The 5 Rules That Make This Work
Rule 1: Lead with their problem, not your solution
They don't care about your product. They care about their pain.
Rule 2: Keep it under 50 words
Anything longer and you've lost them. Respect their time.
Rule 3: No attachments, no links, no pitches
The goal is a conversation, not a sale.
Rule 4: Make the ask binary
"15-minute call this week?" requires a yes/no answer. "When are you free?" requires work.
Rule 5: Follow up exactly once
Send one follow-up 4 days later. After that, move on.
The Follow-Up That Doubles Your Response Rate
If they don't respond to your first message, send this exactly 4 days later:
Hi [Name],
Probably buried in your inbox, but wanted to try once more.
Still curious about how you're handling [their specific problem] - seems like something every [their role] struggles with.
15 minutes this week if you're interested. If not, no worries at all.
[Your name]
Common Mistakes That Kill Response Rates
Mistake 1: Starting with "I hope this email finds you well"
Skip the pleasantries. Get to their pain immediately.
Mistake 2: Explaining your background/company
They don't care about you yet. Make it about them.
Mistake 3: Asking for 30+ minutes
15 minutes feels easy. 30 minutes feels like work.
Mistake 4: Mentioning your product/solution
The moment you pitch, you've lost them. Stay curious.
Mistake 5: Being vague about the problem
"Business challenges" is meaningless. "Keeping remote teams aligned" is specific.
Your Next Steps
- Pick one specific customer problem you want to understand better
- Write your 45-word message using the 3-part framework above
- Send it to 10 people today
- Track your response rate
- Adjust the pain hook if responses are low
Remember: the goal isn't to sell anything. It's to understand their world so deeply that when you do build something, they'll beg you to take their money.
Now stop overthinking and start sending messages.