foundation.md

# Part 1: Building the Foundation

## 1. User Research & PMF Validation

### HeyGen Case: 1800 Interviews to Find PMF

**Step 1: Wizard of Oz MVP**
Team offered a service on Fiverr: "Create a talking digital human video for you." Validated two hypotheses with minimal cost:
1. Market demand exists for "making static images speak"
2. Customers are willing to pay

**Step 2: Massive User Interviews**
Over 1800 interviews helped the team transform from "interesting tool" to "business solution."

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## 2. User Interview Outline Template

### 1. Opening
- Identity introduction & thank you
- Request recording permission
- Understand user background
- Understand product usage background

### 2. Current Workflow & Competitive Analysis
- Use cases & core tasks
- Competitor usage

### 3. Deep Dive & Feature Feedback
- Core feature usage feedback
- UI/UX feedback
- Bugs & improvements

### 4. Future Needs & Willingness to Pay
- Unmet needs
- Payment willingness exploration

### 5. Conclusion
- Open-ended questions
- Gift & thanks

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## 3. Early Customer Database Template

| Field | Description |
|:---|:---|
| User ID | System identifier |
| Name, Email | Contact info |
| Join Date | Registration date |
| Active (Last 30 Days) | Recent activity |
| LinkedIn URL | Professional network |
| Company, Industry, Position | Business profile |
| Key Use Case | Core usage scenario |
| Tags | Labels like `KOL`, `Enterprise`, `Potential Ambassador` |

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## 4. Product Launch Strategy

### Three-Phase Rhythm

**Phase 1: Private Beta**
- Open to carefully selected few users
- High-intensity usage and feedback

**Phase 2: Early Access**
- Expand via invite codes or waitlists
- Waitlist creates scarcity and anticipation

**Phase 3: Public Launch**
- Product Hunt launch
- Official blog and press releases
- Social media concentrated push

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## 5. Community-Led Growth (CLG)

### Three-Phase Path

**Phase 1: Cold Start (0-100 members)**
- Founder-driven, personally answer every question
- Platform: Discord
- Core channels: `#general`, `#feedback`, `#showcase`, `#announcements`

**Phase 2: Content & Culture (100-1000 members)**
- Regular: changelogs, tutorials, AMAs
- Encourage UGC: use case collection, template sharing

**Phase 3: Scale & Ambassador Program (1000+ members)**
- Launch Ambassador Program

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## 6. Ambassador Application Template

### Application Form
1. Full name
2. Email
3. Location
4. Self-introduction
5. What you like about the product
6. Contribution areas (Content/Support/Developer/Events/Localization)
7. Time commitment (2-3 hours/quarter)
8. Code of Conduct agreement

### Management Fields
| Full Name | Email | Location | Contribution Area | Status | Last Activity | Notes |