Put up the bat signal

Why founders should make noise pre-company (even pre-idea)

So much has to go right when you found a company. Because, the fact is, so much will go wrong.

The bulk of the founder’s job is about increasing the chances of things going right. I think of it a bit like standing on a deserted island, trying to collect drinking water. Are you holding a dixie cup, or did you rig up a 20-foot-wide tarp?

Do everything you can to increase the surface area of “luck” or “serendipity” or “karma”. So, what does that look like in the early days? A big benefit for me has been “putting up the bat signal.”

That means letting the people in my direct and indirect network know that I am building.

It’s natural to be hesitant about this, especially pre-idea. “What am I supposed to tell them about if I don’t even know what I’m building.”

What does “putting up the bat signal” look like?

First – it’s important to acknowledge that this is not a singular act, but rather a sequence of events designed to canvas your existing network.

For me, it includes:

• Posting on LinkedIn many times (Different content, but all clearly demonstrating that I’m in building mode)

• Posting on X

• Writing – long-form content Substack

• Direct messages / text messages – bespoke to the individual as much as possible

• Grabbing coffee / drinks / other social time

What do interactions look like?

Many in my network have naturally reached out to reconnect after seeing content I’ve posted. I also DM people and suggest a catch up.

The chats are simple. I’m genuine, ask them about what they are up to, and share where I’m at.

Crucially, I seek out some way that I can provide value. It may be:

• A connection to someone in my network

• A blog post I read recently that relates to a problem they want to solve

• A short writeup about a problem or opportunity on their radar where I have expertise

These types of acts are a “thank you” for the chance to catch up and a confirmation that I’m a genuine and smart person.

Don’t be calculating

This article may sound calculating and insincere, but that’s not the intent. If it starts to feel that way for you, pump the brakes.

I lose touch with my network when I’m heads-down building.

I just left a job and I’m about to found another company – that means I have a brief window where I’m not heads-down.

So, it’s a great time – maybe the only realistic time – to re-engage with people I value.

Results?

I’ve seen a huge benefit from putting up the bat signal.

Since posting my last substack about a week ago, I have received nine inbound requests to re-connect. This includes interest from current founders, investors, and potential co-founders. That’s from a single post. These interactions have already led to several new company ideas, new potential advisory engagements, offers to co-found, and job opportunities for people in my network.

Last time I founded a company, I tried nearly every venue of co-founder matching. What led to finding “the one”? A response to a Substack article.

Give it a shot! You may be surprised with the results.

Abe