The Cold Start Problem: How to Start and Scale Network Effects

by Andrew Chen

When you start a new product with network effects, the first step is to build a single, tiny network that’s self-sustaining on its own. You just need one to get started. However, building even a single network is very hard.

building a product with network effects can both be difficult and slow. But there is a pattern to their success that can be studied and repeated.

The second step was a private beta-testing period with friends of the company, where Stewart would personally reach out, try to get them to use Slack, and iterate to add features and improve the experience.