Yes, cold emailing and DMing still gets the job done, according to @PhoebeGates-x4g

Key Concepts

• LinkedIn Outreach: Proactive messaging to individuals on the LinkedIn platform, often to those with whom no prior connection exists ("cold DMing").
• Cold DMing: Direct messaging on LinkedIn to individuals without a pre-existing relationship, typically for networking, sales, or lead generation.
• Long-Term Vision: Building a company with a focus on sustained success over decades, rather than a quick exit.
• Exit Strategy: Planning for the future of a company, including potential continuation of operations or acquisition.

LinkedIn Outreach & Long-Term Company Building

The speaker details a highly active approach to networking and business development, specifically leveraging LinkedIn. They report initiating approximately 40 direct messages (DMs) per day on the platform, characterizing this as “cold DMing” – reaching out to individuals with whom they have no existing connection. This strategy is presented alongside a history of utilizing “cold emailing” as well, indicating a consistent preference for proactive outreach. The sheer volume of outreach (40 messages daily) is explicitly acknowledged as demonstrating significant effort ("the hustle is real").

The core motivation behind this intensive activity isn’t a short-term gain, but rather a long-term commitment to building a sustainable company. The speaker articulates a vision extending “for the next 30 plus years of [their] life.” This long-term perspective fundamentally shapes their approach to potential “exit” strategies.

Defining Success & Exit Strategies

Unlike many entrepreneurs focused on a rapid sale or IPO, the speaker’s preferred outcome isn’t necessarily a quick exit. They explicitly state their dream involves either the continued, long-term success of the company or a potential acquisition. This framing highlights a prioritization of sustained operational viability alongside the possibility of a sale. The phrasing "taking it" (presumably referring to the company) suggests a willingness to remain involved even after a potential acquisition, implying a desire to maintain influence over the company’s direction.

Implications of a Long-Term Focus

The emphasis on a 30+ year timeframe suggests a business model built for resilience and adaptability. The high volume of LinkedIn outreach likely serves multiple purposes within this framework: building a robust network, identifying potential partners or clients, and gathering market intelligence. The speaker’s willingness to engage in consistent “hustle” (as acknowledged by the interviewer) indicates a strong work ethic and a commitment to proactive relationship building, crucial for navigating the challenges of a long-term venture.

Synthesis

The speaker’s strategy centers on aggressive, proactive networking via LinkedIn, driven by a long-term vision for company building. Their definition of success isn’t solely tied to a lucrative exit, but equally values sustained operational success. This long-term focus informs their approach to outreach and shapes their perspective on potential future scenarios for the company, prioritizing longevity and continued growth alongside the possibility of acquisition.