What’s the most overlooked growth hack for early-stage startups?

I was constantly searching for the next big growth hack—something that would catapult us into the spotlight. I read every blog, followed every expert, and experimented with every strategy. But here’s the thing: most of those so-called “growth hacks” were designed for businesses with massive budgets and established customer bases, not early-stage startups like mine. What I eventually discovered was that the most overlooked growth hack for early-stage startups is incredibly simple: building relationships. It’s not flashy, and it won’t give you instant gratification. But if you’re just starting out, nothing beats the power of genuine human connections. So, what growth hacks have you tried that made a difference? Let’s swap ideas.