Growth, Partnerships and Community.

As an early founder I would really value advice from makers who have built momentum from the ground up.

I am specifically attempting to learn in three areas:

1. Growth and distribution: What early growth channels, habits, or experiments have actually helped you get your product in front of the right people? What would you focus on before spending money on ads?

2. Partnerships: How do you identify the right potential partners, earn a first conversation, and create a partnership that offers real value to both sides?

3. Community impact: I want my company to be meaningfully involved in the community over time, including supporting charities and local causes. For founders who have done this well, how did you choose causes, build authentic relationships, and make sure the work was more than a marketing gesture?

I am not looking for shortcuts, just wanting to learn what worked, what did not, and what you wish you had known early. Any advice, examples, or resources would be appreciated. Thank you all in advance.