(2015-01-31) Dixon Come For The Tool Stay For The Network

Chris Dixon says Come for the tool, stay for the network.

A popular strategy for bootstrapping networks is what I like to call “come for the tool, stay for the network.”

The tool helps get to initial critical mass. The network creates the long term value for users, and defensibility for the company.

Here are two historical examples: 1) Del.ici.ous. The single-player tool was a cloud service for your bookmarks. The multiplayer network was a tagging system for discovering and sharing links. 2) Instagram. Instagram’s initial hook was the innovative photo filters.