I don't think you _have_ to do every item on the list for every project; that's where you sort of need to know yourself and your audience. That said, direct co

I don't think you _have_ to do every item on the list for every project; that's where you sort of need to know yourself and your audience. That said, direct contact with your customers/users is extremely helpful. It might not have to be cold calls if you happen to have a good network already. I've never been good at cold outreach either, but I have no problem talking to people I know might be interested.