Ask HN: How to do customer discovery / product validation?

Situations b2b: - you have some idea about the problem and would like to learn more. - you have an interest in the industry or think the industry has potential. - you have access to individuals and would like to search for problems that you can solve. All of these situations require you to find people and convince them to talk to you. I see many resources on what to ask. But nothing on how to find and convince them to participate. Objections I've received: - why would i spend time with so you can sell me something. - why would i show you my business secrets. - i am not buying whatever you're selling. (lol) I am thinking of this approach.... 1) be less intrusive and learn about industry first. get in places where you can also get face to face conversations with insiders. learn the lingo, learn the basic structures. 2) create hypothesize, and then approach directly to potential markets. what are your thoughts or approaches you have seen work. To solve a problem you need to be aware of it. But to get that familiarity you need to get close. getting a job isn't always an option.