In the high-speed world of software development, the prevailing wisdom often dictates that you should automate as much as possible as early as possible. However, some of the most successful startups are proving that the path to rapid MRR scaling and long-term user retention tactics actually lies in the opposite direction. By intentionally choosing to do things that don't scale, founders can build a foundation of trust and product-market fit that automated sequences simply cannot replicate. A prime example of this is Cleo, a LinkedIn AI ghostwriting tool that skyrocketed from zero to $30,000 MRR in just four days. By leveraging a high-touch, white-glove approach, the founders bypassed the typical launch friction and created a product that users didn't just use—they evangelized.
The VIP White-Glove Onboarding: Why Manual Calls Beat Automated Sequences
In the early stages of building a business, every single user is a goldmine of data. While automated email sequences are efficient, they are often ignored or lack the nuance required to solve specific user pain points. Implementing SaaS onboarding best practices doesn't always mean setting up a complex drip campaign; sometimes, it means getting on a Zoom call. Lara Costa, co-founder of Cleo, emphasizes that their initial success was driven by VIP white-glove onboarding calls. These calls weren't just about showing users where to click; they were about ensuring the user achieved their desired outcome immediately. For founders targeting growth via social proof, Stormy AI is an all-in-one AI-powered platform for creator discovery that helps identify early advocates who thrive on this level of personal attention. Unlike legacy tools like Tagger or impact.com, Stormy AI uses natural-language search to find the perfect influencers to pilot your high-touch onboarding program. Once those creators are found, you can use Stormy AI to send hyper-personalized outreach emails to kickstart the relationship, and track every interaction within the Stormy AI creator CRM to ensure your white-glove service never falters.
When you are in the 0-to-1 phase, your goal is to reduce the friction between a new user and their first success with your product.