[lucb1e]

> Maybe i should go up to random strangers and PAY THEM in order to give them something that would benefit them

It is pretty normal to compensate people for their time in my limited experience (both as subject and from what I hear about user testing). Usually it's a pretty small amount, not like a normal salary but a bit more than a cup of coffee for maybe 30-45 minutes of their time (assuming they don't have to travel to you in addition). They are helping you create a commercial product, it is not weird to do something in return, although I understand also what you're saying about how they might benefit from it themselves

Perhaps you could do a small amount, say (the equivalent cost of) a good cup of coffee, plus a free copy of the course so they can use it themselves and show some others? That spreads the word in addition to them feeling compensated

I'm not a marketing expert though, just going off of what I hear and experienced from other companies

[onetokeoverthe]

Used to give $5 starbucks cards or relevant swag (pens, cups, t-shirts) in exchange for 15-20 minutes of one to one f2f feedback.

[lucb1e]

That sounds appropriate. I think I've usually seen slightly higher values, but then also usually for half an hour or a little bit more time so that matches up

[onetokeoverthe]

Yes, the slightly higher current values are probably keeping pace with the 'flation.