Net(working)
Some basics about widening your circle of influence
For all the hype, the hoopla, and the buzz surrounding technology, products, services, startups, the most basic building block of any success in creating, running and/or growing a startup is the relationships you build.
Without relationships, all your skills - whether it is programming, business development, fund-raising, designing, manufacturing, writing, publishing.. are worth 1/3rd of what they could be.
I hear so many people tell me they are not a “people person”, and that they like to “stay below the radar” and that they want to let their “work speak for itself”.
While I abhor blatant PR evangelizing and/or aggrandizing a mediocre service, it is imperative for people to understand that there is a difference between networking and drum-beating. The difference between networking and trolling. The difference between relationship-building and shameless parasitism.
To build a mutually respectful relationship with someone you respect and wish to be associated with, you must be able to tick the following boxes:
- You must have done something of note either in the past or must be doing something worthy.
- You must have some strong insights about yourself, about what you stand for, and what how that translates in your work.
- You must have a great understanding of what you don’t know. And you must be willing to learn and change preconceived notions.
To engage that person there is no one holistic path. You may meet them at an event, you may engage them on Twitter, or you may just get their contact information through a common contact. Whichever the medium, the key is to grab their attention by conveying your thoughts and making that short interaction count so it can lead to a longer engagement.
In all this, it is important to stay true to yourself, but
Do Not be an Asshole.
Do Not Abuse Anyone.
Do Not Name-Call.
Do Not Self-Promote.
Do not Ask Obvious Questions.
Answer queries ONLY if you are sure you know what you’re saying.
Find a service or a product they need. You automatically become valuable to them. Engagement through a business transaction is invaluable. It offers them an insight into you and your values, and it helps you build equity with them.
As an example, I’m an apparel manufacturer. I don’t know anything about technology, coding, or programming.
To enter the Tech Startup ecosystem, either I could learn to code and angle to become an apprentice while trying to build credibility.
Or I could find a way to deliver value in a space they don’t have expertise in but would perceive value delivered to them.
So I started offering to make T-Shirts for startups. I would do even 10-15 units on short notice with custom prints. I realised this is a service highly in demand and since startups are trying to conserve money, I charged at cost.
In the process, I was able to build some strong relationships, get referrals and get one-on-one time during my meetings with the founders. These meetings are like gold dust. Use them well. These are the opportunities you get to make yourself relevant to them.
Show off skills you are good at.
Do not brag or bluff about stuff you don’t know.
Emphasise your strengths.
Be Friendly, Flexible and Honest.
The road then is simpler because you now have people who will vouch for you, and help you with issues along the way. Be careful about whom you approach for which issues.
Do not ask for financial favors.
Do not ask for financial referrals.
Do not be obtrusive about your time demands.
Market your service aggressively, but Don’t Push people into a corner.
Learn to read signals. Resist the urge to jump into every conversation.
Finally, in the process of building relationships, you should ideally create a “personal brand” as a humble, reliable, honest, forthright individual, who respects boundaries, but is easily accessible.
That’s half your battle.
utekkare,
Pranay
