How to Build a More than a 'Social Network'
Build connections out of acquaintances that stand the test of time.
Hello and happy Friday from the Building Startups Newsletter! :)
A recent interaction with a young, aspiring entrepreneur took me back to the time when I shifted to New York almost two decades ago.
Barely 20, I was an aspiring entrepreneur as well, but incredibly socially awkward and did not know anyone. I did not know how to carry conversations, or build connections out of acquaintances that stand the test of time.
Years later, one of my proudest and most prized achievements is the people I have around me, the ones I’ve met along my journey.
This is my experience and learnings of building a network as an immigrant entrepreneur in the States.
🌐 How did I push myself and where did I start?
A lot of credit goes to my elder brother, Amit-. When I moved to NYC, he used to come visit me often. Being the more outgoing one, he is the one who pushed me to go when I randomly signed up for my first startup networking event, where I learned a lot too. He said,
“What is the absolute worst that can happen?”
Takeaway?
This is the youngest you’ll ever be, and trust me when I say that you won’t do it again. You won’t find this kind of time down the line. Do it now.
Look for opportunities, say yes, show up and make effort.
🌐 How did I reach the right people?
This is a lesson from experience, because there were times when I did get it wrong.
The first lesson in ‘networking’ is that it doesn’t matter ‘how many’ people you know, but who you know. As an entrepreneur, networking should never be your primary goal.
Read this quote from Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, the biggest networking platform for professionals, that I stand by as well:
“A networker likes to meet people. I don’t. I like accomplishing things in the world. You meet people when you want to accomplish something.”
This is where I got lucky with the people I met as well, because I was hyper-focused on building things and solving problems.
Don’t be someone who is a networker.
Be a builder who is a networker.
🌐 How did I convert my acquaintances into connections and maintain them?
Now that you’re reaching the right people, the simple answer is value exchange. Look for how you can solve a pain point for somebody, and even if not that, show genuine curiosity in what they are saying.
Even if you don’t have the best social skills, genuine curiosity is always appreciated and reciprocated.
Look for what you can do for others, not what others can do for you.
And don’t keep tabs. Because people can easily tell when someone is sincere versus when they have a hidden agenda.
Make someone feel heard and seen, solve a pain point for them if possible. They’ll remember you, and come through whenever you would need it.
That’s all for today!
Did you find this helpful? What are some networking tips that have helped you along the way?
Let’s talk in the comments :)