- Beyond Business, identify things you are truly passionate about and use them as a moat to make a connection. You will build your strongest connections based on common interests
- When you connect with someone over a meeting - always have an "agenda part" and an "agenda-less" part, the agenda-less part is to explore common passions and build strong bonds
- Build a fortress of trust and authenticity around your brand. Be "YOU"
- Aim for both breadth and depth in the kind of relationships you build
- Give, give, give, ask" - Make supporting others a part of your regular networking practice. When the time is right, make the ask. You will be surprised at the support you receive.
- Networking is like BD, don't treat it like Sales
- Research a lot before cold-emailing someone - make sure they understand your intent and you never come across as "SPAMMY". If used in the right way - the ability to reach out to the right person can build a great level playing field
- When cold emailing someone, make sure you follow up as well. Don't worry about coming across as "pushy". Founders need to be pushy - to close funding rounds, close customers!
Building Superconnections instead of just contacts. Use "Power-Law" in Networking - Focussed Breadth & depth of your connection refines your network. At the same time, being Authentic and approachable keeps the connect engaged.
Leveraging your super connections for the benefit of your company. It comes with selfless giving & connecting the dots. For example, focus on being a sounding board & a go-to person for someone who can eventually add value to your business or team.
Networking in the remote world. Make content your moat.
@sajithpai is a great example of how he adds value to his audience using valuable content. Contextual content either in the form of DMs, Threads, replies can help you build & engage with your connections remotely.
Cold emails as a way of building connect. Research-driven contextual emails can do wonders. Sharing a screenshot of a cold email that helped me get an introduction to the right person of one of the most successful fintech company within the first email.
