Networking for Entrepreneurs

Other investors often tell me, "I'd love to invest in diverse founders, but we just don't see many!" Here's what I tell them: "Work harder!" Develop relationships with groups outside your network. Drop the requirement for a warm intro. Welcome cold pitches. Don't only take meetings with companies that tick certain boxes. Check your biases about whether a founder needs to come from a certain school or brand name tech company. Examine who is in your scout program or operator network. Change the language you are using publicly about the types of founders you want to meet and how you position your fund. Of the 58 companies in the January Ventures portfolio: - 90% have a female founder - 59% have a founder of color - 31% have a Black or Latinx founder - 38% have an immigrant founder

I sent 100+ cold emails to VCs and got 1 response. Then I flipped my approach and secured 50+ meetings that led to our $790k pre-seed. Here's what I learned the hard way: Founders send cold emails to VCs because they OVERESTIMATE what they’re building and UNDERESTIMATE the power of their networks. - Overestimating what you're building looks like "There's nothing in the market like my product, so investors will definitely reply to my email." Newsflash: that’s not enough. - Underestimating your network means ignoring people you already know with VC connections. Cold emailing doesn’t work. I sent 100 emails and got one response (a polite ‘no’). What works is using your network to get warm introductions to VCs. Not just any "connectors" - I'm talking about people who genuinely know you and can vouch for your work. Two reasons this changes everything: 1. When someone they trust introduces you, investors pay attention. 2. People who know you are genuinely happy to help. They want to see you win, so give them an opportunity to do so. Start with your actual network: - Former colleagues who've moved to startups - Alumni from your school working in tech - Friends who've raised capital before The key is they need to know both you AND the investor well enough to make a credible introduction. A weak connection making a lukewarm intro is worse than no intro at all. Here’s the template that I used to request warm intros for Chezie: SUBJECT: Quick question about [VC Partner name] BODY: Hi [Connector's first name], I noticed your connection to [VC Partner/Firm] and wanted to reach out. I'm building [Company] ([one-line description with traction point]). We're raising our [round] and I believe [VC Partner] would be a great fit because [specific reason tied to their investment thesis/portfolio]. Would you be open to making an introduction? I can send over a forwardable email to make it easy. Thanks for considering, Toby - - - This approach completely changed my fundraising trajectory. Instead of sending cold emails into the void, I was having real conversations with investors who came in with context and interest. Those 50+ meetings I mentioned came from about 30 people in my network who believed in me enough to make introductions. The hardest part is setting aside your pride and actually asking for help. Stop wasting time on cold emails that won't get read. Start with the relationships you've already built. What's been your experience? Have warm intros opened doors that cold outreach couldn't? I’ll go first by sharing my stats in the comments 👇🏾

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Your Inbox Is Your Reputation (how to email like a CEO and build a real network): Most people write emails that either apologize for existing or bulldoze the reader. Neither earns trust. Clear, confident, respectful messages open doors and keep them open. Simple playbook (use this this week): 1. Lead with purpose. First line = why you’re writing and what success looks like. 2. Ask like an owner. One clear request, one date, one owner. 3. Be brief, not vague. 3–5 lines max or a bulleted skim + a direct ask. 4. Give the why. Tie your request to the goal, team, or customer outcome. 5. Set a clock. Deadlines prevent drift; include the consequence of delay. 6. Offer options. Make it easy to answer: A/B, Yes/No, or a number. 7. Close the loop. Confirm next steps in writing; send the receipt of action. 8. Follow up with a decision, not a nudge. “Decide by X so Y can move.” 9. Email isn’t small talk, it’s leadership in writing. Make every send count. What’s one line you’ll upgrade in your next email? ♻️ Share this with someone building real connections ➕ Follow Helene Guillaume Pabis for human-first leadership, clarity, and momentum ✉️ Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dy3wzu9A

When I started building Vavo Digital | Influencer Marketing three years back, I had the knowledge and passion for marketing, but the connections I made with influencers, brands, and fellow entrepreneurs really scaled my business. How? Instead of just throwing business pitches at influencers or brands, I took the time to connect with them on a personal level. I engaged with their content, gave genuine compliments, and showed I genuinely cared about their success. The result? They not only became partners but also became advocates, spreading the word about my agency and opening doors to new opportunities. Here's how you can start building meaningful relationships to scale your business: 1/ Forget small talk at networking events! Look for genuine connections with people who share your passion and values. 2/ Always pay it forward. We're all in this together! Success isn't just about personal achievements; it's also about lifting others up. Whether it's offering advice or sharing resources, be generous and help others succeed. 3/ Connect with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It'll broaden your horizons and bring fresh opportunities your way. 4/ Invest in long-term relationships because relationships aren't one-time deals; they're ongoing investments. Take the time to nurture connections with your clients, and team members and always keep in touch not just for business. 5/ Every interaction is a chance to learn something new. Stay humble, stay curious, and soak up knowledge from everyone you meet. There's always something to gain, whether it's from seasoned pros or fellow entrepreneurs just starting out. In short, relationship building isn't optional—it's essential. That's why I have a separate team dedicated to building relationships with influencers and brands. What's your take on relationship building in this space? #influencermarketing #marketing #agency

Most founders think their pitch deck starts with 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩? Your personal brand is your first pitch deck. Before investors read your slides… Before they join your call… They research 𝘺𝘰𝘶. Your LinkedIn profile. Your reputation. Your content. The question is, 𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶—𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶? Here's how you can turn your personal brand into a high-converting “pitch deck.” 𝟭. 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 = 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 Investors want clarity, credibility, and confidence. → Write a standout headline. Showcase your expertise and what makes you unique. → Add metrics. “Scaled ARR from $0 to $3M in 18 months” beats generic claims. → Craft a compelling summary. Show why you’re the one to back. 76% of investors vet founders online before taking a meeting. 𝟮. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 = 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 Every post signals how you think, solve problems, and see the future. → Share bold insights. Prove you’re 10 steps ahead. → Showcase leadership. Your posts build trust at scale. Founders who post consistently are 23% more likely to secure meetings. 𝟯. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 = 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 Investors know one truth: Great ideas need great people. → Engage with leaders. Strategic comments build visibility. → Highlight partnerships. Show you attract top talent. → Share endorsements. Social proof builds instant credibility. 52% of investors consider the founder’s network in funding decisions. We’ve used this strategy—along with other high-impact changes—to help B2B founders raise $250K to $2M in pre-seed and seed rounds. Your slides may close the deal. But your personal brand gets you in the room. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶?

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

"𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗥?" Every week, I get asked, "Will you be my mentor?" Often, this question comes from people I've not met, which makes it somewhat awkward. Here's a fail-proof formula I've used for finding and approaching mentors effectively. Step 1: Have Clarity on Your Goals This clarity helps you identify potential mentors who can truly propel you forward. Your goals don't need to be long-term; they can be something immediate you need help with. Step 2: Start with Your Network Look within your existing network or extend to professionals you admire but haven't met yet. This could be through introductions or shared connections. Mentors don't always come with years of experience over you; peers can be just as insightful. Template Sentence: "I’ve noticed we share a common connection with [Mutual Connection’s Name]. I really admire how you handle [specific skill or achievement], and I’d love to learn from you about this." Step 3: Make a Specific Ask When reaching out, be specific and respect their time. Request a brief conversation, no longer than 30 minutes, focusing on a specific area where their expertise is evident. Template Sentence: "Your skills in [specific area] are truly inspiring. Could I have 30 minutes of your time to understand more about how you developed these abilities and to get your feedback on [specific topic]?" Step 4: Follow Up (The Most Important Step) Post-discussion, always follow up with a thank you message outlining how their advice helped you. This shows appreciation and reinforces the value of their guidance. Template Sentence: "Thank you for your invaluable advice on [topic discussed]. I applied your suggestions at [specific instance], and it made a significant difference. I’m very grateful for your help." Step 5: Continue the Relationship Mentorship isn’t a one-off interaction but a series of meaningful exchanges. Continue to engage your mentor with relevant questions and updates about your progress. Template Sentence: "I’ve recently faced a challenge similar to what we discussed before. Could I get your perspective on this new situation?" Avoid directly asking, "Will you be my mentor?" Instead, build the relationship through respectful, meaningful interactions, and always value their time and input. What's worked for you in seeking mentorship?

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

If you run a small business, networking isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s an investment. Over the past year, I’ve attended events from an Amazon Web Services (AWS) soccer game to an American Express panel, and even a LinkedIn for Marketing launch party in NYC. One thing became clear: the connections you make and how you nurture them, can shape your business in ways you don’t see immediately. Here are 5 strategies that have made a real difference for Brkaway: Invest in conversations, not contacts. Showing up isn’t enough. At the AWS soccer game, I spent halftime asking people about their businesses and challenges instead of pitching Brkaway. That curiosity opened doors, sparked insights, and reinforced a simple truth: networking is about investing in others first. One warm introduction can change everything. Referrals and intros have outsized impact. A single connection might lead to a client, partner, or advice that saves months of trial and error. Showing up in the right rooms consistently keeps your business top of mind with the people who matter. Listen more than you pitch. At events like the AMEX panel, listening carefully was more powerful than rehearsing my elevator pitch. When you focus on understanding what others need, you build trust and credibility. People remember how you made them feel, not your elevator pitch. The best connections happen in between. At the NYC launch party, some of the most valuable conversations happened casually.. waiting for elevators, grabbing a drink, walking between spaces. Casual, unscripted moments often lead to more authentic relationships than formal networking. Follow up or it didn’t happen. Meeting someone is just the start. The real investment comes afterward: connecting on LinkedIn, tracking conversations, setting reminders, and engaging with people’s content. That’s how relationships grow into opportunities. Remember, networking isn’t a checkbox. It’s equity in your business.