"Networking is BS"

By 20VC

Categories: VC, Startup

Summary

Networking is overrated - it's not about the breadth of your connections, but the depth. The key is having relationships where people will go above and beyond to help you, not just a transactional exchange of business cards.

Key Takeaways

  1. Focus on building deeper relationships, not just expanding your network. When you call someone, they should be willing to go the extra mile to help you.
  2. Networking is often transactional, but true relationships are built on a desire to help, not just an obligation.
  3. Remove the mindset of 'networking' altogether - instead, operate in a human-centric world where you genuinely want to support others.
  4. Quality over quantity - it's better to have a few deep relationships than a vast network of superficial contacts.
  5. Avoid the common trap of just exchanging business cards at events - true connection comes from a willingness to invest time and effort in others.
  6. Shift your mindset from transactional to human-centric - focus on how you can genuinely help others, not just what they can do for you.

Related topics

Transcript Excerpt

Networking is BS. It is about the depth of your relationships, not about the breadth. It's about when I call you, will you be able to help me and do as much as I need you to to the depth that I need you to. It's not about exchanging business cards at a networking event. Networking is also transactional. We do not operate actually in a transactional world. We operate in a human world where you want to have to help someone. It's not a requirement transaction to do so. Remove networking.…

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