Mentors play a unique role in the startup-building ecosystem. As individuals who have been down the path before, you possess critical insights that can help new founders navigate choppy waters, avoid obvious (to you) pitfalls, and help accelerate their businesses.
Framework curated by Erin Wynn, Manager of Education and Evaluation at MindFrame Connect
In this video, Quin Sandler (Co-Founder and CEO of Plantiga) shares his insights around networking, developing effective ‘asks’, planning for networking events, and finding your communities in entrepreneurship.
What is Networking?
Networking describes the formal and informal ways that founders create connections in their communities. Developing a founder network means finding people who share your vision of success, and mutually supporting each other’s career goals. It centres on relationship building and connection, and is a critical tool for startups to access resources, opportunities, funding, and discoveries in their markets.
“Networking is valuable to any business professional but especially entrepreneurs. When starting out, an entrepreneur’s network can open doors to critical opportunities, knowledge, and support that can be the difference between a venture that succeeds and one that fails.”
- Catherine Cote, Harvard Business School
How to Network Effectively
Be purposeful Have a plan in place when you attend events, be strategic in your entry into new spaces, and have specific goals to meet with both events and relationship building. Networking can be strategic and intentional without feeling transactional. Having a clear assessment of your own gaps and needs can assist you in knowing your preferred networking outcomes.
“It is arguably the most important thing you, as an entrepreneur, can develop. […] Networking with other founders, mentors, and investors will be critical to your success as a founder.” - Quin Sandler
Be relationship-oriented Effective networking centres on relationship and alignment. This means that developing connections and assessing the goals of others will help you return value to them, while meeting your own goals. Networking is not only finding opportunities, but creating authentic connection that carries the relationships out of a first meeting. Be curious about others and genuine in your conversations.
Think long term Once you’ve established a connection, follow-up through social media, email, or setting a next meeting. Casual connections are great, but the best networks have vision beyond a simple LinkedIn add. Set time aside to maintain and grow your network to keep building long-term.
Want incredible results from your mentorship program? Then download our comprehensive list of best practices.
We draw these best practices from the first-hand experience of program managers like you and our own expertise. This white paper is a comprehensive guide that will be your roadmap to building a world-class mentoring program.
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