9 Networking Tips for Startup Founders Looking for Growth Partners

If you’ve just launched your startup, one key need of the hour is growth partners. They can be mentors, collaborators, investors, or even clients! From funding to guiding you with insights, they can do a lot.

However, to find the right growth partners, you need to network actively. If you’re not certain how to make your networking opportunities work, here are the top tips!

1. Choose the Right Event

Being a startup founder, you can’t just attend every networking event. Be extremely cautious while picking the events. After all, most networking events need money, time, and equal preparation.

Make your effort count by researching well. For instance, ensure people relevant to your business attend the event. Make sure it aligns with your business goals. Explore local meetups and co-working spaces besides large conferences.

2. Chase Quality more than Quantity

Several people attend networking events with the slogan: The more, the merrier. However, networking doesn’t work that way.

If you try to exchange information with every person you see, you will only have enough time to build superficial connections.

Don’t try to connect with every possible individual. Instead, create only a handful of high-quality connections. They are more likely to collaborate with you, offer necessary advice, and support you in the long run.

For this, identify who will be the key participants of the event and who will be the most relevant to your startup.

Think about how you want to approach them. Remember, seeking them out of the blue without proper preparation will make you appear sloppy. Instead, plan well to leave a great impression.

For instance, identify whom you want to network with and read up on them. Come up with thoughtful questions relevant to both of you professionally. Ask them these during the Q&A session.

3. Overcome Your Introversion

Whether you’re introverted, have social anxiety, or are just shy in general, networking can be pretty challenging. However, don’t wait for others to initiate conversations at the events.

If you see a lot of people around those you want to connect with, don’t feel discouraged. Step forward and wait until it’s your turn to introduce yourself.

If anyone shows interest in your business, gladly connect with them. Don’t turn away any connection just because you don’t think they are key individuals.

4. Build Authentic Connections

Imagine you approach someone with an “I do x, y, z… would you invest in my business?” This seems transactional, so the other person won’t be receptive to you at all!

Instead, utilize your knowledge by sharing relevant insights with them. For instance, you can introduce yourself and share the fact that you liked their post regarding a topic.

Tell them you look up to them and ask genuine and relevant questions. This can be about how they deal with professional challenges.

Remember, don’t throw your elevator pitch immediately. Take your time to break the ice and then share details about your startup.

5. Use Digital Business Cards to Create Impressions

After sharing your elevator pitch, you need to connect with them using a business card. However, this time, ditch the traditional paper cards. Instead, switch to a digital business card, merging convenience with style.

This completely eliminates the trouble of carrying a bulky stack of cards. You just need to tap or get the card scanned, and all the information is sent to their devices. It not only makes you unforgettable but also ensures they don’t lose your contact information!

With a digital business card, you can get rid of the hassle of reprinting cards whenever any information changes or you run out of it. This also helps impress eco-conscious growth partners better!

Plus, you have a lot more space to add all key information and even clickable links to your portfolio and website.

6. Be Useful to Others

Networking isn’t just about meet-and-greet and giving your growth partner compliments. It’s a two-way street.

You must also show your value to them. Recognize their unsolved challenges and offer valuable advice and resources to them. If you help others, they are more likely to reach out to you and consider becoming your growth partner.

7. Cultivate Relationships Beyond the Event

After the event is over, don’t forget to follow up with them with customized messages. Your initiative will make them remember you and ensure you’re connected.

This can be a simple thank-you message for their advice and say that you would like to stay connected. You can also send a connection request on LinkedIn.

But that’s not all; you must also regularly check in with them even if you don’t want anything from them. On LinkedIn or other platforms, share relevant and useful articles and resources for their business. If there’s news of events relevant to their industry, share it with them.

Once every few months, plan to meet in person over a cup of coffee. However, statistics show that 49% of businesses can’t stay connected in person due to a lack of time. In that case, catch up virtually.

As you stay connected, you strengthen the connection and boost your chances of finding a growth partner.

8. Use Existing Connections

If you have an existing network, you can also seek their help to connect with potential growth partners. For instance, you can ask your mentors or previous professors to introduce you to investors or partners.

If you have prior employment experience, check if any of your former coworkers are in relevant positions. If yes, they can join you!

Check if your school/college has any common club for startups and entrepreneurs. In that case, join them and start networking.

9. Stay Patient

Your connections won’t transform into growth partners overnight. You need to be patient and nurture the relationship for a while. They need to trust you before making a choice. So, don’t push them to make a choice faster.

If a connection is being unresponsive to your conversation initiatives, don’t lose your calm. Be respectful of their choices and give them their space.

Conclusion

Besides these networking strategies, boost your visibility among your network by posting on LinkedIn or on your business blog. Stay open to interacting with new people, and opportunities will flow eventually!