They think they need to get coffee w/ X
IMO they need to develop a skill, expertise, asset so that when they get coffee w X/ they have something to offer
Networks are heat-seeking missiles for value, esp VCs. They can “build the relationship” in 1 meeting (if that!) if it’s a compelling deal
- afraid to take risks & look dumb
- too much time “maintaining” the network that don’t focus on value creation
Build "product' first:
However, do “Find your tribe” of collaborators & go deep w/ handful & involve them in the value building process (develop skills, build something together, etc)
Head of the curve is significantly more power law than ppl think
I.e. The resonance potential with ppl closest to you is way higher than you think
Go deep before wide.
It’s the people you learn from, work with, invest in, think through challenges with and form a compounding loop with for the next five decades
- Engage in pubic so ppl can find out that you are there kind of person.
- Once you find them, keep regular cadence (e.g. bi-weekly event) synchronous & asynch (e.g. group chat)
- Find ways to decrease friction to sharing (e.g. default opt-in)
Those are where the fruits are!