Summary Points :
- Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building trust.
- Offer value first before asking for help or favors.
- Go where decision-makers and doers hang out—online and offline.
- Following up after a first meeting is key to lasting relationships.
- Use LinkedIn, X, and Instagram to build genuine digital visibility.
- Create a strong personal brand that reflects who you are and what you solve.
- Authenticity wins more than over-polished selling.
In India’s startup world, who you know can often open more doors than what you know.
But networking isn’t about flashy business cards or LinkedIn requests.
It’s about building real connections with people who matter—investors, mentors, partners, and even customers.
Many first-time founders avoid networking, thinking it’s fake or only for extroverts. But in reality, smart networking is quiet, strategic, and powerful.
Here’s how to do it the right way—especially in India’s growing startup ecosystem.
1. Be Valuable First—Before You Ask for Help
One big mistake? People start with, “Can you help me?”
But that’s not how relationships begin. First, you must offer something useful—a resource, a contact, or even just thoughtful feedback.
Example:
When Ankit, a founder from Pune, wanted a mentor, he first offered to volunteer at startup events. He made connections while helping others—and later got funded by someone he supported earlier.
Do this:
- Share useful insights online.
- Help someone solve a small problem.
- Offer your time or service for free (initially).
2. Go Where the Right People Already Are
You won’t meet investors, founders, or customers sitting alone at your desk.
You need to show up at the right places—co-working spaces, startup events, accelerators, and online platforms.
Example:
Startups like CureFit and Razorpay made early connections at events like NASSCOM forums and TiE summits. These relationships paid off later in funding rounds and partnerships.
Do this:
- Attend local startup meetups.
- Join incubator workshops.
- Be active on forums like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), or Clubhouse.
3. Master the Art of the Follow-Up
Meeting someone once won’t build a connection. You have to follow up, respectfully and consistently.
Example:
After pitching at an event, Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma used to send short follow-up notes, thanking people for their time. Many investors remembered him just because he followed up sincerely.
Do this:
- Send a simple thank-you email or message.
- Reference what you spoke about.
- Don’t spam—space your follow-ups wisely.
4. Use Social Media—But Use It Smartly
Posting randomly on Instagram or connecting blindly on LinkedIn doesn’t help.
What works is sharing your journey, your learnings, and what you’re building—in an honest, helpful way.
Example:
Founders like Raj Shamani and Shradha Sharma (YourStory) built massive networks by showing their work and thoughts online. People followed them, trusted them, and later partnered with them.
Do this:
- Share weekly updates on your startup.
- Comment meaningfully on others’ posts.
- Don’t post to show off—post to connect.
5. Build Your Personal Brand—What You Stand For
Your startup might change, but your personal brand stays with you. It’s how people remember you.
Are you the “AI founder from Delhi”? The “bootstrapped maker from Surat”?
Your brand should reflect your values and the problem you’re solving.
Example:
Nithin Kamath (Zerodha) became known for frugal, honest entrepreneurship. That personal brand helped Zerodha grow without much paid marketing.
Do this:
- Keep your messaging consistent.
- Talk about what you believe, not just what you sell.
- Let your brand reflect your truth.
6. Be Authentic—People Know When You’re Faking It
You don’t need to sound smart or successful. Just be real.
People connect faster with honesty, not with jargon or inflated achievements.
Example:
Kunal Shah (Cred) often posts raw thoughts—even about failure. That openness made him relatable and built massive community support.
Do this:
- Don’t exaggerate your success.
- Share your journey honestly.
- Talk like a person, not like a pitch.
If you treat networking like a trick to get ahead, it won’t work.
But if you build genuine connections over time—by adding value, staying visible, and being authentic—your network will support you when it matters the most.
