Networking for Entrepreneurs: Finding Your Tribe

Traditional networking is broken. It is loud, draining, and simply not as effective. Flip the script. Make networking not just effective, but fun. ❌ You do not need to play their game. As an introvert, you already have the edge. You create deeper, more meaningful connections. ✅ You just need to lean into what works for you. Here is your guide to building a powerful network; on your terms. 1️⃣ Find meaningful moments. Skip the noisy crowd. Where do real connections happen? In calm spaces, with approachable people. Shared interests? A quiet energy? That’s your person. 2️⃣ Focus on one great connection. Do you really need to meet everyone? One real conversation beats ten surface chats. Look for someone curious or engaged. That is where the value lies. 3️⃣ Set your own rules. Who says you have to stay all night? Decide how long you want to be there. Pick how many people you want to meet. Protect your energy. It is yours to manage. 4️⃣ Take recharge breaks. Feeling drained? Step away. Find a quiet corner or head outside. Breathe. Reset. Then come back stronger. 5️⃣ Bring a wingperson. Why do it alone if you do not have to? Go with someone who knows you. They can help with introductions. You can focus on the connection, not the crowd. 6️⃣ Ask, then listen. What’s the easiest way to connect? Start with a thoughtful question. “What excites you about your work?” Let them talk. Listening makes people feel heard. 7️⃣ Stick to events that suit you. Why force yourself into constant small talk? Go to workshops or panels. Listen, learn, and join in when it feels right. 8️⃣ Skip the room, use the DMs. Big events feel overwhelming? No problem. Follow up later. Send a message. Be direct and intentional. 9️⃣ Let people come to you. What if you did not have to chase connections? Share your thoughts online. Posts and comments attract like-minded people. 🔟 Find your own style. Networking does not have to look one way. Coffee chats. Small meetups. Online groups. Do it in a way that fits you. ❌ Networking is not about doing everything. ✅ It is about doing what feels right. And when you find your flow, connections will come naturally. ————— I am Sven, and my mission is to help introverted entrepreneurs and professionals thrive as who they are while protecting their energy to focus on their dreams. Want to learn more? Check my profile, subscribe to my newsletter, or feel free to reach out anytime.

Recently, I've had 40+ conversations with founders, investors, and partners - here's what I learned about building a powerful network. I remember attending a national training at KPMG with thousands of professionals from across the U.S. They asked each team: "What's the most valuable thing you'll get out of this event?" We submitted "Networking will be the most valuable thing we get out of this event." I was shocked when they called out our answer as the winner across all teams. It took me years to really understand this. When I launched Mighty Digits, my first 2 customers came from within my network, giving me freedom to build while securing income. Some of my largest customers came from relationships with VC firms who trusted us with their portfolio companies. As the saying goes: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." To me, it's both - but if I had to choose one, it would be the people in my network. A good network naturally raises your IQ and yields 10x dividends. ➡️ IDENTIFY WHO YOU WANT TO NETWORK WITH Everyone wants to connect with their ideal customer, but don't stop there. Connect with other service providers who serve your target audience but aren't competitive - alternate services or same service in different regions. My favorite people to connect with are investors, since there's strong correlation between investing in a company and wanting confident financial records. Start by making a list of the most ideal people to network with and work backwards. Avoid focusing only on customers to sell to. ➡️ HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE "Ask for money and get advice, ask for advice, get money twice." Your goal with networking is NOT to sell anything. Your goal is to provide value and establish relationships. Sales come naturally as relationships are nurtured. Four ways to connect: — Reach out for warm intros through mutual connections — Send targeted cold emails that are relevant and personalized — Host events that allow them to expand their network too — Attend events and approach people in groups or standing alone ➡️ THE FOLLOW-UP FRAMEWORK This is the most important part. After connecting: — Send follow-up email with thanks and conversation recap — Find ways to offer value first - referrals, advice, resources — Keep in touch quarterly to see how you can be of service — Treat your A-list players with appreciation - gifts, meals, personal thanks === Networking is a long-term play. Relationships take time to build, and many may not go anywhere. But for those that do, you can build an entire business on them. What's been your experience with networking? Do you have any tips for building powerful relationships? Share your thoughts below 👇

Feeling like there are no networking opportunities? When I first started my business, I felt completely isolated. No local meetups, no events—just me, my computer, and my ideas. But then I realized something: Networking isn’t limited to events. I started getting creative: 1. LinkedIn became my stage. Instead of waiting for others to reach out, I made the first move—engaging with posts, starting conversations, and offering value. 2. Webinars & Virtual Events. I hosted my own and joined others, connecting with like-minded people who were open to sharing insights. 3. Community-building. I created my own small group of entrepreneurs, where we shared resources, challenges, and victories. The results? I stopped waiting for opportunities—I created them. Networking is everywhere, you just have to go out and find it. Networking is about mindset and consistency, not proximity. PS. How do you create networking opportunities? Share your strategies! 👇 #Networking #thesociallab

From "I don’t know any investors" to a list of 230+ leads => a founder’s networking breakthrough When one of my clients told me, "Jorian, I don’t know any angel investors," I wasn’t surprised. It’s a common worry, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. But here’s the thing: Most founders already have access to potential investors—they just don’t realize it yet. So, we started with a simple exercise: to list all the networks he’s part of. We mapped out: - His university alumni group - Former colleagues - People from his hometown - Members of an affinity group he belonged to - Friends and family After breaking it down, we identified 10 distinct networks. Next, I asked him to focus on two types of people in each group: 1. Connectors: The super connectors who know everyone. 2. Direct Leads: People who might personally have the capacity to invest. The result? A list of 230 names! Here’s what happened next: - He engaged the connectors to unlock warm introductions to more angels. - He reached out directly to potential investors with tailored, personal messages. In just weeks, he went from “I don’t know anyone” to having more investor leads than he could handle. The lesson? Your network is bigger than you think. With a deliberate plan, you can uncover opportunities that were hiding in plain sight. 👉 Ready to give it a shot? 1. List every network you’re part of. 2. Identify connectors and direct leads. 3. Start reaching out deliberately and authentically. Have you tried this approach before? Let me know how it works for you—or if you need help mapping your network! _______________ Follow me @Jorian Hoover for more startup fundraising strategies + subscribe to my newsletter "Into the Ring".