How can a new VC associate build a strong industry network?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start reaching out to people, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your networking efforts. Do you want to learn more about a specific sector, geography, or stage of investment? Do you want to find potential co-investors, mentors, or partners? Do you want to raise your profile and reputation in the industry? Having specific and realistic goals will help you focus your time and energy on the most relevant and valuable contacts.

2 Do your research

Once you have your goals in mind, you need to do some homework and find out who are the key players and influencers in your target areas. You can use online platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Crunchbase, or AngelList to discover and follow relevant VCs, founders, experts, and media outlets. You can also read blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and books to learn more about their backgrounds, interests, opinions, and insights. Doing your research will help you identify potential connections, understand their perspectives, and prepare for meaningful conversations.

3 Add value first

One of the most important principles of networking is to offer value before asking for anything. You don't want to be seen as a spammer, a leech, or a time-waster. You want to be seen as a helpful, curious, and respectful person who can contribute something useful to the other party. This can be done in various ways, such as sharing relevant information, insights, or feedback, introducing them to someone who can help them, or supporting their work or cause. Adding value first will help you build trust, rapport, and goodwill with your contacts.

4 Be proactive and consistent

Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term process that requires consistent effort and follow-up. You need to be proactive and reach out to people regularly, not just when you need something. You can use email, social media, phone calls, or video chats to stay in touch and update them on your progress, challenges, or opportunities. You can also invite them to events, webinars, or podcasts that you are hosting or attending, or ask them for advice, feedback, or referrals. Being proactive and consistent will help you maintain and strengthen your relationships over time.

5 Leverage your existing network

Another effective way to network as a new VC associate is to leverage your existing network and ask for introductions or referrals from people who already know and trust you. This can be your colleagues, mentors, peers, friends, family, or alumni. You can ask them to recommend you to someone who can help you with your goals, or to vouch for you when you approach someone cold. Leveraging your existing network will help you expand your reach, increase your credibility, and reduce the barriers to entry.

6 Be genuine and respectful

Last but not least, you need to be genuine and respectful when you network with others. You need to show genuine interest, curiosity, and appreciation for their work, achievements, and challenges. You need to respect their time, preferences, and boundaries, and avoid being pushy, rude, or intrusive. You need to be honest, transparent, and authentic, and avoid exaggerating, lying, or manipulating. Being genuine and respectful will help you build a positive reputation, a loyal fan base, and a lasting network.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?