It’s key to meet people and to network, but just as important is the process. Who are you being introduced by and how?
The person you’re trying to meet is going to see you through the person that they know, so they are going to have some pre-conceived notion about you based on your mutual connection.
My question to you is, what’s your vetting process? I bet you always have an idea in your head about how you want a relationship with someone to play out. Just make sure that you’re starting that process with figuring out the best person to get you to who you want.
As cliché as it might be, first impressions are everything.
Another thing to think about: if that relationship doesn’t turn into what you thought it would be, that’s okay. I’ll leave you with this- something my friend Seth Godin said recently:
“That introduction you need.
The capital that your organization is trying to raise.
The breakthrough in what you're building...
Have you noticed that as soon as you get that one thing, everything doesn't change? In fact, the only thing that changes is that you realize that you don't need that one thing as much as you thought you did.
Most likely, this speech, or that inspection or this review won't materially change things overnight.”
