Many young ppl feel constrained by lack of big network, but IMO they're constrained by the value they can provide a network

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

People feel that they don’t have network b/c they aren’t networking. Founders say that about VCs (if only I knew more VC’s I’d get funded)

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

Separately, prematurely building a wide network can have adverse effects on some ppl ("The Networker's Dilemma"):

- afraid to take risks & look dumb
- too much time “maintaining” the network that don’t focus on value creation

Build "product' first: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg/status/1067999270052204544?s=20

Best examples are people who’ve spent time building skills & expertise, and then can build the network instantly, vs the people who build network first, and then try to bolt skills / expertise on top. That's harder to do. https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg/status/1151648898567397376?s=20

Note: by “building network” I mean attending events or tons of 1on1 w/ ppl in industry unlikely to be collaborator

However, do “Find your tribe” of collaborators & go deep w/ handful & involve them in the value building process (develop skills, build something together, etc)

Imagine a curve where X axis of how close you are to someone & Y axis is throughput of information/resonance

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.

A tribe can be a nebulous concept

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

How to find your tribe?

- 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)

There's virtually no upper cap on the value you get from spending time discussing talking with somebody who you resonate with highly.

Those are where the fruits are!