Building a relevant network

I want to emphasise the value of a good network. Actually, not just a good network, but a relevant network.

I told you that you should share your idea as much as possible. Your network will come from there: when you share and help people, you get constructive feedback from people who value what you're sharing with them. These people then become your network and could become trustworthy friends later.

In London, I used to work at Google Campus where I connected with lots of entrepreneurs. Many of them have offered to help me build and promote my product. Indeed, I did the same for them.

I regularly attended Food Tech Wednesdays, the must-attend meetup of the London foodtech scene. From there, I built solid relationships with the leading foodtech entrepreneurs and investors locally. I got to organise a major event on African cuisine during the London Foodtech Week in 2015.

A lot of the relationships I built from these networks are solid friendships today, and I strongly believe you should do the same. Not just for your projects, but also and mainly for yourself. People are much more generous and willing to help that we often think, you risk nothing asking and knocking doors. 

I am a massive extrovert, I love meeting and connecting with people. That may be why I find it "easy" to grow my network. You may find this hard if you are an introvert, but you will have to find your own way of doing it. 

You have an idea? Go out and share it with people, it will grow your network massively. And most of all, you'll build trusted friendships you don't even suspect.

---

Photo Credit: The Food Rush