3 Things You Probably Suck At (I DID) As A Startup Founder
So you're a first-time founder of a startup -- awesome -- welcome aboard the roller coaster of a lifetime! A great way to manage this incredible journey is by seeking help and guidance of others. Unfortunately, you (most likely) suck at introductions, asking for help and email. Don't feel bad, I sucked at these too, the good news is reading this post will make your life a lot easier.
Introductions are an integral part of being an entrepreneur (and life). Many successful business relationships begin with a warm introduction.
Before asking for or giving an intro, remember an introduction really is:
The connection of two people for the purpose of a value exchange. In essence, the introducer is 'vouching' for a value exchange and asking both parties to participate.
(Sometimes this value exchange is "you guys should play ping-pong" OR perhaps, "you should invest in X's startup..")
Startup founders are typically in one of two roles, either the beneficiary (being introduced to someone awesome); and the introducer (connecting two parties).
I'll start with the beneficiary.
Make it effortless for the introduction to happen.
Provide context (why you want to meet) and what you do (or who you are).
Provide this in the form of a 2-3 sentence blurb (that can be copied + pasted by introducer).
Why? Writing emails suck - especially when you are doing someone a favor. So, make it so easy they don't need to think.
Assume the person is doing you a huge favor (AKA: they value their time very much).
Offer 10-15 minute phone chat (because it's easy!)
If you insist on lunch/coffee/beers then offer to meet them at a place convenient for them.
Follow the lead of the Introducer
If the person says you should hop on the phone.. you should not ask to meet in person.
If the introducer says you should meet offer 3-4 times/dates when you are available.
You should reply quickly (and first!)
Follow up with the introducer and let them know how the meeting/call went.
As an introducer, remember that the person you are introducing is a reflection on you.
Don't make "hail-mary" introductions (introducing someone you barely know)
This is risky, if you do it -- definitely ask them person first -- otherwise, it makes you look like a jackass.
Set expectations in the intro
If you feel compelled to make an intro you should explain the reason why you are suggesting the parties connect.
Some of you will realize I have not mentioned the introducee (the important person being introduced) for this article, we'll assume we aren't that person. Yet.
As a startup founder, you are probably going to need to leverage your introductions, connections and network for help. It's hard to always be asking for stuff -- and if you're going to do it, learn how to do it properly.
Asking an experienced entrepreneur or investor for advice ("to pick their brain") is always a good choice. First, find a way to get an intro (see above), then...
Make it easy for them to help..
Pick a location close to them
ALWAYS offer (and expect) to pay for them
Offer them several times / dates
Make the favor reasonable
If a potential investor: ask for advice not investment
If a potential customer: ask for feedback not purchase
Everyone else: expect to get their attention for the meeting only.
Don't expect them to prepare before OR do anything specific after.
Be prepared (do your homework)
Learn about this person (use LinkedIN, twitter, blog, etc).
Understand how they can help (don't ask a Sales person for technical advice)
Rule of thumb: If the email takes up your smart phone screen its too long!
There is no excuse for grammatical errors (especially the persons name)
Keep it short (2-3 lines)
Don't email a stupid question that can be answered by a simple Google search
If sending a short sentence, put the question in the subject line (then add - nm (no message) or eom (end of message).
Follow these tips and you'll be much farther ahead than most people seeking help and guidance. Good luck!
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