Networking - that fantastic source of support for entrepreneurs who start with just an idea, some foolishness and lots of energy!
I like to think of entrepreneurs as Jedi Knights and Networking as "the Force" in Star Wars movies! :)
"The force is an energy field created by all living things, it surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together" - Obi-Wan to Luke
With the proliferation of sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and search engines, it is now getting easier to network with anybody on earth.
Looks like the Six Degrees of Separation has come down to Two. Maybe Three!
At the same time, there is a surge in entrepreneurial activity. The number of start-up related events and organisations seem to indicate a high interest in students and working professionals to explore the entrepreneurial adventure.
And "Networking" is always one of the things that an entrepreneur must do. Completely agree.
Many people in my network have helped me without any expectation of any return. And many entrepreneurs like me believe it is our responsibility to "carry forward" this virtuous cycle when someone reaches out - for introductions, brain-storming, advice etc.
However, over the last 6 months, I have got worried about the Dark Side of Networking.
While the combination of a) entrepreneurial enthusiasm, b)start-up related organisations, c)networking/search sites and d) the willingness of the "network" to support - create a great platform for entrepreneurs to network, I am concerned that the easy access to this platform is turning out to be the source of problems.
"This is a dangerous time for you... and you will be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force" - Ben to Luke
Multiple friends and I have experienced one or more of the following:
1. Folks don't show up on time for a meeting that they have requested for.
2. Folks show up completely unprepared for the conversation.
Someone I met (through someone else whom I have met just once!) recently wanted to meet and discuss an ecommerce opportunity.
I started by asking him: "Does Flipkart do this? How about Indiaplaza?".
Answer: "I am not sure".
3. Folks leverage someone's network to get an introduction - and then do not bother to follow-up or drop a note.
Maybe the easy access is being taken for granted - and hence not valued.
While the downside of the individual transaction is not very great, I think something major is not being understood by folks trying to "network" without the necessary discipline and basics in place:
The Network that has opened up access for them can - and will - also close down very rapidly.
"Yes. A Jedi strength flow from the Force, but beware of the Dark Side. " - Yoda to Luke
May the Force be with you!
I like to think of entrepreneurs as Jedi Knights and Networking as "the Force" in Star Wars movies! :)
"The force is an energy field created by all living things, it surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together" - Obi-Wan to Luke
With the proliferation of sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and search engines, it is now getting easier to network with anybody on earth.
Looks like the Six Degrees of Separation has come down to Two. Maybe Three!
At the same time, there is a surge in entrepreneurial activity. The number of start-up related events and organisations seem to indicate a high interest in students and working professionals to explore the entrepreneurial adventure.
And "Networking" is always one of the things that an entrepreneur must do. Completely agree.
Many people in my network have helped me without any expectation of any return. And many entrepreneurs like me believe it is our responsibility to "carry forward" this virtuous cycle when someone reaches out - for introductions, brain-storming, advice etc.
However, over the last 6 months, I have got worried about the Dark Side of Networking.
While the combination of a) entrepreneurial enthusiasm, b)start-up related organisations, c)networking/search sites and d) the willingness of the "network" to support - create a great platform for entrepreneurs to network, I am concerned that the easy access to this platform is turning out to be the source of problems.
"This is a dangerous time for you... and you will be tempted by the Dark Side of the Force" - Ben to Luke
Multiple friends and I have experienced one or more of the following:
1. Folks don't show up on time for a meeting that they have requested for.
2. Folks show up completely unprepared for the conversation.
Someone I met (through someone else whom I have met just once!) recently wanted to meet and discuss an ecommerce opportunity.
I started by asking him: "Does Flipkart do this? How about Indiaplaza?".
Answer: "I am not sure".
3. Folks leverage someone's network to get an introduction - and then do not bother to follow-up or drop a note.
Maybe the easy access is being taken for granted - and hence not valued.
While the downside of the individual transaction is not very great, I think something major is not being understood by folks trying to "network" without the necessary discipline and basics in place:
The Network that has opened up access for them can - and will - also close down very rapidly.
"Yes. A Jedi strength flow from the Force, but beware of the Dark Side. " - Yoda to Luke
May the Force be with you!
