The document provides tips for successful networking as it is key to building relationships that can help with customers, investors, partners, and more. It discusses that your network is your net worth and your reputation and personal brand are important. The 5 keys to networking are: 1) learn to love the grind and prepare, 2) be patient as it takes time to build relationships, 3) be authentic, 4) give value to others, and 5) provide true value through knowledge and introductions. Technology can enhance networking but personal relationships are still important.

1. Success is a Contact Sport
5 Keys for Winning Networking
Founder Institute
Washington, DC
April 4, 2016
http://www.t2000inc.com
S. Tien Wong
CEO
703-932-9191
twong@t2000inc.com
Confidential and Proprietary

2. Who is this Guy?
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3. Why network?
• Remember your parents always said, “It’s not what you know but WHO you know?”
• What does a startup entrepreneur need?
• Customers
• Investors
• Partners
• Advisors and board members
• Employees
• Mentors
• Vendors
• Publicity
• Build reputation and brand
• Friends!
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4. Your NETwork is your Net Worth
• It’s not just money anymore
• Your reputation and personal brand are everything
• Your NW = the social capital you have created in your relationships
• Quantity AND quality matter
• In today’s economy (gigs, short employment stints, possibility of starting a
business), your Network is portable, permanent, and insures your career
and business success
• Soon, “what” you know will become a commodity; your value in the market
will be based on your Network
• Bottom line: Your success is directly proportional to your network’s quality
and size
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5. A Contact “Sport”
• There are rules
• Winning strategy
• It takes work
• You need a gameplan
• You have to practice…..a lot
• You have to prepare
• It’s fun
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6. The 5 Keys
• 1. Learn to Love the Grind
• Proper networking is hard work, it’s a grind
• Preparation and discipline are critical
• Learn where to allocate your time and energy
• Top entrepreneurs network 24/7
• 2. Be Patient
• Takes years to build up a great network; like building a business
• The 8 Touch Rule – 8 touches before a contact even remembers your name
• Gardening – care and feeding
• Net effect: Barriers to entry (good for you) and stronger bonds
• At some point, you network becomes self-sustaining
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7. The 5 Keys
• 3. Keep it REAL
• If you’re not being yourself, then you’re being________
• Can’t fake it
• Plus, it’s easier to be yourself
• People like genuine, authentic people
• 4. You gotta Give if you wanna Get
• It’s not about YOU, it’s about THEM
• Patience (Key #2 above)
• Gary Vaynerchuk (Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook)
• But what can I give?
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8. The 5 Keys
• 5. Give True Value – the toughest part about networking
• Everybody has something to give
• What’s your value? What special knowledge do you have?
• What are you “World Class” at?
• Examples of value you can deliver:
• Advice
• Introductions to media, prospects, peers, etc.
• Ideas
• A relevant article or book
• What else? Be creative
• Make sure you follow up – this is critical! This is the #1 reason why so many fail at
networking.
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9. Karma, Weak Links and
Superconnectors
• What goes around, comes around – Networking Karma
• Helping others who cannot help you
• Mentorship
• The Power of “Weak Links” – the true value in your network
• What’s a “weak link”?
• Why are they so valuable
• Superconnectors!!!
• These are your top “Hubs” or COIs in your network
• You want as many as possible – figure out how to deliver value
• 80/20 rule
• Figure out who they are, and expend your energy here
• Leverage them for growth
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10. Technology is not a substitute
• Use your tools to enhance your networking
• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• SFDC
• These enhance your outreach and your online presence….
• But they are no substitute for your personal involvement, your personal touch, the
authentic “you”
• Gary Vee – uses native FB and TW accounts, and personally writes his tweets
• At the end of the day, you can’t hack or outsource your true self
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11. Regarding LinkedIn
• Your DE FACTO online bio and resume
• LinkedIn is the Bible – the best BD and research tool today
• Use it to demonstrate your expertise and brand promise
• Spend 30-60 minutes per day – it’s like working out
• Build out your Profile
• Join Groups and engage
• Use the Blog posting platform
• Recommend people and ask for Recommendations
• More activity boosts your searchability, online presence, and reputation
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12. In closing….
• Tech 2000 – software development, mobile app dev. Customers: Apple,
Cisco, MetLife, Dow, Verizon, and dozens of others
• Lore Systems – managed hosting, cloud computing, full IT network support
(lore.net)
• CONNECTpreneur Forum – April 28, Hyatt Bethesda, 250+
CXOs/Founders/angels
• Connectpreneur.org
• Early Bird expires Wednesday: connectpreneur18.eventbrite.com
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13. Thank you!
CONNECT WITH ME!
Email twong@t2000inc.com
Twitter @tienwong
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tienwong
Facebook facebook.com/stienwong
Angel List angel.co/tienwong
Instagram stienwong
Snapchat stienwong
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