Raise Millions by Hustle Fund VC Page 64 Make authentic relationships in business Networking is not about going to a bunch of conferences and exchanging business cards. Networking is simply about making friends. Wait, that’s the big revelation? OK stay with me. People do business with people they like and trust. And who do we like and trust? Our friends! If you reflect on all the people who’ve helped you and whom you’ve helped in business (or in life), what do they all have in common? If I had to guess, they’re probably your actual friends. The opposite is also true. Think about a time when you’ve worked with a client or a team member who you didn’t like or trust. They probably didn’t pass your “friend test.” I bet doing business with them must have been extremely challenging. So when you’re meeting new investors, potential candidates for your team, or people to partner with, don’t think of them as “contacts” to pitch later on LinkedIn. Try to be actual friends with them. What most “business” people do: ● They hard sell right off the bat. ● They obsess about their own self-interests. ● They don’t keep in touch with the people they’ve met. hustlefund.vc / @hustlefundvc