7. Network & Relationship Capital Mapping
(Or: "How to turn LinkedIn connections into crorepati opportunities")
7.1 Founder & Team Network Audit
Mining Your Hidden Relationship Gold
🔍 The 3-Layer Network Scan
Layer Hidden Value Indian Startup Hack
Ex-Colleagues First clients/vendors "Let's catch up over chai" → 70% conversion
Alumni Networks Investor/mentor pipeline IIT/IIM WhatsApp groups = dealflow
Past Venture Contacts Industry shortcuts "Remember when we...?" → Trust boost
💡 Pro Tip:
Create a "Network Heat Map" with:
• 🔴 Hot: Ready to do business now
• 🟡 Warm: Needs nurturing
• 🟢 Cold: Dormant but valuable
🔥 Horror Story:
A founder ignored his ex-boss at Flipkart for 3 years. Later discovered:
• Missed ₹4.2Cr vendor deal
• Lost intro to Sequoia India
• Competitor scooped both
________________________________________
7.1.1 Past Networks (The Untapped Goldmine)
Your Rolodex is Worth More Than Your MVP
✅ Audit Checklist
1. Ex-Colleague Power List
o Who's now at:
• Target clients?
• Regulatory bodies?
• Competing startups?
2. Alumni Leverage Points
o Batchmates at:
• Venture firms (30% of Indian VC deals are alumni-sourced)
• Govt ministries (For policy startups)
3. Industry Ghost Networks
o Suppliers from past ventures
o Lawyers/CAs who know your history
📌 Execution Plan:
• Month 1: Export all LinkedIn connections → Categorize
• Month 2: 2 coffee chats/week → "How can we collaborate?"
• Month 3: Launch "Referral Rewards" for team networks
Template (Network Tracker):
markdown
| Name | Current Role | Connection Type | Last Contact | Potential Value | Next Action |
|------------|-------------|-----------------|-------------|-----------------|-------------------|
| Raj Mehta | Blume VC | College roommate | 6mo ago | Seed funding | Send pitch deck |
| Priya Shah | GST Officer | Ex-colleague | 2y ago | Compliance help | Diwali gift + meet|
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🛡️ Network Health Check
"How rich is your relationship bank?"
Parameter 😱 Island Mode 🛠️ Some Ties 🛡️ Power Connector
Mapping No list Basic spreadsheet CRM-integrated with reminders
Activation Random DMs Quarterly coffee chats Strategic "asks" per quarter
Team Utilization Founder-only Employee referral bonuses Department-wise network KPIs
________________________________________
🚨 Network Emergencies
"When you need favors fast:"
Crisis Network Triage Prevention
Investor pullout Batchmate at rival VC Keep 3 warm VC relationships
Govt notice IAS officer from college Annual alumni meetup attendance
Supplier crisis Ex-colleague now at big distributor Maintain supplier backchannel list
📌 Founder's Network Toolkit
1. The "10-3-1 Rule"
o 10 warm contacts/month
o 3 meaningful conversations
o 1 new opportunity created
2. The Alumni Advantage
o Leverage:
• IIT - Tech partnerships
• CA - GST/tax help
• MBA - Investor intros
3. The Dark Social Map
o Who knows who in your team's:
• Wedding guest lists
• Cricket tournament groups
• Temple committees
🎯 Final Thought
"In India, your network isn't just who you know—it's who knows you when shit hits the fan."
