External "Who Helps How?"
(Or: "How to turn your Rolodex into a cheat code for business growth")
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7.5.1 The 3 Types of Contacts Every Founder Needs
đź“Š Categorizing Your External Network
Contact Type Example When to Use Indian Context Hack
Problem-Solver Lawyer friend Vendor lawsuit threat "Uncle Judge" connections bypass 6-month delays
Door-Opener Industry association head Exhibition stall waiver Offer association free tech support for access
Credibility-Booster Retired IAS officer Investor pitch social proof Have them join 1 Zoom call = instant trust
Crisis Ninja Local politician’s PA Labor inspection surprise "Chai pe bulao" resolution
Backchannel Boss Competitor’s ex-employee Market intel Anonymous Signal chats
🔥 War Story:
A Bengaluru founder added a retired RBI deputy governor to their cap table (0.5% equity). Result:
• 3x faster fintech license approvals
• Competitors assumed political backing
• Series A valuation boosted by ₹18Cr
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🛠️ The "Help Matrix" (Indian Startup Edition)
markdown
| Name | Type | Last Used | Currency Owed | Best Channel |
|-----------------|-------------------|-----------|---------------|--------------|
| Adv. Sharma | Problem-Solver | 2024-03 | Diwali gift | WhatsApp call|
| Mrs. Kapoor (IMA) | Door-Opener | 2024-01 | Conference slot | LinkedIn DM |
| Ex-Commissioner Singh | Credibility | Never | Future board seat | Personal email |
đź’ˇ Pro Tips:
1. Track "Favor Debt"
o Note who owes you (and vice versa)
o Example: "Sponsored nephew's internship → Can ask for GST help"
2. The 3-Touch Rule
o Engage contacts at least 3 times/year (Festivals, updates, asks)
3. Tier Your Asks
o Small: LinkedIn intro
o Medium: Policy clarification
o Big: Investor pitch attendance
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🚨 When to Activate Whom
Situation First Call Nuclear Option
Regulatory raid CA + local inspector’s cousin Retired department head
PR disaster Reporter friend Editor-in-chief’s golf buddy
Supply chain breakdown Transport union leader Politician’s logistics advisor
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đź“Ś Founder's Contact Toolkit
1. The "Panic Button" List
o 5 names on speed dial for:
 Legal 🔴
 Money 💰
 Govt 🏛️
2. The Currency Tracker
o Record what motivates each contact:
 Ego (Public thanks)
 Access (Event invites)
 Cash (Gifts ≠bribes)
3. The Annual "Favor Audit"
o Q4 review:
 Who overdelivered? (Reward)
 Who went MIA? (Demote)
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🎯 Final Thought
"In business, your network is your net worth. But only if you know which connections function as ATMs, which as armor, and which as atomic weapons."
