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Broadening the On-ramp for Women-run Companies

Tuesday Takeaways 06.23.20 | How to Ask for Introductions

I have fielded several requests for introductions this week. I like to be helpful, but I also like to be respectful of my network’s time. I like to ask if someone is open to an introduction before making the connection, and I appreciate it when people requesting introductions send me a forwardable email to make double opt-in introductions easy. 

I updated these two posts that I wrote five years ago this week. They are tailored toward asking for investor introductions, but are applicable to all requests for introductions: 

How to Ask for a Startup Investor Intro
How to Get a VC to Answer a Meeting Request

My realization of the week: In rereading these posts that I wrote five years ago, I realized how much I’ve shifted my approach to sharing advice. I have a tendency to want to tell people what they “should” or “can’t” or “must” do in a slightly (and sometimes not-so-slightly) demeaning elementary school teacher tone. My writing can also sound too formal or corporate and take on a bit of a robotic tone that prevents authentic connection. I am not sure if I even would have noticed these patterns if my partner Sue had not pointed them out to me five years ago. 

These patterns are deeply ingrained. I’m an Enneagram 1 that strives toward perfection. My mother was a school teacher and I went to a strict Catholic school. My patterns seemed normal to me and I was blind to how they were holding me back. I’m still a constant work in progress, but I do think I’ve improved. I’m grateful to have a partner who can see my blind spots and candidly point them out. 

Portfolio Quick Hit: The NFLPA named Shinesty as one of its three licensees of the year, along with EA Sports and Rawlings. Shinesty’s player-themed Hawaiian shirts were named the “Best Breakout Product of the Year.”

I post my most interesting weekly thoughts, coupled with the best of my listening and reading list, and occasional MergeLane Portfolio news every Tuesday. To follow Tuesday Takeaways and our occasional blog posts, you can subscribe to our blog or follow me on twitter.



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