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.”

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