Want to meet other conscious founders in your city?

Hey all,

We’ve all heard the quote “your network is your net worth” – but what about your net impact?

Networks affect how much good you can do in the world. 

Take Yvon Chouinard and Douglas Tompkins (the founders of Patagonia and The North Face). 

They were lifelong friends, shared a vision for a better future, and were prolific in climate conservation projects through their global brand reach. (Including millions of acres of land donated to national parks in Chile and Argentina).

Without them meeting, would they have made that level of impact? 

Impact doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s proportional to who you know. 

So where do you meet others who also have a big mission –– who also want to make an impact?

It’s easier than ever to find entrepreneurs online. But you might be surprised at how many amazing people are right near you.

Try these three things monthly and watch your connections grow.

1. Look up local accelerators or incubators. 

Most major cities these days have them. 

The KINN in Venice is a great example (we do multiple open-invite founder events weekly).

Show up to their events and introduce yourself. Founders often want to connect with other founders.

2. Search “Founder + [Your City]” on LinkedIn.

Then scroll through and DM those you’d like to meet. 

You’d be surprised at how far a well-written personal message goes. 

When you’re not trying to sell anything, people are generally more receptive to connect, especially if you’re in the same city.

I’d send a message like this:

 “Hey! I think what you’re building with [company] is awesome. I’m working on my own company/projects in a similar space, and looking to make more connections with local entrepreneurs. Let me know if you’re up to chat!”

And try to make it even more personal. 

If you see they’re promoting something (a recent podcast they were on, an article they published or a new book), mention that when you reach out. 

This helps to build rapport and show that you’re actually interested in what they’re up to.

3. Start hosting founder dinners.

This one’s super simple. 

Make a reservation at a local restaurant for 5-10 people and invite a few founder friends. 

Then ask them each to invite 1 person to the group.

Repeat this monthly – it’s a great way to build a network in a new city! 

*****

Entrepreneurship can feel like a solo or even lonely activity at times.

And when it comes to impact driven entrepreneurship, your pool of peers gets even smaller.

Putting yourself out there is all it takes. Momentum begets more momentum. 

Try these strategies for a few months and you’ll be surprised at how many amazing founders there are right near you. 

We all want to build community – it just takes the right person to bring us together. 

Cheers,

Oliver

Founder, The KINN