The VC industry isn't as 'closed' as people think it is. Make sure that you are giving value in the first instance more than you are asking for things? Can you share good dealflow? Can you provide some seminars or webinars? It's sounds so simple, but the more you give, the more you get.....

3 Effective Ways to build trust with diverse service providers in the VC Industry 1. BUILD TRUST BY DOING THE RIGHT THINGS Always listen, give more than you take and be authentic (always). It is a small hyper-connected community so to be trustworthy, you need to have INTEGRITY meaning: Do the right thing even if no one is looking in all things. 2. TREAT EVERYONE WITH RESPECT You need to treat everyone with the dignity they deserve. Everyone. Always. Period. 3. SHOW/SHARE COMPETENCE + CONNECTIONS Some have more veteran stripes, share what you know. Prove you can do, deliver, connect and help others in the VC and broader diversified investment community. Trust builds over time with consistency and sincere resolve.

Setting goals serves as a foundational step in my venture capital journey. It goes beyond a mere starting point; it acts as a strategic roadmap. Whether navigating specific challenges or expanding networks, having precise goals streamlines the process and cultivates meaningful connections. It's not just about outreach; it's about building relationships that resonate with strategic objectives. Those service providers who understand and align with your goals often become invaluable collaborators, navigating the dynamic landscape of the VC industry together.

Join Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives. Engage with organizations and initiatives that focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in the VC and entrepreneurial communities. This could include participating in events, sponsoring initiatives, or joining diversity-focused groups.

An important article and my opinion is necessary for constructive and effective communication with investors and venture capital.

Industry events can be great ways to network with a variety of service providers. For ourselves in the fintech space, we have found that conferences such as Money 2020 and Fintech Nexus are great forums to meet various industry players from founders, other investors, law and accounting firms, and technical consultants.

Exploring diverse sources is a game-changer in networking. In my venture capital experience, relying on varied channels broadens the pool of exceptional service providers. Utilizing online platforms, attending inclusive events, and seeking recommendations inject diversity into the search. It's more than avoiding pitfalls; it's about proactively embracing inclusivity, enriching the network with unique perspectives and talents.

Ask for the right back-channel reference. In you startup you have an "egocentric" view, where you need to find what the best fit for you. Ideally, but not necessarily form your point of view, you better be among their best fits.

Engagement is the heartbeat of impactful networking. In my venture capital journey, fostering meaningful connections involves genuine curiosity and active participation. It's not just about asking questions; it's about listening intently and providing constructive feedback. Adding value means more than just sharing resources; it's about contributing insights and making introductions that can elevate both parties. It's a reciprocal exchange that goes beyond transactional networking, creating a foundation for enduring collaborations.

Build relationships with diverse service providers in VC by leveraging neuroscience-backed strategies. Activate trust networks through reliability and transparency, tapping into the brain's limbic system. Use empathy to understand diverse perspectives, creating shared emotional experiences through mirror neurons. Emphasize mutual benefit, aligning with the brain's reward system for cooperation. Ensure fairness in interactions to positively influence perceptions. Craft a positive narrative about collaboration, leveraging the brain's response to storytelling. Apply reciprocity to strengthen connections, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

In any case focus on being relevant. Don't do it just for the sake of it, feeling the need to be reciprocal, or aiming to force such reciprocity.

Consistent follow-up is the cornerstone of enduring connections in the venture capital landscape. In my experience, it's not just about initial engagement; it's about maintaining an ongoing dialogue. Expressing gratitude, sharing updates, and seeking input create a reciprocal relationship. It's more than sending occasional newsletters; it's about involving them in your journey, making them an integral part of your network. This continuous connection transforms a transactional engagement into a collaborative partnership, where both parties actively contribute to each other's success.

Educate Yourself on Diversity Issues. Stay informed about diversity issues, challenges, and opportunities within the VC and startup ecosystem. This knowledge can help you engage in more meaningful conversations with diverse service providers.

Post relevant and insightful content and mention them as a good example when appropriate and truthful. Again, don't overdo it just for the sake of it, or it would look artificial.

Participate in industry conferences, seminars, and networking events where you can meet diverse service providers. Look for events specifically focused on diversity and inclusion in the startup and VC space.

Continuous assessment is key in the ever-evolving landscape of venture capital. In my venture capital journey, evaluating and optimizing the network is not just a task but a strategic necessity. Tracking outcomes, seeking feedback, and adapting the network to evolving needs ensure its relevance and effectiveness. It's about more than numbers; it's about fostering a dynamic, responsive network that adds tangible value to your venture capital endeavors.

Focus on up to three key metrics, and weigh them properly. Iterate on them until you get it right with our closest providers, to reflect properly how do you actually "feel" about them. Then extend to scope of the evaluation.

Collaborate with diverse service providers on research projects, articles, or publications that contribute to the knowledge base of the VC industry. This can help build a shared sense of expertise and credibility.

Invest time to help those who are just entering the VC industry and eco-systems. There are people who do not know the ropes, the terms, the eco-systems yet but want to learn. You might be surprised they become your unintended "reverse mentors". The VC landscape is changing pay it forward and I think you'll be surprised at the future dividends you may receive helping them.

As an AI Veteran of 30+ years, I offer AI investment advice to VCs, PEs, and their investees. And since I see patterns others don’t - I focus on solving BIG PROBLEMS. For years, I have been asking CEOs to describe their brand in just 2 to 3 words – as every strong brand can be explained like that. For example: McDonald’s = Fast Food; Walmart = Low Prices. Similarly, Canada Green ESCO (CGE) is all about PROFITABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP… My recommendation? Hire a good advisor! Not all Advisory Boards are created equally. After all, even 100 mediocre musicians do not amount to one Beethoven - the same way 100 mediocre physicists are not a substitute for Einstein’s brilliance.