Stop Faking It: Effective Networking on Your Terms and the Value of Resilience

Author

Benjamin Friedman
August 12, 2025

Photos by Leah Friedman

Morning beehiivcommunity!

This newsletter turns experience into lessons for your startup. As a growth partner for visionary founders, we help sharpen leadership skills and unlock growth potential.

Building Authentic Connections in Crowded Rooms

“The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity.” — Keith Ferrazzi

What if the secret to powerful networking isn't collecting more contacts, but connecting with the right people in ways that energize you?

As a founder, I felt compelled to meet new people at all costs, exchange brief introductions, and then trade elevator pitches and contact information. As an introvert, socializing in crowds never felt comfortable or productive, just draining.

My approach to connections has evolved. I shifted from trying to mimic others to proactively choosing when, where, and how long to engage. This year, I've been organizing and facilitating many events. In this post, I reveal what transformed my approach and how it can redefine yours, too.

Hire Proven Leaders From World-Class Companies, On Your Startup Budget

Fractional Jobs helps startups like Whalesync (YC S21), Koodos Labs (First Round), Hearth (8VC), and 100+ others hire fractional talent directly. These are senior-level operators from top companies, working part-time for your startup to help you execute.

If you're a founder who wants to get access to talent you could never afford full-time, book a call with Taylor HERE.

Expert Tips for Startups

The 3–7 Rule and the Value of Resilience

When I worked at Microsoft as a vendor, I wanted to be an employee. I interviewed unsuccessfully nine times.

My mentor told me, "You have to try at least three times, otherwise you're not really being persistent. But if you try more than seven times without changing something, you're just being stubborn."

As a founder, I know that true resilience isn't relentless repetition, but knowing when to adapt and when to quit.

David Restrepo is the Founder and CEO at Meroo, a gamified AI platform connecting talent with SMBs. You can read his original post on leadership HERE.

Join Us This Fall for a Variety of Events!

Our panel events will feature engaging topics and valuable networking opportunities. 

How Non-Tech Companies Are Winning with AI and Automation (9/17)

AI and automation are transforming every industry, not just tech. Discover how forward-thinking businesses harness technology to drive productivity, revenue, and growth.

Fundraising Tradeoffs: Lessons Investors Don't Teach You (10/8)

A panel of experienced investors and serial founders will discuss major considerations before seeking investment and openly discuss immediate and long-term consequences.

Automation and AI in the Finance Stack (Expected 11/12)

When finance teams automate effectively, they can focus more on strategy. We'll explore how reducing manual processes creates time for making and delivering valuable insights.

All events will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Midtown Manhattan. We welcome your suggestions for discussion topics or potential sponsors. Reach us HERE.

Need Some Help?

What if the quietest person in the room is the one who changes the world?

Build Scale Grow provides expert strategies and clear metrics for social impact, EdTech, and health tech startups, with a focus on introverted founders. With five successful M&As in ten years, we’ll help your startup reach its full potential and beyond.

Book a free 30-minute call HERE to see how we can help.