Kevin Henrikson

Networking advice is mostly garbage.

"Just add value" and "be authentic" tells you nothing.

After 20+ years in tech, I've discovered what actually works:

This hidden pattern explains why some people get everything they want: 

Most networking advice is just empty platitudes.

On this week's podcast, Andreas Homer ( @Andreas_dre ) shared the art of asking for what you want and ACTUALLY getting it.

Go to events. Hand out business cards. Follow up...

But this misses what drives successful connections: 

The framework has 3 core elements:

• Mutual benefit
• Authenticity
• Clarity

Let me break down exactly how this works... 

First, clarity.

Most people make frustratingly vague requests.

"Can I pick your brain?" or "Let's connect sometime!"...These fuzzy asks are easy to ignore.

The best networkers are crystal clear about what they want and why they're asking you specifically. 

Andreas mastered this approach when interviewing at Shopify.

He didn't just apply through normal channels.

He mapped who would interview him, found second-level connections, and made specific requests for introductions.

But his approach had a crucial second element: 

Mutual benefit.

When reaching out to a connection who knew Shopify's president, Andreas didn't say "Please introduce me."

He said: "If you truly believe I'd be a great fit for this role, I'd appreciate an introduction."

This framing protects everyone's reputation. 

The third element is authenticity.

Genuine curiosity can't be faked. Tech is special because people help when approached honestly.

Successful networkers communicate genuinely with clear asks and fair exchanges.

This builds lasting relationships that compound over time.

Andreas shared:

"If you're genuinely curious and you show mutual benefit and you are humble, you can get really far with your relationships, particularly in tech."

But there's one more critical principle most people overlook: 

Give people an out.

The most successful networkers say: "No pressure whatsoever. I know this could be a sensitive relationship."

This technique removes obligation and makes people more likely to help.

Why? It demonstrates respect for their position and judgment.

The framework works in every scenario - from fundraising to hiring to business development.

When raising money, apply these principles:

• Be authentic about challenges
• Give an easy way to say no
• Show investor benefits
• Be clear 

This approach helped me build teams that sold for $200M+.

The counterintuitive truth?

People with the strongest networks don't think of it as "networking."

They focus on building relationships based on genuine interest in others and creating mutual value.

This isn't about collecting connections.

It's about building a support system of people who trust you enough to open doors when it matters.

Your true network isn't measured by contacts, but by who would take your call at 10pm on Sunday.

Check out the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/StjroQDhOuQ?si=IE8UteYgqKN-dSwF

Want to master the founder mindset and build better?

Join Founder Mode for free weekly insights on startups, systems, and personal growth: https://foundermode.kit.com/

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I hope you've found this thread helpful.

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Your users judge your product in 50 milliseconds.

At Microsoft, I discovered a shocking truth:

40-60% of users never return after their first visit.

Here's the psychological principle that transformed our retention forever: 

The brutal truth?

You've probably lost $100,000s by mishandling first-time users.

I know because I made this exact mistake - watching users bounce, never to return.

Until I discovered something that changed everything: 

It's called the Kleenex User principle:

Just like you can't "un-use" a Kleenex, users can't un-experience your product.

That first interaction permanently shapes their perception.

But here's what most founders miss entirely: 

We obsess over:
• Perfect features
• Slick designs
• Complex functionality

Meanwhile, we're hemorrhaging users in the first 5 minutes.

The data is brutal:

40-60% of users never return after their first session.

That's not just lost customers.

That's:
• Wasted marketing spend
• Higher acquisition costs
• Dead word-of-mouth
But there's a solution that transformed our metrics: 

I developed the "Success Roadmap" technique:

1. Immediate win (first 30 seconds)
2. Core value demo (first 2 minutes)
3. Future potential (first 5 minutes)

This completely changed how users experienced our product.

Here's the fascinating psychology behind it:

Most founders overwhelm users immediately.

It's like trying to teach someone to swim by throwing them in the ocean.

The result? They panic and never come back.

But there's a counterintuitive approach that works better:

Start with ONE thing.

Make it impossibly easy.

Let them taste success.

Then, and only then, introduce the next step.

We tested this at Instacart: 

We simplified first-time ordering to just 3 clicks.

Users got their first "win" in seconds.

The psychology is powerful:
• Dopamine hit
• Increased confidence
• Momentum to explore more

But here's the game-changing part: 

These Kleenex users are your most valuable asset.

Why? Because they see your product with completely fresh eyes.

Their feedback is worth gold - but most founders waste this opportunity.

Here's how to capture it:

Create a rapid feedback loop:
• Watch first-time users like a hawk
• Note every hesitation
• Fix friction points immediately
• Test with new users
• Repeat

This is your competitive advantage. 

The harsh reality:

A bad first impression costs more than just that user.

It costs you their entire network of potential customers.

But get it right? You create a viral growth engine.

The choice is yours:

Continue losing users in those crucial first moments...

Or transform your product into an addictive experience that hooks users instantly.

Want to master the founder mindset and build better?

Join Founder Mode for free weekly insights on startups, systems, and personal growth: https://foundermode.kit.com/

I hope you've found this thread helpful.

Follow me @KevinHenrikson for more.

Like/Repost the quote below if you can:

Video credits:
• YT link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7rhtHNXbr4
• YT link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQGjV6_8t7I
• YT link https://youtu.be/ksAbzUpZdj0?si=47UCTZosSZjQBE4Z