Master Your Startup’s First Conversations

As a startup founder, one of the most important lessons you can learn is how to make the most of your first conversation with potential investors, recruits, or customers. The goal of this initial interaction is not to tell your entire story, but rather to establish a foundation for a deeper relationship that will lead to a second call.

Many founders make the mistake of overwhelming their listeners with too much information, thinking that more data points will make their case stronger. However, the opposite is often true. The key is to share the minimum amount of information necessary to establish your credibility and generate interest in a second conversation.

During the first call, your primary objective should be to engage in a conversation and establish a connection with the other party. This means focusing on the value you can bring to the table, rather than simply delivering a lecture on your company or product. If the other party likes what they hear, they will be more than willing to give you the opportunity to tell your whole story in the second call.

The second call is where you can delve into the details of your story and share all the information you want to convey. But in order to get there, you must first make a good impression and establish a relationship with the other party during the first call. This requires a delicate balance of sharing enough information to demonstrate your credibility, while also leaving room for further conversation and engagement.

Ultimately, the purpose of the first call is to lay the groundwork for a productive and meaningful relationship that will benefit both parties in the long run. By focusing on the minimum amount of information necessary to get to the second call, you can establish a foundation for success and build strong relationships that will help your startup thrive.