Affinity Groups

The best source of learning, advice, and vendors I’ve received is from other founders.

Great investors know that their portfolio theory not only applies to returns, but to establishing internal knowledge-sharing among companies at different stages. I’ve been to portfolio conferences for a few different funds, and have gotten more value out of them than any other conference I’ve ever attended.

In DC, there’s an invite-only group called Mindshare that’s been running for decades – I joined it a few years back, and it’s my go-to when I need a vendor, looking to hire someone, or have a general question/issue. There are also numerous others – Netcito, Vistage, etc. There are also ad-hoc groups – a bunch of local founders at roughly the same stage on one email list.

These aren’t “networking groups” – you’re not in there to exchange business cards. Joining it gives you access to the collective group – throw a question out to the entire list/basecamp, and anyone will jump in.

If you’re not in one, find one now.