Network Mapping

Network maps reveal warm introduction routes, decision influence patterns, and co-investor relationships—transforming cold outreach into relationship-based fundraising.

Expanded Definition

Network mapping captures: professional relationships (colleague, board member, advisor), educational connections (alma mater, program cohorts), investment relationships (co-investors, syndicate members), organizational affiliations (foundations, associations, clubs), and family connections (observable through shared surnames, addresses, estate documents).

Mapping techniques include: LinkedIn connection analysis, board membership overlap, co-investment pattern recognition, conference attendance tracking, and foundation board membership. Network value increases with: centrality (connected people provide more introduction routes), recency (active relationships stronger than historical), and relationship strength (close colleague > casual acquaintance).

Signals & Evidence

Network mapping signals:

• Professional networks: LinkedIn connections, shared employers, board memberships
• Educational networks: Shared universities, programs, graduation years, alumni events
• Investment networks: Co-investor patterns, syndicate memberships, LPAC participation
• Organizational memberships: Foundation boards, industry associations, social clubs
• Event co-attendance: Conference panels, speaking events, industry gatherings
• Geographic clustering: Shared office buildings, city ecosystems, regional networks

Decision Framework

• Pathway prioritization: Rank introduction routes by relationship strength, recency, and relevance
• Connector identification: Find individuals with high network centrality connecting you to target
• Relationship cultivation: Build relationships with well-connected connectors for future introduction needs

Common Misconceptions

"LinkedIn connections = warm intros" → Connection ≠ introduction willingness; assess relationship strength and relevance. "Any introduction works" → Quality matters; strong, relevant introducers dramatically outperform weak connections. "Networks are static" → Relationships evolve through job changes, board terms, organizational moves; update regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Network mapping identifies warm introduction pathways through professional, educational, investment, and organizational relationships
• Relationship strength (close colleague) and recency (current connection) matter more than connection existence
• Use network maps to route outreach through strongest, most relevant connectors rather than cold approach