Network School as a Networking Accelerator: Building Genuine Professional Relationships
How to build lasting professional relationships at Network School that go beyond LinkedIn connections and create real career value.
Why NS Networking Is Different
Traditional networking events — cocktails, business cards, 5-minute conversations — produce shallow connections.
Traditional networking events — cocktails, business cards, 5-minute conversations — produce shallow connections. NS networking is fundamentally different because you are living with people. You see them before coffee, after workouts, during vulnerable moments, and in unguarded conversations at 11pm. This creates a depth of relationship that conferences cannot match. You do not just know what someone's company does — you know their values, work ethic, how they handle stress, and whether they follow through on commitments. These deep insights make NS connections far more valuable for future collaboration, hiring, investing, and partnerships.
Building Relationships That Last
The biggest networking mistake at NS is treating it like a conference — collecting contacts without building relationships. Instead, invest deeply in 15 to 20 people over your stay. Help people without expecting immediate return. Offer your skills freely — design feedback, code review, intro emails, brainstorming sessions. Follow up on conversations the next day: 'I was thinking about what you said about X, and I had an idea...' Remember details about people's projects and check in on their progress. These small acts of attention and generosity build the social capital that makes your NS network genuinely powerful.
Finding Co-Founders and Collaborators
NS is one of the best environments in the world for finding co-founders. You get months of daily interaction to evaluate compatibility — far better than a weekend hackathon or online matchmaking. Before jumping into a partnership, work on a smaller project together first. A hackathon, a mini-experiment, or a week-long sprint reveals collaboration dynamics that conversation cannot. Pay attention to how potential co-founders handle disagreement, failure, and time pressure. The NS community includes developers, designers, marketers, operators, and domain experts — complementary skill sets are available. Many successful NS partnerships involve combining a technical and non-technical founder.
Leveraging Your NS Network Post-Departure
The real networking value of NS compounds after you leave. Maintain your connections through regular check-ins, shared group chats, and annual NS alumni gatherings. When you need a warm introduction, a trusted recommendation, or a collaborator in a specific country, your NS network delivers. NS alumni are distributed across 70+ countries and work in crypto, tech, finance, media, and beyond. This network is a career asset that appreciates over time — as NS members advance in their careers, the value of each connection increases. Invest in maintaining relationships as seriously as you invest in building new skills.
400+ members from 70+ countries — your potential professional network
Source: ns.com
15-20 deep connections — more valuable than 200 shallow ones
Source: Networking research
“Your network is your net worth, but only if it is built on genuine relationships. The people who help you most are the ones who know you best.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring business cards to NS?
Physical business cards are largely unnecessary in the NS context. People exchange social handles, phone numbers, and email through digital means. If you work in an industry where cards are still expected (finance, traditional business), bring a small stack. Otherwise, a well-maintained LinkedIn profile and a clear way to describe what you do are more valuable.
How do I follow up with people after leaving NS?
Send a personal message within a week of departure to your closest connections. Share something specific you valued about them or your interaction. Join or create a cohort group chat. Schedule quarterly check-ins with your top 5-10 connections. Share useful content, make introductions, and celebrate their wins. The effort of maintenance is minimal compared to the relationship value.
Can NS connections help me get a job or raise funding?
Yes, absolutely. Several NS members have been hired by companies founded by other NS members. Investment connections from the community have led to funding for NS-born startups. The Balaji network extends beyond NS into the broader tech and crypto ecosystem. However, these outcomes come from genuine relationships, not transactional networking. Build real connections first; the career benefits follow naturally.
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