Network Building: Advisors & Formal Relationships

> Prerequisite: Read the core networking playbook in network-building.md first.

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Mentor / Advisor Ask Templates

Informal Mentor Ask

"[NAME], I've gotten so much value from our conversations over
the past [TIMEFRAME]. You've helped me think through [SPECIFIC
EXAMPLES].

Would you be open to making this a more regular thing? I'd love
to check in monthly — even just 30 minutes. I'll come prepared
with specific questions and always respect your time.

No formal arrangement needed. Just want to make sure you know
how much I value your guidance."

Formal Advisor Ask

"[NAME], your guidance on [SPECIFIC AREAS] has been invaluable
to [COMPANY]. We're at a point where having you as a formal
advisor would mean a lot — both for your ongoing input and the
signal it sends to our customers and investors.

Here's what I'm thinking:
- Monthly 1-hour call (I'll send an agenda in advance)
- Occasional email/text for quick questions
- Introductions when natural opportunities arise
- Advisory equity: [X]% over [Y] years with a [Z]-month cliff

I've attached a standard advisory agreement for your review.
No pressure at all — happy to discuss terms or adjust the
structure.

Either way, I'm grateful for everything you've already done."

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Advisory Agreement Basics

If someone agrees to advise formally, put it in writing. Keep it simple.

Standard Terms

Equity range:         0.1% — 1.0% (stage and involvement dependent)
  - Light touch:      0.1% — 0.25% (monthly call, occasional intros)
  - Medium:           0.25% — 0.5% (monthly call, active intros, strategic input)
  - Heavy:            0.5% — 1.0% (weekly involvement, domain expertise, key intros)

Vesting:              1-2 years, monthly vesting
Cliff:                3-6 months (protects both sides)
Expected time:        2-5 hours/month

What to include in the agreement:
  - Scope of advisory role
  - Expected time commitment
  - Equity amount and vesting schedule
  - Confidentiality and IP provisions
  - Term and termination clauses

Use the FAST Agreement from the Founder Institute as a starting template: fi.co/fast

Do not over-promise equity. Advisory shares add up. 3-5 advisors at 0.25% each = 0.75% - 1.25% of your cap table before you've hired anyone.

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Relationship Tracking System

Use a simple spreadsheet or lightweight CRM. Do not overthink this.

NAME | NETWORK TYPE | COMPANY/ROLE | HOW WE MET | LAST CONTACT | NEXT ACTION | NOTES
[NAME] | Customer    | [COMPANY]    | [CONTEXT]  | [DATE]       | [ACTION]    | [NOTES]
[NAME] | Investor    | [FUND]       | [CONTEXT]  | [DATE]       | [ACTION]    | [NOTES]
[NAME] | Advisor     | [COMPANY]    | [CONTEXT]  | [DATE]       | [ACTION]    | [NOTES]
[NAME] | Peer        | [COMPANY]    | [CONTEXT]  | [DATE]       | [ACTION]    | [NOTES]
[NAME] | Talent      | [COMPANY]    | [CONTEXT]  | [DATE]       | [ACTION]    | [NOTES]

Maintenance Rhythm

Weekly (Friday, 15 min):    Review this week's contacts. Update notes. Set next actions.
Monthly (1st of month):     Reach out to 5 people you haven't talked to in 60+ days.
Quarterly:                  Review full list. Archive dead contacts. Identify gaps.

The goal is not a massive network. It's 50-100 genuine relationships across all five categories, maintained with care.

> This playbook is for educational purposes. Networking is a long game. Relationships built on genuine value and mutual respect will always outperform transactional outreach. Be patient, be generous, and be real.