Networking isn't a prerequisite for being an entrepreneur. Many entrepreneurs work from wherever they are and enjoy a mobile lifestyle and do all communication electronically - even networking.
The most effective networking I've done has been via discussion forums like webmasterworld and via email lists. It's also way more time efficient.
If you are worried that you lack a core skill or lack funding and need to network to find a co-founder or investor, just be straight with the folks you are communicating with - tell them you're deaf and you'd rather communicate via text mediums like IM, email, etc.
If you have a skill set that is core to starting a company, put it to work and good partners or investors will find you as they see how talented you are.
Learning sign language is not hard, so if you do find a great co-founder and you need to work in person, you'll probably find they'll put in the effort to learn ASL. Us geeks enjoy learning new languages.
The networking issue is because I'm close to finishing a MVP and need funding to take it further (especially since I'm not good in some aspects). I can only learn so much.
I am quite straight with people on my disability to the point of giving a very accurate analogy of my deafness. So I'll keep trying that!
Comments
Networking isn't a prerequisite for being an entrepreneur. Many entrepreneurs work from wherever they are and enjoy a mobile lifestyle and do all communication electronically - even networking.
The most effective networking I've done has been via discussion forums like webmasterworld and via email lists. It's also way more time efficient.
If you are worried that you lack a core skill or lack funding and need to network to find a co-founder or investor, just be straight with the folks you are communicating with - tell them you're deaf and you'd rather communicate via text mediums like IM, email, etc.
If you have a skill set that is core to starting a company, put it to work and good partners or investors will find you as they see how talented you are.
Learning sign language is not hard, so if you do find a great co-founder and you need to work in person, you'll probably find they'll put in the effort to learn ASL. Us geeks enjoy learning new languages.
Best of luck.
The networking issue is because I'm close to finishing a MVP and need funding to take it further (especially since I'm not good in some aspects). I can only learn so much.
I am quite straight with people on my disability to the point of giving a very accurate analogy of my deafness. So I'll keep trying that!
I don't know ASL though. Thanks!