It depends on what you're building. In our particular case. When I started with the idea of building a startup for the first time, I did all of those things. Built a network, looked for mentors, investors etc. While trying to keep our equity with us.
After a few months I concluded it was all a waste of time. Having a good product overshadows everything else by a huge margin. If you have a great product, you'll have better leverage for negotiating equity, you'll find it easier to find partners, mentors and networking. Everything magically gets easier.
Now I understand that, for our product, our priority should be 99% to build something awesome. Everything else is so little it's insignificant. We don't even waste our energy with those anymore. If we do build a great product, then the other ones will come.
But of course, it depends on what you're building. Not everyone is trying to build something complex. Maybe your product relies on getting a few key clients you depend on, then go after them. Maybe you didn't even validate your idea yet, so go make sure you're building the right thing before wasting time with it. There are too many "ifs" and I don't anyone will give you a good generic idea without knowing exactly what you're doing. So if you are on that stage where you're not sure what to do and you need help. I'd say networking and look for mentorship that will guide your team. Then just build something awesome.
After a few months I concluded it was all a waste of time. Having a good product overshadows everything else by a huge margin. If you have a great product, you'll have better leverage for negotiating equity, you'll find it easier to find partners, mentors and networking. Everything magically gets easier.
Now I understand that, for our product, our priority should be 99% to build something awesome. Everything else is so little it's insignificant. We don't even waste our energy with those anymore. If we do build a great product, then the other ones will come.
But of course, it depends on what you're building. Not everyone is trying to build something complex. Maybe your product relies on getting a few key clients you depend on, then go after them. Maybe you didn't even validate your idea yet, so go make sure you're building the right thing before wasting time with it. There are too many "ifs" and I don't anyone will give you a good generic idea without knowing exactly what you're doing. So if you are on that stage where you're not sure what to do and you need help. I'd say networking and look for mentorship that will guide your team. Then just build something awesome.