Ask HN: How important is it to be social prior to launching a company?

It's important to be social (people want to work with social and nice* people) but it's probably not important to be a socialite--you know what I mean. Just remember that life is a social event; you're going to meet people all the time. And like with anything in life, you get out, what you put in. So don't be afraid to put in a little work in all avenues of your upcoming venture.<p>Be nice to everyone you meet; niceness should not be underestimated. Even if it's not important to your company, it's important to you.<p>I remember stepping outside of a tech 'mixer' packed head to toe with millionaires, and seeing a bottle picker, he asked me what was going on and I told him, and we chatted about our 'entrepreneurial spirit' and he gave me some wisdom on the art of hustle--he was by far the most influential person I'd meet that night. You never know, who'll help you on your way, or who you can help--so always be social, and always be nice.

Connections are opportunities. The more you make, the more you have, and that makes social skills a commodity.<p>Having a great idea doesn't inherently make a strong company too. You have to have the right people, and it's the founder's job to attract the best talent.<p>Incubators want founders that are in high demand or are "popular" if you will. Plus, as Y Combinator says, they have dinner with you every month so they want to know you're a cool dude/chic.

If your startup sells to other startups, it is very important. If you lack a skill and need help with something, it is very important. If you are looking to be funded by a startup incubator or something similar, it is somewhat important. Otherwise, find an idea and start building.