A relationship map helps you see the people around a goal and decide which conversation to have next. Use the template below to connect each target to a real reason for reaching out, a possible path and the context you need to check.
You can use it for fundraising, sales or partnerships. Start with five targets rather than trying to map everyone you know.
Copy the relationship map
| Target | Why they matter | Possible connector | Relationship evidence | Open question | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Person or organization] | [Specific fit] | [Person, if known] | [How they know each other] | [What needs checking] | [One owned action] |
For an investor, fit might mean a published interest in your stage and sector. For a sales account, it might mean a relevant operational problem. For a potential partner, it could mean a shared audience and complementary work.
Fill it in from left to right
Choose a target. Name a person or organization with a clear connection to your goal. If you cannot explain the fit, research before reaching out.
Find a possible connector. Think about colleagues, customers, advisors, founders, alumni and former coworkers. If nobody comes to mind, leave the field blank. A direct approach can still be appropriate.
Record the evidence. “Connected on LinkedIn” is different from “worked together last year.” Both may be useful context, but neither guarantees an introduction.
Ask an open question. You might need to confirm whether the connector knows the person well, whether the target is still in the role, or whether the opportunity is timely.
Choose one next action. Research, reconnect, ask for context or prepare a request. Give the action an owner so the map turns into work.
Example: one filled-in row
For a fictional founder researching a seed fund, a useful row might read: “Fund A | public focus matches our sector and stage | former colleague | colleague previously worked with a portfolio founder | confirm whether they are in touch | ask for context.”
The row is actionable because it names what needs checking. A blank connector is fine; it may point to a direct approach instead.
Try it with Aurora, Claude or Codex
Share only information you are authorized to use, and review the result before acting.
Create a relationship-map worksheet for [goal] using these authorized notes: [details].
Include target, fit, possible connector, evidence, open question and next action.
Leave missing information blank rather than guessing.
Use the map without overusing the network
Ask a connector whether they would feel comfortable checking interest before making an introduction. Make it easy to decline, and do not treat an old connection as a commitment to help.
For a specialized version, use Finta's investor relationship map or B2B account relationship map. Finta Networks can bring available relationship evidence into the same decision, while Aurora helps prepare the next step for review.