Entrepreneurial networking behavior and firm performance: The missing link of entrepreneurial alertness

This study explores the link between entrepreneurial networking behavior and the performance of Indian startups. Entrepreneurial networking plays a vital role in helping entrepreneurs access information, strategic resources, market insights, and business opportunities – especially in emerging environments marked by uncertainty, scarce resources, and intense competition. Based on Social Capital Theory, the existing literature lacks empirical evidence regarding the processes that link networking behavior to firm performance. We examine the direct relationships among entrepreneurial networking, entrepreneurial alertness, and firm performance, as well as the mediating effect of entrepreneurial alertness. A quantitative approach was employed, collecting data through structured questionnaires from 125 startup entrepreneurs. Data analysis was performed using PLS-SEM. Findings show that ENB is significantly and positively associated with alertness and FP, and that alertness is significantly associated with performance. This study offers insights for entrepreneurs, incubators, and policymakers to improve startup success by enhancing networking and opportunity recognition skills.