The Observer's Notebook: "Go to The Extra Thing"
Volume II, Entry 2 | November 21, 2024
1. I Wanna Be an SME.
How do we reduce wasted space in church buildings?
90% of the week the building is minimally occupied.
This week I had lunch with someone who, for the better part of a decade, has been obsessed with solving this problem.
It was truly fascinating.
Three things oozed from him:
Facts and figures. He really knew his stuff.
He asked better questions. He deeply understood the nuances of the problem and answered my questions by introducing me to better questions and answers.
Passion bordering on obsession. It was just so obvious.
I could’ve sat there and picked his brain for hours.
I aspire to be this kind of person.
2. Ask Your Network for Help. It Works.
A week ago I knew 0 experts in nuclear energy. Today I have a half dozen interviews booked with several more in the works.
Lesson learned: people are generally happy to make introductions. So, ask them to.
P.S. Special deep dive episode on "angel investing in nuclear energy” coming soon. What questions do you have about the space? Send me an email!⚛️
3. Go to the “Extra” Thing. Just Go.
It was the last event. Over the previous 2 days, I attended 3 major conferences, had 3 1-1 meetings, slept about 3 hours, and traveled 300+ miles.
I was exhausted and ready to drop.
Unfortunately, a buddy invited me to a small “invite-only dinner”.
Bleh.
I almost passed and went home.
But somehow I managed to drag myself over there.
5 minutes after walking in the door I had a conversation with someone who’d been at the top of my list for months. By the end of the night, I gained invaluable feedback, built six new connections, and had some of the most productive networking of the week.
Lesson learned: go to the “extra” thing. Just go.
Bookmarks
AI research + 1-click purchasing has arrived and it is insane🛒| Aravind Srinivas @Perplexity AI (link)
This prompt generator tool from OpenAI has helped me build like 8 Claude projects⚙️| Saj Adibs @Skill Leap AI (link)
Anatomy of a partner pitch - send to your stressed founders📋| Liz Wessel @First Round (link)
Thanks for reading - have a great week.
-Andrew
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How did I do this week?
About Me
I cultivate flourishing.
I'm also the CEO of PitchFact, where our mission is to cultivate flourishing specifically through efficient and collaborative early-stage diligence. I'm a proud husband, grateful father, and honest friend. My love languages include brisket, bourbon, and espresso.