From an email introduction through the rest of your career.
with
with
Partner at First Round since 2006
Learn how to build your brand with intention, looking beyond individual interactions or immediate outcomes. We’ll start with the big picture and the long term goals but also dive deep into specifics and actionable tactics.
Starting your career and looking to build your brand and relationships.
Sales and business development, whether it's a job title or part of your job.
Founders and VCs, or if you work in a startup or venture capital.
Beginning with the end in mind and the long view of your career.
Tools and strategies that can still add value and keep doors open.
Your brand is built - or not - with every interaction.
Frameworks for contacts, getting things done, and meetings and events.
How to be great at email, featuring the Art of the Email Introduction.
Bringing it all together, and the power of a daily extra outreach.
I spent the first 20 years of my career working in technology companies, from big tech companies to small startups like Half.com and del.icio.us, mostly in sales and business development roles. I spent the last 15 years at First Round working with startups like Roblox, Flurry, Ring, Invite Media, Warby Parker, Hotel Tonight, Double Verify, Rec Room and 70 others from their earliest days. As a VC I've been on the receiving end of many thousands of emails, made or received many thousands of introductions, and seen how relationships and personal reputations are built - or not. The purpose of the course is to explore and share what I've learned, especially with those who are earlier in their careers, and I'd love to see some founders and investors in the group.
01
Students take the long view of their careers, with a focus on authenticity and "how to be" versus just "what to do" - with breakout exercises to help the students get to know each other. We'll dive into what makes - or breaks - your brand and what people say about you when you're not in the room.
02
Email is still the common denominator in business communication, and you can be great at it. You'll learn to personalize everything, to never spam, and the Art of the Email Introduction. You'll learn by reviewing real examples and doing breakout exercises where you'll draft an important outreach.
03
Strategies and tactics for delivering and receiving a "No" in a way that can still add value and keep doors open to a later "Yes" with real case studies and examples of best practices.
04
Understand the importance of developing trusted systems for projects and to-do lists, a system of record for contacts, and meeting preparation and follow up. Learn how to meet people, stand out, and make a good impression in person or online, connect with speakers, and develop an "elevator pitch."
05
Bringing it all together in this final lesson, from following up and staying top of mind, to a final exercise that can be the start of a new daily habit with a positive impact for the rest of your career.
06
We'll have an optional open session for students covering any prior or additional topics they want to discuss about Building Relationships, Brand and Reputation.
The classes will be taught live by me, with Q&A in every session.
There will be exercises you’ll do with a cohort of peers.
Don’t sign up if you’re not able to fully engage in the course and with your peers.
There might be some special guest speakers during the course.