Interesting People, Opposite Approaches
So today I had two great and interesting first meetings. Both with very successful well known people in the community and it was fascinating seeing the different approaches. They came highly regarded and were introductions from people I trust. Both were friendly, outgoing and open - rare if you know the NYC venture community (probably also explains why they are both so successful) yet had different approaches.
My first meeting was with someone with whom i hit it off immediately and in a natural free flowing way that rarely happens. The time just flew (despite it being a normally painful 9AM Monday morning meeting) and it was the first time I can recall that i met with a professional investor where i didn’t feel someone trying to peer into my sole. It was a unique experience and fun. He came off like an ego free corp dev guy looking for the next big thing in an open minded way.
The second meeting was with another interesting fellow. He was in a soccer shirt and looked like he was on vacation. Yet, the first thing he asked caught me off guard and was a very direct question asked to put me on the spot. I could feel him peering into my soul. (He was a former extremely successful banker and i could see why) yet despite the direct line of approach, he had a friendly congenial joking manner, which he artfully used to glean information and assert authority. It was also quite amusing watching him act as a puppet master and attempting to pull my strings (Note: i love when people do, i learn a lot and have to think less). The playful puppet master.
Now, i left both meetings with a feeling of a morning well spent and eager to work with and getting to know both of them.
Was an interesting juxtaposition.
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