Target market: Private Equity and Venture Capital Folks
Who they are: Astute business folks that work in small teams in private equity firms to try to find lucrative businesses to invest in. They like to be bright, they want all the facts (but be brief), and if you are not going to add value to the deal, "be gone". They are usually well connected in the business community, sit on many boards, and typically have a background in finance, investment banking, or operational/management experience in the companies they own.
What they need: Investment opportunities. Typically there is a lot more money available from high net worth investors, pension funds, etc. then there are actually sound and lucrative investments. They are typically looking for really bright folks to help evaluate investment opportunities, and good managers to assist in turning around distressed assets.
What I can add: I am extremely good with numbers and models, it is part of the reason I went into engineering. I scored in the 95% of MBA applicants on the entrance exam, the GMAT. There typically isn't an investment or management decision that I haven't been able to quantify through some sort of financial model (typically in excel). Apart from that, I have operational experience with IT, utilities an security. I have worked in utilities taking low performing areas and turning them into high performing areas. I have the right credentials (MBA), but perhaps lack the investment background. I am playing already in a new venture called Motiv808. I can consume and redistribute a lot of information quickly.
How I can demonstrate it:
Marketing Medium - my website: create a website and blog that chronicles my experience. As an example... a couple of people have told me to take the Canadian Securities Course and WallStreetPrep courses to try to break in. I could discuss my experience as I go through the courses. While I am doing the courses, I will also follow private equity discussions on linked in, and other bloggers (there really aren't that many) and post comments. Those comments will have links to my website and blog so recruiters and PE/VC folks read all about me. Another idea I have is actually Participate in a "deal" / intern, free of charge to bolster my resume, and blog about the experience. As an end goal, have my website become sort of an epi-centre for private equity ramblings in the Vancouver or New York area.
Medium - my linked in account: list the value I add. Start participating in the private equity forums and ask questions about where deals are found, etc.
Medium - my resume: it looks pretty good, considering it is lacking any private equity experience.
So, here my marketing plan of action:
1. Get some "Private Equity Head Shot" photos taken (thank you Brandon) and post them to linkedin, my website and a blog.
2. Register a really cool domain name that has to do with private equity (strategygrowth.com)
3. Create a blog, and a first blog post.... hmmm marketing plan sounds good
4. Update my linkedin profile to state that I am interested in Private Equity and Venture Capital. Register for groups in that area.
5. Get business cards with the same look and feel as blog and website
I know that this seems like a lot of work just to start a job hunt. I somewhat agree, but I think that blogging and actively contributing to the private equity community, even during the career search will help me build connections into the industry, increase my knowledge, increase my confidence, and create action! So, even if I get a job the old fashion way, by submitting a resume to someone and landing an interview, there is not much downside with this approach. From what I have read, there is not "typical" way to get a job as a venture capitalist or with a private equity firm, so I will let you know...
"The brand image"
I will let you know when I get those headshots from Brandon!
-Brian.
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