In this episode, Brock talks with Brendan Aronson. Brendan is a former Marine Corps infantry officer and currently an associate at Context VC as well as the co founder of the Military Veteran. In this conversation, you're going to hear from the frontlines of the veterans mission space. Brendan talks through building a company exclusively aimed at transitioning vets, different business models they're pursuing, the pros and cons of b2b and b2c, and why bootstrapping is right for most veteran entrepreneurs. In Brendan's work at the MilVet they run in person events for transitioning vets as well as placement into roles typically, in service companies backed by private equity. We explore some of the traits he sees of the highest performing veterans and what leads to the most successful outcomes. We also talk about the science of networking, how to conduct effective outreach, and how to be a giver when you have nothing else to give.
Episode Resources:
Brendan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanaronson/
The MilVet Website: https://www.themilvet.org/
The MilVet Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/themilvet-podcast/id1649929453
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction to episode
5:07 The MilVet's digital community
9:14 Brendan's Backstory
15:23 What does it mean to be a professional in transition?
20:58 Putting the weight of change on the service member
25:16 Why networking is not a dirty word
30:15 How to be a giver meeting new people
35:08 Careers networking helps you with and whether its applicable in the military
39:21 Increasing the surface area of luck
43:12 Connecting your passions with making a living
46:31 Lessons learned from his early career and a failed startup
50:55 In person networking events and placement of vets in high paying careers
56:25 The problem with being venture backed
59:21 Quick wins and building something sustainable
1:04:14 The traits of the most successful high performing veterans
1:09:25 Reaching out to people that care about you
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The Scuttlebutt Podcast - The podcast for service members and veterans building a life outside the military.
The Scuttlebutt Podcast features discussions on lifestyle, careers, business, and resources for service members. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with a special guest from the community committed to helping military members build a successful life, inside and outside the service.
Follow along:
• Episode & transcript: https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/95-science-of-networking-and-increasing-your-lucks-surface-area-with-brendan-aronson/
• Brock: https://www.brockbriggs.com/