96. Science of Networking and Increasing Your Luck's Surface Area with Brendan Aronson
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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:
Show Notes:
Introduction to episode 0:00
The MilVet's digital community. 5:07
Brendan's Backstory 9:14
What does it mean to be a professional in transition? 15:23
Putting the weight of change on the service member. 20:58
Why networking is not a dirty word 25:16
How to be a giver meeting new people. 30:15
Careers networking helps you with and whether its applicable in the military. 35:08
Increasing the surface area of luck. 39:21
Connecting your passions with making a living. 43:12
Lessons learned from his early career and a failed startup. 46:31
In person networking events and placement of vets in high paying careers. 50:55
The problem with being venture backed 56:25
Quick wins and building something sustainable. 59:21
The traits of the most successful high performing veterans. 1:04:14
Reaching out to people that care about you. 1:09:25
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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/
• Brock: https://www.brockbriggs.com/
Brendan Aronson
Co-Founder and CEO
Brendan Aronson is a co-founder and CEO of The Military Veteran. Brendan attended the US Naval Academy for his undergraduate degree and served for six years as an infantry officer in the US Marine Corps. As a Marine, he completed deployments to Asia and Iraq. He worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and completed an MBA from The Wharton School of Business in 2020. He is a serial entrepreneur who has helped thousands of veterans transition out of the military and into higher education and meaningful careers.