Gurley calculated acquiring tech industry contacts at 70 cents per name from a conference PalmPilot and spammed them.
“People weren't really doing, like, cost of customer acquisition back then, but I think it was, like, 70¢ a name or something like that of the most influential people in the entire tech industry.”
Gurley argues Silicon Valley offers daily networking events that accelerate learning and connections by 10X or more.
“if you're in Silicon Valley and you have time, you can find an event every night. And at that event, you might meet a peer.”
Gurley argues Silicon Valley offers daily networking events that accelerate learning and connections.
“if you're a young energetic person at Silicon Valley, you can schedule something every night where you might meet something or learn something.”
Gurley says Silicon Valley has nightly networking events that massively increase probability of lucky career breaks.
“And on top of all that, what I just said, a lot of people talk about luck in their career path.”
Gurley says Silicon Valley's willingness to grant fifteen-minute meetings is shockingly higher than Wall Street.
“In Silicon Valley, the frequency with which you can ask someone for fifteen minutes of their time and get a yes is shockingly high.”
Gurley contrasts Silicon Valley's willingness to grant fifteen-minute meetings with other regions.
“I've never, I was always so surprised at how quickly people would take a fifteen minute meeting at Silicon Valley, like just compared to maybe some other places.”
Gurley says human relationships and strong peer and mentor networks will matter way more in AI era.
“A lot of people have a theory that I think is reasonable that human relationships will matter way more. So, do you have a strong peer network? Do you have a strong mentor network?”
Gurley advises seeking mentors two steps above you rather than shooting too high like CEOs.
“the person that's two steps above you on the ladder has never been asked to be a mentor, and that's probably your best place to start, and they'll be flattered that you ask.”
Gurley says when people are fascinated by something, others naturally connect them with opportunities.
“So if you knew someone who was just wouldn't stop chatting about modern architecture or whatever, and then you run into someone else and you go, oh, you should talk to Sally like this.”
Gurley bought Palm Pilot at conference to spam influential tech leaders at 70 cents per contact.
“People weren't really doing, like, cost of customer acquisition back then, but I think it was, like, 70¢ a name or something like that of the most influential people in the entire tech industry.”