96. Science of Networking and Increasing Your Luck's Surface Area with Brendan Aronson

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

The MilVet Website

The MilVet Podcast

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 veteran owned businesses. Show host, Brock Briggs, talks with veteran owners and operators about specific tactics they're using to start, buy, and grow business. Get the tactics, templates, and case studies from the conversations for free at https://www.scuttlebuttpodcast.co/.