Tim Draper's gusto, and what investors want in a partner
Richard has talked in Family Office Club videos about the kind of person wealthy investors want to work with. In his view, it is the highest quality person in the room, not the best deal or the highest promised return. Tim Draper is one of his examples.
The railing story
Richard says that in Tim Draper's book Startup Heroes, Draper describes closing an early partner after a sports game. While the crowd crawled out of the arena, Draper slid down the stair railing and had fun. Richard says Draper's gusto and enthusiasm make people want to work with him.
A class act first
In another video, Richard listed what ultra-wealthy investors want. First above everything, a class act. That means respect for yourself and others, and being kind and professional. Then passion. He says you should not work on or back anything you are not excited about.
Not boring
Richard's point echoes a line about Draper. People would rather work with someone excited and having fun than someone locked up and showing no personality.
In Richard's words
"is infectious and it makes people want to work with them." (Richard C. Wilson, Family Office Club video)
"first above everything else they want to work with a Class Act individual" (Family Office Club video)
How to use this
- Bring visible energy to meetings. Enthusiasm is part of the pitch.
- Lead with respect and professionalism before numbers.
- Only pitch what you are excited about.
- Let your personality show. Stiff and generic is forgettable.
Questions and answers
What is Tim Draper's railing story?
Per Richard, Draper slid down an arena stair railing after a game, and that energy helped him close an early partner.
What do wealthy investors want most in a partner?
Richard says above everything, a class act who treats people with respect.
Does enthusiasm matter to investors?
Richard says yes. People would rather work with someone excited than someone with no personality.
Where is Draper's interview?
Richard says his 30-minute interview with Draper is on Billionaires.com.