Matt Bailey

Lead by example not just in ways that seem historically obvious (e.g. being on time and meeting deadlines) but also in ways that show progressive leadership that's in touch with today's world. For example, take vacation and be completely switched off. Take an hour long lunch break to go to the gym. Work from home with your kids in the background of zoom calls. If you lead by example (in ways past generations might think are counterintuitive), your team will be empowered to do the same, live happier lives, be more fulfilled, and in turn generate more output.

Fill that funnel! After all, this is a sales process. Do your research, identify targets, and fill the funnel with prospects every day. When conversations start, keep filling the top of the funnel so it doesn't dry out. Relentlessly get no's quickly (the next best outcome to a yes). Progress real conversations. ABC baby!

Mentors! Most founders are first-time entrepreneurs, so it's vital to pull in Advisors and Mentors who might know a thing or two about pitching VC's (and might even be VC's themselves). Complement your experience with those who can add valuable feedback you might be blind to.

Forever iterating! Apply a growth mindset to always be reflecting, doubling down on what works, and nixing what doesn't. Don't get stuck in old ways. It's a consistent, persistent pursuit of your potential.

Learn to love rejection! A fast no is the next best outcome to a yes, and WAY better than a long, drawn out no (or even worse, being ghosted). Relentlessly chase that no if they sit on the fence. Give them the out and don't let them clog a stagnant funnel. In other words, keep stacking no's and enjoy that process. That's how you eventually get to the yes. It's a consistent, persist pursuit with a thick skin and tenacious ability to put no's straight in the rear view mirror.

Gen Z fans won't sit on the couch and watch a 3.5 hour NFL game passively like their predecessors. They want to engage, own, influence, and play the content. They're mobile first and crave dopamine that the archaic cable experience can't provide. Enter the era of sports betting, AI, VR, web3, and other innovative technologies that will pave the way to the sports experience of the future. The paradigm is shifting and Gen Z will lead us there. By the way, I still can watch three NFL games back to back on Sundays (to the disdain of my wife) but I am a dying breed of sports fan.