Today’s episode is with Eric Friedman, who is the head of Expa Labs, as six-month incubator for early-stage startups. This interview is one of the most informative and immediately applicable if you are interested in technology and / or pursuing entrepreneurship coming from a finance background. We dive into some great topics like the 1%, 9%, and 90% rule, how putting your own content out there is so critical, and why startups should not be over-glamorized like they have been in the media. I found this episode extremely rewarding, and the first 16 minutes dive into Eric’s background, and afterwards we dive into the meat of the episode. I hope that you all enjoy listening as much as I did recording!

* How did you first get started in entrepreneurship and interested in technology?
* How did you first get your job at union square ventures and what led you to work at Four Square?
* What does a  Business Development even mean at a company like Four Square?

* What were some of the key takeaways that you had after working at Four Square for 6 years?


* Why startups are not for everyone (16:30)
*  What are your thoughts on non-technical candidates pursuing entrepreneurship / startups and an emphasis on finance candidates specifically?

* Why it’s important to ask “what happens here on Tuesday at 2pm?”
*   Instead of emailing a cover letter and resume to a startup CEO, maybe send them 3 things they could do


* Why applying to a startup is effectively the opposite of applying to an investment bank / consultancy.
* In what areas do you see finance candidate skill sets best applied in a startup environment?
* Are there tests or ways to see if a finance candidate would succeed in a startup?

* The 1% rule, 9% rule, and 90% rule – the challenge to publish
* When you mention the name of the people at the company, since everyone has google alerts, they will read it!


* How people can get over imposter syndrome when publishing content
* Thoughts on transitioning straight into technology / entrepreneurship versus pursuing an MBA first

*  Three reasons to go to business school: Network, Direction, Education


* Why there is so much turnover for millennials and in early-stage startups?
* What is your last piece of advice for my listeners?

As always, please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. Email me directly at alan@the vampiresquid.com or on the contact form. Also, please subscribe to my facebook page for live updates facebook.com/thevampiresquid. Also follow me on Quora at https://www.quora.com/profile/Alan-Li-1. To support us check us out at Patreon https://www.patreon.com/thevampiresquid