I don't think this post isn't geared toward those who are building a company right away. Rather, I think the target audience is people who want to move to SF/Silicon Valley, meet people, and get on the right direction to build something at a later date.
Ironically I may use some of this advice when I move away from SF and to Seattle -- the opposite of what Andrew did -- later this year. :)
I feel like there is a lot you should do to solidify your network, your resources, your outlook, your team, your understanding of markets, and your philosophies on product before you even build one so I think he is spot on.
Sitting down and just building something cool without the above is generally a recipe for disaster.
That's probably because this guy's a poser. You can do all the networking in the world but, sooner or later, someone's gonna ask what he's got. All he'll be able to say is a rolodex.
The "networking class" in Silicon Valley is indeed one of the lamest things about the culture. However, if an EIR works for a good VC firm they can be useful to know. In fact, the only money I've ever raised was from manipulating an EIR.
The post isn't really that bad. Some people are into "networking" and I guess this is a post for that kind of people. I'd rather find a handful of people to bounce ideas around and hack on projects than accumulate 1000+ connections on LinkedIn.
"My general take on it is that ideally, you want to hang out with people who are a lot smarter than you ;-) Because of this, if you are hanging out with junior entrepreneurs all day (for example, the YCombinator folks) then you might not learn as much as if you spent time with people who have done a lot more than you."
Startup from any city.. not just San Francisco! From my bedroom in Baltimore my startup has been recognized by prominent publications and is backed! I have ventured out to San Fran a few times and have enjoyed my visits, but it's cheaper here to live!
There is also a vibrant DC tech community an earshot away!
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[ 1.7 ms ] story [ 77.3 ms ] threadIronically I may use some of this advice when I move away from SF and to Seattle -- the opposite of what Andrew did -- later this year. :)
Sitting down and just building something cool without the above is generally a recipe for disaster.
Doing all of the above without building anything is a bigger recipe for disaster.
All that other stuff is important, but at the end of the day, someone who has already built something others want will be way ahead.
"Build something people want."
Not "Meet people who want something"
I especially dislike this common "you must have a blog" bullshit.
"My general take on it is that ideally, you want to hang out with people who are a lot smarter than you ;-) Because of this, if you are hanging out with junior entrepreneurs all day (for example, the YCombinator folks) then you might not learn as much as if you spent time with people who have done a lot more than you."
At least find a job first.
There is also a vibrant DC tech community an earshot away!