How to become a VC

I think Fred Wilson, summarizes it well:

“If you want to make top tier returns in the venture capital business….The way you do that is you work for at least 10 years in the industry, getting operating experience, building a killer rolodex, and learning how the business works from the inside. Then in your mid-to-late 30s, you can make the move to the venture capital business, as a partner, not as a wet behind the ears associate who doesn’t know anything other than how to push numbers around a spreadsheet.” -Fred Wilson, a partner at venture capital firm Union Square Ventures

Thoughts on Keys to Success

Here's a list of keys to success that I've gathered from various recent leadership readings, including from Jack Welch, Art Williams, Jim Collins, TED speakers, etc.

1. Winning Attitude. Life is all about attitude, you have to be in the right mind-set to most positively react to everything happening to/around you.
2. Mental Toughness. This will separate you from the pack.
3. Excitement. Bring major excitement to everything you do, pour your hear into it.
4. Dream. You have to believe you can do anything you want; belief is incredibly powerful, you have to believe.
5. Stand For Something. You have to stand for something. This fuels your belief and determination.
6. Make A Total Commitment. It's about that extra ounce of courage needed during tough times; your ability to compete, stand-up and go bat one more time.
7. Treat People Good. This is what ultimately fulfills your life, helping and treating others with compassion.
8. Right Priorities. Personal life, then work life.
9. Pay The Price a Little Bit More. Do a little bit more than others.
10. Be Tough. You cannot quit.
11. Gotta Be A Leader.
12. Do It, And Do It, Until The Job Gets Done.
13. You Can't Do It Alone. You need a team and support.
14. Have Mentors. Your sounding board, keep measuring your progress, people you admire and respect.