The Criticality of Timing: Investing and Learning in Public

The Criticality of Timing: Investing and Learning in Public

In the world of investing, timing is everything. As an angel investor, Scott Belsky has been focused on helping early-stage companies in various industries. He recognizes the importance of crafting the first mile of a product, structuring a design-driven product team, and optimizing the defaults. These are all essential elements in creating a successful and scalable business.

But beyond the technical aspects of product development, Belsky also emphasizes the significance of narrative and positioning. A product's story matters not only for external marketing but also for the team's perspective of their own product. Teams that value initiative over experience tend to excel in this regard. They understand that the art of business lies in the things that don't scale, while the science of business focuses on scalability.

Belsky is particularly drawn to mission-driven teams that value design and exceptional product experiences. These teams are not solely fixated on one particular solution but instead empathize with those suffering from a problem. They are grounded in the present, yet remarkably imaginative. They are optimistic about the future but remain critical of their execution. Most importantly, they are never satisfied with the current state of their product.

While investing in such teams is crucial, Belsky also recognizes the importance of learning in public. In a world where knowledge is power, organizations can greatly benefit from adopting a "socialized knowledge management system." Fodil's article raises the question of how much more effective an organization would be if most learning was done in public. This concept aligns with Belsky's belief that knowledge flow should be improved to connect various events within an organization.

Belsky suggests using the Personal Knowledge Mastery (PKM) framework to enhance knowledge flows. This framework focuses on the needs and desires of individuals and encourages the sharing of knowledge in a public manner. While learning in public may be challenging, the feedback, support, and resultant improvements are worth it. Transparency in our work can lead to the development of critical next practices in our complex workplaces.

As we delve deeper into the world of investing and learning in public, it becomes evident that there are actionable steps we can take to apply these concepts in our own lives and organizations:

• 1. Foster a culture of initiative over experience: Encourage teams to take ownership of their projects and drive innovation. Valuing initiative allows for fresh perspectives and a willingness to explore new ideas.

• 2. Embrace the power of storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative for your product or organization. Positioning is not just for marketing purposes but also shapes the team's perception of their own work. A strong story can motivate and inspire team members to strive for excellence.

• 3. Implement a socialized knowledge management system: Adopt the PKM framework to enhance knowledge flows within your organization. Encourage individuals to seek, sense, and share knowledge openly. Learning in public may be challenging, but the benefits of feedback and improvements far outweigh the initial discomfort.

In conclusion, investing and learning in public are two interconnected concepts that can lead to success and growth. By investing in mission-driven teams, valuing design, and continuously improving through transparent knowledge sharing, we can navigate the messy middle of entrepreneurship and create impactful products and organizations. It's time to embrace the criticality of timing and the power of learning in public.