Serendipitous Networking, AI, and Finding My Ideal Role
Discover my journey to a dream role
✏️ ON MY MIND
Serendipitous Networking, AI, and Finding My Ideal Role
Hey there!
Exciting news: I've recently embraced a fantastic new opportunity, stepping in as the Head of Marketing for Heatseeker (an AI startup), working three days a week. This journey to my new role was a blend of clear intentions, proactive actions, and a sprinkle of serendipity. 🚀
Let me tell you how this came to manifest because it’s pretty incredible.
Intentions Set High
As I reflected on the year that 2023 was, I embarked on my 2024 journey with specific goals in mind:
To shift my mindset around asking investors for money and learn about how investors actually think about investments. This meant surrounding myself with VCs.
To collaborate with a cool AI startup, inspired by the ChatGPT wave early in 2023.
To secure remote work that's fulfilling, well-compensated, and aligns with my values.
And personally, to get back into basketball for some fitness fun.
Facing the Challenges
However, it wasn't a walk in the park:
My network was devoid of VC investors.
Suitable AI startups were hard to come by. I’m not looking for folks trying (badly) to cash in on the AI craze (see my friend Carl’s comments below). Rather, visionary creators leveraging AI to build something that solves a real problem.
A financial squeeze in December and January had me applying for full-time roles, but that led nowhere.
Taking the Leap
The tide turned with a few strategic and serendipitous moves:
Since Aug 2022, I've been actively sharing insights through a LinkedIn newsletter and engaging with the community by commenting on people’s posts and a weekly #CommunityShoutouts post.
As a growth marketer for Journey agency, I was invited by CEO Trent to join him and a colleague at an Xmas drinks event hosted by Black Sheep Capital (a local VC fund). The day before the event, both colleagues said they couldn’t make it, and despite my crazy nerves and almost NOT going, I ended up flying solo to the Xmas party. (Massive shoutout to my wife for the pep talk and kicking my butt to go out and network that night!)
Despite initial awkwardness and discomfort at the Xmas party, I connected with Mark “Z” Zmarzly, leading to an engaging conversation and a pivotal introduction.
The following morning, my LinkedIn post about the event attracted Mark's comment.
What happened next could not have been predicted… Kate, CEO of Heatseeker AI, saw Mark's comment. Kate then saw that I had "fractional CMO" in my LinkedIn profile headline, checked out my newsletter, and reached out to indicate she wanted to chat.
Our ensuing conversations culminated in my joining Heatseeker’s vibrant remote team, aligning perfectly with my aspirations.
Back to the Court
In a delightful twist, Mark (who is based in Brisbane by the way!) invited me to join him and other Sydney startup community members for a social basketball game.
After over a decade away from the court, I dusted off my skills (and endured a stubbed toe) but found immense joy in rekindling my love for the game.
This experience got me back into basketball and underscored the unexpected joys and connections networking can bring—extending beyond professional realms.
By the way, Mark is currently organising a full day (March 22) of 3v3 basketball playing, watching, and founder/investor networking in Sydney. We’re looking for folks in the startup world who want to join in so please help spread the word. Details here.
The Lesson? Keep Sharing and Connecting
This adventure reaffirmed the power of sharing your journey and engaging authentically. Whether it's through content, conversations, or stepping out of your comfort zone, the paths to serendipitous opportunities are endless.
So, what about you? Have you ever found that stepping out of your comfort zone opened doors you never expected? Or perhaps reignited a passion you thought was long gone?
I’d love to hear your stories or thoughts on unexpected opportunities that come from genuine networking (online or in person).
-Anf
(Drafted with the help of ChatGPT-4 and edited by yours truly. Image by Dall-E)
👍 3 THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION
1/ Read: The #1 skill every executive should have ~ Personal Math with Greg & Taylor
“Working high-low is the most critical skill you’ll master in your career” -
Brilliant and so true. I’m working on this too.
I spoke to a business owner recently that literally said they fired their last CMO because they were tactical, and lacked strategic vision.
So if you can work high-low consistently, your value in an organisation goes up considerably, as well as your longevity.
2/ Watch: the thing no one will say about Apple Vision Pro
As you may have heard, the early adopter aka. tech geeks are going nuts about the Apple Vision Pro.
The $3,500 wearable computer, released last week, uses cameras to see the outside world while juggling apps and videos. Apple calls it a “spatial computer” that blends together the physical and digital worlds for people to work, watch movies and play games.
But is the tech worth the expensive price tag? The jury is still out on this, but it’s fascinating to see what YouTubers like Matt Wolfe and Casey Neistat have said about their initial tests.
Case’s video is particularly engaging as he walks around NYC with his AVP on and gives us live commentary on his experience.
So, I noticed Casey getting lost in his device while looking at virtual screens, and completely zoning out in public. It got me thinking that if more people start doing the same thing, it could become a real issue with people randomly stopping and blocking the way in public spaces.
We all know what happens when people get lost staring at their smartphone screens while crossing the street, walking down the road, etc.
3/ Listen: There are only 6 stories [Story Grid Writing Podcast]
Did you know that there are only 6 basic story types that every book is based on according to new research?
As part of my own exploration into storytelling frameworks for my book, I found this fascinating and helpful for how I might structure chapters in the book.
🔧 TOOL OF THE WEEK
Scoreapp
The smarter way to generate higher converting leads.
ScoreApp makes quiz funnel marketing easy so that you can attract relevant warm leads, get insightful data and increase your sales.
Parting thoughts…
Chapter 3 of Dare to Escape is coming. I’ve been swamped with my new role and other responsibilities, so book writing has taken a back seat. I’m committing time and mental energy this week to work on this.
Can you connect me with someone awesome? I'm looking to connect with:
1) B2B content marketers, writers, podcasters, and freelancers/entrepreneurs who are keen to collab.
2) 2nd generation immigrants whose parents/grandparents fled South East Asia during a time of difficulty, and have either found or are building financial freedom.
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới to my Vietnamese friends! Gong Xi Fa Cai / Kung Hei Fat Choi to my Chinese friends! (In comedian Ronny Chieng's voice: "Hope you get RICH!" 🤑💰🤣)
Anfernee Chansamooth
PS. – Did you get value from this newsletter? If yes, then please:
Forward it to someone else who might find it useful too.
Hi5! Congrats on the new role. Putting yourself out there really helps.
Congrats on your new role, what a serendipitous opportunity! Thank you for sharing how it happened and best wishes!