Tony Wright (dot com) - Latest Comments

Re: Reverse Resume

Tony Wright — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 12:08:40 -0000

I expect you're right, especially for folks who are at the upper echelons of software development. But I do think that the best recruiters do their best to talk to the best candidates for the position they are shooting for... After all, they only make their real money if the hiring manager/team/candidate all come to an accord. Having hired a few recruiters in my day, I can say that hiring managers have very little patience for recruiters that bring them poor-fit candidates. The problem is that many of them really don't have the skills to tell senior/expensive talent from "regular" talent.

Re: Reverse Resume

Greg Linden — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 21:12:12 -0000

Interesting post. However, in my experience, recruiters simply aren't empowered to make the kind of offers that could pull out someone reluctant or expensive to move. My understanding is that they're seeking easy targets, people who can be pulled out easily with a regular offer and get them their commission quickly. I think any kind of response that introduces complexity might as well be a no or even no response at all. Do you disagree?

Re: Reverse Resume

theyoonery — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 10:37:03 -0000

awesome view. really puts great focus on companies with missionary-style culture (and people that gravitate toward them)

thanks!

Re: Reverse Resume

Tony Wright — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 09:18:46 -0000

That's a really good question and I'll give you a seriously existential answer.

With "missionary" (vs. mercenary) style startups (see #2), there's generally an evangelical aspect. If you have something good, you want spread it far and wide (big market). Of course, this can be frustrating if you aren't in a big impact market ("we want to revolutionize model trains and spread it across the world!").

I know a lot of entrepreneurs who want to "make a dent in the world" and I personally feel there are better motivations to latch onto. We're all throwing rocks into an ocean with our lives and the ripples will subside eventually. I'd much rather optimize for a *positive* dent than a huge dent (both are ideal!).

If you're in startups to make $ and enjoy the rocketship ride (I enjoy both), there's no doubt in my mind that you want to prioritize market size (see: the only thing that matters<http: pmarchive.com="" guide_to_startups_part4.html="">).
From my exposure, the rocketship companies that win in these markets often have the most missionary-style culture, too!

Re: Reverse Resume

theyoonery — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 23:24:02 -0000

how important is scale of impact / market opportunity in your process now ? has this changed over the recent years ?

Re: Time to Go

Nicholas Redd — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:44:19 -0000

Incredible and inspiring at the same time. Truly living 'the dream'

Re: Time to Go

Steve Woodgate — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 01:52:54 -0000

Hope you have a great time, remember Winter in the USA is Summer in the southern hemisphere and rainy season and if you get to Indonesia please come that bit further and visit us in Australia.

Re: Time to Go

mckoss — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:59:04 -0000

Woah! Time for your own "Golfing on the moon" adventure, eh? Have a great time! We're cruising from Amsterdam, through Germany, to Budapest in Sept 2013 - looks like we'll just miss you.

P.S. You MUST add Australia to your list.

Re: Time to Go

cliff — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:43:48 -0000

If you make it over this way while you're in Germany, we'll show you the best Thai in Amsterdam... it's my favorite restaurant and I hate Thai.

Re: Time to Go

Michael Saffitz — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:30:59 -0000

Congrats Tony. Sounds like an awesome adventure. I can't wait for all the photos and to follow along.

Re: Time to Go

Louisa Grothe — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 22:09:09 -0000

Good for you Tony and Alex! Life is too short to worry about the "what if's" and what a great experience for the two of you to have together! My good friend Jenni has been traveling all over Asia while living in Japan with her hubby who is in the Air Force. She has been posting the most amazing pictures of Mylasia, Cambodia, Thailand and Bali, etc...it is like stepping back time. I look forward to your postings and pictures, you two be safe and enjoy!!

Re: Time to Go

Drew Meyers — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:15:34 -0000

Siem Reap is awesome...love that place. And Chiang Mai.

Re: Time to Go

Drew Meyers — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:55:32 -0000

Hey Tony-
3 years of near constant travel is what led me to create the startup i've been working on for a year -- getting the most out of my travel network efficiently & minimizing missed connections while traveling were two massive pain points/frustrations for me the past few years. So we've focused on solving them. Would love to see if the service can make your travels easier.

Re: Time to Go

Nathan Kaiser — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:43:26 -0000

Congrats Tony and Alex. We are all very excited for you both!

Re: Time to Go

David Niu — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:11:36 -0000

Best of luck! My wife, our then 10-month old daughter, and I did the exact same thing last February. I called it a "careercation" because I didn't want to wait until I retired and had a bit of wealth but diminished health. Plus I needed to recharge after a decade+ of entrepreneurship.

We took six months, and it was great. I'm very happy for you. Reach out if you ever want to bounce ideas about our experience (how to deal with health insurance, best way to find lodging, places we loved, etc). We started with one-way tix to New Zealand. Safe travels!

Re: Time to Go

Mike Davidson — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:10:13 -0000

Nice! This is going to be fun. While you're in South America, don't miss the Galapagos. Best place I've ever been to. Also, bring earplugs for the overnight boat rides.

Re: Time to Go

Rand Fishkin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 11:23:43 -0000

I love the decision, the process, and the post. Bravo Tony.

Maybe G and I can catch up with you guys in one destination or another over the next couple years :-)

Re: Time to Go

Joey Aquino — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:48:41 -0000

Amazing. Let me know if there is any from the Startup Weekend community we can plug you in with as you travel to certain areas. I am sure all would love to host or show you around their cities! Safe travels!

Re: Time to Go

Andrew Hyde — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 09:31:06 -0000

Enjoy the road. Just sent you a copy of my book.

Take your time and always remember it is your trip to enjoy.

Re: Time to Go

Allen — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 06:21:27 -0000

No place in China? You should hit Shenzhen/Hong Kong. An awesome place. The ancient cities around Shanghai (Wuzhen/Suzhou) are also well worth a visit. I assume you'll make it to Siem Reap while you are in Cambodia. Enjoy the adventure!

Re: Time to Go

MarinaMartin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 02:00:15 -0000

Count on it!

Re: Time to Go

Tony Wright — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:36:41 -0000

Ha, you better do better than play along at home. We'll see you out there somewhere!

Re: Time to Go

West Jones — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:21:54 -0000

YESS

Re: Time to Go

MarinaMartin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 01:03:13 -0000

I am so very excited to play along at home as you both travel the world! And rest assured that your real friends are not going anywhere, even as we all go everywhere. You've always got a couch and an ice cold Painkiller wherever I am :)

Re: A Grand Experiment: 4 months in Silicon Valley

Kim Oakland — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:26:09 -0000

Just made the move from Seattle to LA ... major transition. Gotta say that I'm a little jealous. Would much rather be in SF!