SpyCast “Applying Intelligence to Business Strategy” with Jonathan B. Smith
Nov 12, 2024
Jonathan B. Smith, entrepreneur, author and business strategist who builds high-performance teams and implements EOS. He discusses using intelligence to pick markets and pivot, comparing case officer tradecraft to entrepreneurship. Topics include structured flexibility, tactical empathy and listening, networking tactics, persistence through setbacks, and leveraging institutional rules to create opportunities.
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Use Structured Flexibility
- Build a plan but remain ready to pivot; Jonathan calls this 'structured flexibility'.
- Prepare the structure and stay curious so unexpected opportunities can be exploited.
Cold-Call Lunch Created A Connection
- Jonathan recounts flying to Boston with no meeting and asking a professor to lunch the same day to create opportunity.
- He emphasizes going out to make your own luck rather than waiting for meetings to appear.
Network Relentlessly With Persistent Presence
- Invest heavily in networking; Jonathan says it took ~240 coffees to build his DC rolodex.
- Keep showing up until introductions and opportunities begin to compound.
