Case Study Series: You Are What You Tolerate - Case Studies on Monetization of BlackmoreConnects Conferences
Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer II The PE Guru — Blackmore Partners, Inc | December 26th, 2024
1. The Cost of Tolerating Inaction: Missing the Monetization Channels
Executive Scenario:
Mark, a seasoned COO, has dreamed of breaking into PE for years but continues to delay investing in himself. He tolerates inaction, rationalizing it as “waiting for the right time.”
Mark, a seasoned COO, has dreamed of breaking into PE for years but continues to delay investing in himself. He tolerates inaction, rationalizing it as “waiting for the right time.”
Key Lesson:
Mark’s inaction costs him significant monetization opportunities:
Mark’s inaction costs him significant monetization opportunities:
- PE Channel: Missed out on introductions to 10 PE firms that could have offered COO roles with equity.
- Owner Channel: Lost the chance to co-invest with owners who were looking for an operator with his skill set.
- Customer Channel: Overlooked leveraging his industry knowledge to secure consulting gigs.
- Fellow Executive Channel: Failed to network with peers who could have led him to joint ventures.
Result: After finally attending a BlackmoreConnects conference, Mark discovers how combining these channels unlocks further opportunities, including a board role with equity and a strategic advisory gig. The delay costs him $7M in equity wealth.
2. Tolerating the Status Quo: Comfort vs. Compelling Future
Executive Scenario:
Susan, a VP of Sales, tolerates the status quo, staying in a W2 role while dreaming of equity. She tolerates mediocrity in her career because she fears being uncomfortable.
Susan, a VP of Sales, tolerates the status quo, staying in a W2 role while dreaming of equity. She tolerates mediocrity in her career because she fears being uncomfortable.
Key Lesson:
By attending BlackmoreConnects, Susan embraces discomfort and builds a compelling future:
By attending BlackmoreConnects, Susan embraces discomfort and builds a compelling future:
- PE Channel: She connects with 12 PE firms, landing a VP role with 4% equity in a portfolio company.
- Owner Channel: She monetizes her sales expertise by partnering with a PE-backed owner.
- Customer Channel: She builds a pipeline for her new company, boosting revenue.
- Fellow Executive Channel: She secures a $50K/year consulting gig through a peer referral.
Result: Susan’s transition costs her temporary discomfort but creates a future where she controls her financial destiny, with potential earnings of $10M at exit.
3. Tolerating the “Perfect Preparation” Mindset: Learning Through Discomfort
Executive Scenario:
John, a CFO, assumes he must master every aspect of PE before engaging. His tolerance for over-preparation delays his journey.
John, a CFO, assumes he must master every aspect of PE before engaging. His tolerance for over-preparation delays his journey.
Key Lesson:
By joining BlackmoreConnects, John learns that discomfort is the key to growth:
By joining BlackmoreConnects, John learns that discomfort is the key to growth:
- PE Channel: He connects with firms that guide him on the job.
- Owner Channel: He advises a company, earning $150K in consulting fees.
- Customer Channel: He leverages his financial expertise to help clients optimize processes.
- Fellow Executive Channel: He learns from peers who share their experiences.
Result: John’s imperfect preparation opens doors. His willingness to act before feeling “ready” leads to a CFO role with 5% equity, yielding $8M at exit.
4. Tolerating Fear of Change: Building a Compelling Future Now
Executive Scenario:
Anna, an operations executive, tolerates her safe but unfulfilling corporate role, afraid of the risks PE might bring.
Anna, an operations executive, tolerates her safe but unfulfilling corporate role, afraid of the risks PE might bring.
Key Lesson:
Anna creates a compelling future by stepping into the discomfort of PE networking:
Anna creates a compelling future by stepping into the discomfort of PE networking:
- PE Channel: She secures a COO role with a PE-backed portfolio company.
- Owner Channel: She becomes a trusted advisor to a family-owned business, earning $75K/year in fees.
- Customer Channel: She builds revenue streams through partnerships.
- Fellow Executive Channel: She collaborates on a joint venture that generates $200K in profits.
Result: Combining channels multiplies her opportunities, transforming her career and financial trajectory.
5. Tolerating the DIY Approach: Monetizing Relationships
Executive Scenario:
David, a VP of Strategy, tries to break into PE alone. He sends hundreds of cold emails and applies to roles with no traction.
David, a VP of Strategy, tries to break into PE alone. He sends hundreds of cold emails and applies to roles with no traction.
Key Lesson:
Through BlackmoreConnects, David learns the value of intentional networking and monetizing relationships:
Through BlackmoreConnects, David learns the value of intentional networking and monetizing relationships:
- PE Channel: Lands an advisory role with 2% equity.
- Owner Channel: Secures a role in a buy-and-build strategy, earning $200K in incentives.
- Customer Channel: Develops partnerships, creating $500K in revenue for his portfolio company.
- Fellow Executive Channel: Gains a mentor who helps him land his next role.
Result: By engaging with discomfort and leveraging combined channels, David’s career accelerates, with a $10M exit in three years.
6. Tolerating Limited Networking: The Power of Combined Channels
Executive Scenario:
Beth, a CEO, believes her LinkedIn network is enough to access PE opportunities. She tolerates shallow connections and misses out on deeper engagement.
Beth, a CEO, believes her LinkedIn network is enough to access PE opportunities. She tolerates shallow connections and misses out on deeper engagement.
Key Lesson:
After attending BlackmoreConnects conferences, Beth monetizes multiple channels:
After attending BlackmoreConnects conferences, Beth monetizes multiple channels:
- PE Channel: Secures a board role with 3% equity.
- Owner Channel: Partners with a business owner for a $500K consulting contract.
- Customer Channel: Builds relationships that drive sales growth for her new role.
- Fellow Executive Channel: Co-founds a venture that scales to $20M in revenue.
Result: Beth’s deeper engagement creates exponential opportunities, showing how combining channels multiplies monetization paths.
Conclusion: The Multiplier Effect of Monetizing Channels
Each case study demonstrates that tolerating mediocrity or fear limits executive potential. By embracing discomfort, creating a compelling future, and monetizing all channels—PE, Owner, Customer, and Fellow Executives—executives open new doorways to growth. Combining these channels creates a powerful multiplier effect that transforms careers and financial outcomes.