Executive to Executive

When Michael Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed,” he wasn’t just talking about basketball. He was talking about the cost of failure and the resilience to use those lessons to create success. In the world of private equity (PE), the cost of failing to prepare, network, and position yourself correctly can be devastating—not just for your career trajectory but for your financial future.

Today, let’s explore the real cost of missing opportunities in PE, why investing $10,000–$20,000 in BlackmoreConnects conferences is a strategic necessity, and why trying to do it yourself (DIY) is often the most expensive mistake you can make.

The Cost of Missing the Shot: What Happens Without the Right Tools?

1. The Cost of Missing an Offer

Every PE leadership role—whether as a CEO, board member, or operating partner—comes with compensation that far outweighs the initial investment in networking and preparation.

• Base Salary Loss: For an LMM portfolio company CEO role, the average salary ranges from $300,000 to $500,000 annually. Missing just one offer because you weren’t visible to decision-makers costs you $300,000–$500,000 upfront.

• Bonus Potential Loss: Annual performance bonuses of 25–50% of salary add another $75,000–$250,000 in potential earnings per year.

• Opportunity Cost of Delays: Every year spent trying to break into PE without success costs you at least $300,000–$750,000 in forgone earnings. Over a 5-year period, that’s a loss of $1.5M–$3.75M.

2. The Cost of Not Getting Equity

Equity participation is where true wealth is built in private equity. Missing an offer or not understanding how to negotiate for equity can cost millions over the life of an investment.

• Equity in a Successful Exit: A 5% equity stake in an LMM portfolio company that exits at 8x EBITDA (e.g., $10M EBITDA) is worth $4M. Even a 1% stake yields $800,000.

• Lost Long-Term Wealth: Missing just one opportunity to negotiate equity in a PE role can result in a $1M–$5M loss in wealth creation, depending on the company’s growth trajectory and exit valuation.

3. The Cost of Poor Portco and PE Firm Analysis

Not all PE firms or portfolio companies are created equal. Misjudging the cultural fit, growth potential, or financial health of a portfolio company can derail your career.

• Reputation Damage: Executives who join poorly aligned companies often find themselves out of the role within 12–18 months, damaging their reputation and making it harder to secure future PE opportunities.

• Lost Income: The cost of leaving a role prematurely is not just lost salary—it’s the loss of bonuses, equity vesting, and future earnings. This can add up to $500,000–$1M in just two years.

• Missed Growth Potential: Joining the wrong firm or portfolio company means missing out on exponential career and financial growth tied to a successful exit.

DIY vs. BlackmoreConnects: Why Going It Alone Costs More

The DIY Approach: What It Really Costs

Many executives believe they can navigate the PE world on their own, but the reality is stark. Without structured guidance, curated connections, and insider knowledge, the DIY approach is fraught with inefficiencies and hidden costs.

• Time Investment: Building a comparable network on your own takes 5–10 years of attending random events, cold outreach, and trial-and-error networking. Time is money, and at an opportunity cost of $300,000–$750,000 per year, this adds up to $1.5M–$7.5M.

• Lost Opportunities: Without the targeted introductions BlackmoreConnects provides, you’re likely to miss 90% of potential roles. This can result in missed earnings of $1M–$5M over 5 years.

• Research Gaps: Without access to curated resources like BlackmoreConnects workshops, executives often lack the insight to analyze PE firms and portfolio companies effectively, leading to costly career missteps.

The BlackmoreConnects Advantage

Investing $10,000–$20,000 annually in BlackmoreConnects isn’t an expense—it’s a strategic investment in your career and financial future. Here’s how the math works:

• Networking ROI:

• Career Acceleration ROI:

• Knowledge ROI:

The Bottom Line: Investing in BlackmoreConnects vs. Missing Out

Final Takeaway: Missing the Shot Costs More Than the Investment

Michael Jordan never would have achieved greatness without taking risks and investing in his craft. Similarly, if you’re serious about transitioning into PE, you must invest in the tools, knowledge, and networks that BlackmoreConnects provides.

Think of BlackmoreConnects as your coach, your practice court, and your playbook—all rolled into one. You can try to do it yourself, but the cost of missed opportunities, delayed success, and poor decisions far outweighs the investment.

The question isn’t whether you can afford BlackmoreConnects—the question is, can you afford not to?