steventruong

That said, outside of friends I already know and go with, I really don't network or mingle with people at the conference much with exception to lunch time where you're sitting at the table talking to other attendees or staff. I pretty spend the majority of my time there in sessions and of course the keynotes.

So, as you said, the talks eventually get uploaded online so why go? In part because of the experience I guess, and in part, I go with friends so its a good way to meetup and hang out at the conference together. Swag is just icing.

They both exist and have both been in the news. Codecademy gets talked about more because its free and YC funded but Code Academy is also recommended by 37Signals, etc... See:

http://www.codeacademy.org/

http://www.codecademy.com/

With that said, on your methodology, some parts are contradicting. In one part, you argue a name should hint what it does, but on another, a name needs to be flexible to the long term strategy. The great companies often follow the latter, not the former. Personally I too prefer names that don't associate with a definitive meaning or product.

I know plenty of wealthy people who drive Priuses (far from the luxury vehicle you expect) as well as a slew of other older, common used vehicles on the road. Plus one study is not a good indication to argue such.

In your example, dating a rock star who's away for months at a time is something you certainly want to know, but having that on her dating profile without giving yourself the opportunity to get to know her by making your own assumptions or to see if this might even work in some other capacity is leaving stuff off the table that in end might have been doable. Just saying.

Sometime towards the end of last year, I decided to wipe my entire email record (which was a lot) and start from a clean slate. Since then, I made an effort to delete any unimportant emails instantly, file the important ones I think I may need to keep, and tag temp emails that needs to be there but would be deleted once they serve their purpose (for example, online orders for items shipped).

For several months now, I've managed to keep my entire email account under 50 emails. It makes managing it much easier and great for emails I would need. This of course is base on my habits. I never really have a need to pull up the majority of old emails and leaving it there is just unnecessary clutter (personal opinion).

Pay, stocks, flexibility, benefits, etc...

I'd imagine Apple is probably the least appealing in many categories when compared to Google or Facebook even if they are one of the most awesome/innovative companies out there.

Then there are other factors to consider for some people such as network (folks they'll be connected to), environment, learning experience, etc...

I assume these also appear to be better at other companies.

Of course whether or not any of the above is better or comparable is a different story but it would seem if those are the things important to folks, Apple would be slightly lower on the list.

1. Accomplishments in academics or otherwise hold very low bearings in success as an entrepreneur. After all, most people don't have any problems building their prototype. It's getting people to actually use their prototype. He may be a genius at what he can do and by no means am I discounting that in any way, but definitely keep in mind that that alone does not account for success or failure. Its a mixture of other things. It certainly is helpful however.

2. 4 year plans should be thrown out the window. No entrepreneur should have a plan more than 6 months out. Maybe 12 at most. And potentially a grand vision down the road. A 4 year plan is bound to fail, change, and all sorts of other things. You don't know what is going to happen with the rest of the world, changes in tech, etc etc etc... 4 years is a lifetime and planning that far ahead and bound to guarantee none of the plans will come out as you envision them. Make shorter immediate plans and adjust as things progress.

3. Now for your actual question. If he truly is interested, have him network in the Valley (assuming he's located here) and get some introductions. If people will think he's brilliant as you say, they shouldn't have any issues making the introduction. If they do, there is a clear signal. Alternatively, have him post what he's doing on AngelList. Certainly if what he is doing is that important, it will garner some attention.

In regards to why I think he isn't suited as an entrepreneur (at this time; important to note this distinction for now) is because he has reservations and requires someone like you to push him to make the leap. Entrepreneurs are driven to make things happen, not be convinced. That behavior will only make things more difficult if he doesn't have the conviction to try himself now, regardless of what anyone says (good or bad). And there are folks out there that no amount of convincing would they ever change. Not saying your friend is like that but as others have said, it's coming out as a red flag.

In response to another response you made, social proof is not like a letter of recommendation. It's not his professors that will grant him social proof. Social proof is validation from people that matter to the VC's in their social circle.

Don't bet on this. If it happens, GREAT! If it doesn't, at least you won't be crushed. Success doesn't always happen the first time around. Sometimes it takes multiple plays before the jackpot lands.

But putting all of this aside, don't do it for money. Money is an important factor but as others have echoed on here, do it because doing what you enjoy/love outweighs what you make. Money is icing on the cake.

Generally speaking, non-compete are not enforceable but there are exceptions to the rule (some of which don't apply to general employees and potentially some that I may not know about).

That hasn't stopped some companies from suing if an employee leaves to a competing company and have proprietary knowledge (albeit rare).

They are not mutually exclusive.

One preferred. Two at most. Online version highly preferred in addition to print out.

Information overload is not necessary. Not all 14 years are necessary to be put on there even if all 14 years are relevant. Tackle exactly what the job is looking for.

Expand in cover letter if necessary.