Mike Ballas User Manual 0.84

I've been meaning to put together a user manual of how best to work and engage with me. I tend to be 'all over the place' from a communication standpoint and extremely focused on the tasks I have in front of me. This is a superpower and curse.?

On that note, sometimes, I come off as brash or abrupt in my communication. My apologies. If you have any suggestions to make this better please let me know.

Mike Ballas User Manual 0.84

Communication:

I am slow to respond to texts.

Please don’t call, dm or text. Use [email protected]

Email is also my todo list. I practise inbox zero and use a queue to get back to people. I do not respond to every email.

If you don't hear from me in a few days, feel free to bump the thread once.

I "try" and avoid my work phone and email on the weekends.

If you’ve called a few times and I haven’t answered, chances are you should email.?

I read all my LinkedIn DMs. I respond sometimes.

No need to pitch or sell me. I value being spoken to like a person. It causes an opposite effect on me.

I’m naturally wired for systems-level thinking, which causes me to ask a lot of questions.?

Brevity in communication is my time-saving technique, not rudeness.

I work in Toronto.

Meetings:

I try and avoid meetings. If I push back to use email please do not consider it rude. I'm saving us time.

I require meeting agendas and keep all meetings to 30 minutes.?All meetings require calendar events or I will forget. I am quite absent minded.

To respect your time I record and transcribe all zoom meetings / calls to avoid asking questions twice.?

Investments:

I am currently investing in 100% family-owned lower-middle market private equity deals.

I invest in majority buyouts of B2B/B2C companies with enterprise values between $10M and $75M, and EBITDA between $1M and $10M that can grow through performance marketing and operational excellence.

I'll also take a look at self-funded search, if you have a deck send it to me, and I'll let you know my thoughts and if I would do the deal.

You can read more about our ideal partner and thesis.?

On venture capital:

I am not an angel investor but am open to Co-GP'ing certain deals that are an excellent fit.

I like to be involved and help build companies at any stage. If you want a partner, send me a deck, and I’ll let you know if I can add value.

I am also open to building new ventures if time permits as a strategist/board member.

This does not have to be limited to technology companies.

Mentoring

All my volunteer time is spent on Toronto’s tech scene.

As a tech company based in Toronto, I will do my best to make time for you.

As someone who has been through the process of founding and exiting a startup multiple times, I am happy to share my war stories about product market fit and growth if they can benefit your journey.

Otherwise, we always have room for exceptional talent at Ballas Capital.

Picking My Brain & Consulting

I understand that seeking advice and guidance can be challenging and I appreciate your trust in me.

However, due to the overwhelming amount of requests for free advice or consulting, I have had to decline them with the explanation that I do not have the time.

While I understand that this may not be what you were hoping for, taking on all such requests would prevent me from pursuing my own goals and priorities, and ultimately, from providing my best to everyone.

That being said, I am willing to offer paid consultations for $2,000 USD per hour, in 1-hour increments, for matters of utmost importance.

To schedule a paid consultation, please email me at [email protected]. I

understand that this fee may not be feasible for everyone, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your understanding and I hope this note helps to clarify my position and reasoning.

Personal:

Business is my canvas for daily self-expression.

I prefer the road less travelled. It's more interesting.?

I am committed to defending the idea of open-minded thinking at all times.

I consider my best skill problem-solving. The harder the problem, the better.?

I’m grateful when people create a starting place for me to work from.

I view life as a privilege and am easily turned off by entitlement and a lack of gratitude.

Links:

Ballas Capital: My investment fund. Feel free to join if you would like to.

LinkedIn: I connect with people who I have actually met IRL.