Monkey see monkey do..

Does anyone in life make a difference in this world by copying others? The answer is no. Every influential person did things differently. Any company any investor it doesn't matter what it is. Sure they may have similarities but their main contributions to society and their subsequent wealth came from thinking and doing things differently.

There is no intelligent way of copying someone (monkey), or something and everytime you do you are being very average. And average isn't going to get You remembered.

Be different.

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The private equity industry has spawned literally dozens of enormously wealthy people that copied Henry Kravis. People like Leon Black, Steve Schwarzman, Dave Bonderman and David Rubenstein are likely to be remembered as a result of their significant philanthropic efforts (obviously a function of their great wealth). There is an argument that these firms had various differentiating strategies that led to their success...

Apollo - Distressed for Control Blackstone - Corporate Partnerships Carlyle - Defense Industry Focus TPG - Operations Improvement

However, the concept of putting a private pool of capital to work by buying and selling companies while using leverage to amplify returns was basically copied from the KKR model.

 
"Prescott Moncrief lll" I just received an invitation to a social hour with an MM PE firm to meet and greet associate candidates. For those of you who've been to (or hosted) these types of events on the West Coast, what's the typical dress code? Suit and tie? Suit, no tie? I'm assuming those are the only two realistic options.

While I'm at it, pointers on dos and don'ts for making a strong impression are always helpful too. Not that I'm Captain Aspergers over here, but tips on the finer points of putting my best foot forward would be appreciated.

Don't be afraid to be different.

 
"duey_dun_did_it_again" Does anyone in life make a difference in this world by copying others? The answer is no. Every influential person did things differently. Any company any investor it doesn't matter what it is. Sure they may have similarities but their main contributions to society and their subsequent wealth came from thinking and doing things differently.

There is no intelligent way of copying someone (monkey), or something and everytime you do you are being very average. And average isn't going to get You remembered.

Be different.

I’ll take this to heart....let me start by stating how fantastic and specific this advice is and that it absolutely deserves a spot on the front page.
 

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