Leverage Map Worksheet #2 - Q3 Status, Q4 Planning
In our course Building a Mountain of Levers, we use this “Leverage Map” as one of the key frameworks. It shows our current Leverage, our weaknesses and opportunities, and helps plan for the future.
Now, I create a Leverage Map at the beginning of each Quarter. It doesn’t take long, and it is a very helpful way to see progress and re-orient. At the end of the Quarter, I look at progress relative to my expectations and create a new map and new goals for the next quarter.
Below is another example: my leverage map from the beginning of Q4 2021. In December, I’ll append this post to reflect on progress and create a new map! This is the second map I’ve shared (here’s the previous). I hope this practice helps you follow my journey and shows you how to build leverage in your own way.
Learn more about how to use this Map to build your own Mountain of Levers in the leverage course.
Ideas for Building Leverage in Q4
Action: Define Next Book
Expectations: The Navalmanack is a tentpole of my work so far, and I’d like to work on another similar Almanack because I love the format and think it can be equally powerful to bring the insights of other leaders to millions of readers. Going to define the options for moving forward here in a few directions. Will be explored mostly through 1:1 connections.
Action: Find supportive partners for the podcast
Expectations: I’m loving doing the podcast, but it is expensive to produce on my own cash. I don’t want to charge for access, or lean only on sales of my own course… I’m sure that would get old fast. I’d like to find aligned companies or partners to work with that I’m proud to represent and my audience appreciates -- a win-win to cover production costs of the podcast and some for re-investment.
Action: Work toward taking on LP Capital for Startup Investments
Expectations: Angel investing is going well -- all of my personal investments have grown quite steadily so far. I’ll be able to put more money to work with partners who are interested in co-investing. Explore this concept and see if there is enough interest to support a full structure here, something like a Rolling Fund. (Ideally with fun, hilarious, and talented partners to share meals and deals).
Action: Complete + Upgrade Email Systems
Expectations: We didn’t quiiiiite complete the transition from Squarespace to Convertkit, so there is some work to finish that and set up all of the sequences. I’d like to grow this channel and that may mean thinking harder about writing fun and original stuff, and building out more personalized campaigns.
Q4 Retrospective (Written December 2021)
Scope Next Book: The next book is approved, outlined, and ready for the next stage of development. Been in communication with the subject, and we’re good to move forward.
Partners for the Podcast: This has not gone as well as hoped. Yet to receive any acceptable offers for sponsoring the podcast, so we’re still out of pocket investing in production and growth. The podcast is a large time commitment too, but I believe there are plenty of intangible benefits from it. And, I didn’t expect it to start breaking even until 6 months or so, and we’re only really at month 3 or 4. Also, getting sponsors is currently outsourced, and might be accelerated by taking it on myself. Next steps would be to do a survey of listeners and build a short deck for prospective sponsors.
(If you’re interested in sponsoring my podcast and reaching 5,000 - 10,000, please reach out!)
Accepting LP Capital for Investments: Groundwork laid here. I’ve had great conversations with potential LPs, worked with AngelList to find the proper vehicle, and working with amazing GP partners to build a fun fund that should rain returns for everyone involved. We’re excited to actualize this in Q1, welcome investors, and start writing founders some checks.
To follow the thread, check out the leverage map I made after writing this retrospective: The Q4 Status, Q1 Planning Leverage Map Post