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Hey there, meme enthusiasts and blockchain practitioners! While we usually dive deep into the wild world of meme tokens at meme-insider.com, today we’re taking a detour into the high-stakes realm of investment banking. A recent thread by @BoringBiz_ on X caught our eye, offering some golden nuggets of wisdom for anyone looking to shine as a junior associate on the buyside. Whether you’re a crypto newbie or a seasoned investor, these insights can level up your game. Let’s break it down!

Absorbing Information Like a Pro

One of the standout skills highlighted is the ability to absorb information quickly. As a junior associate, you’ll often find yourself wading through massive data sets like Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) and Virtual Data Rooms (VDRs) with tight deadlines. The trick? Learn to separate the substance from the noise.

Think of it like sifting through a pile of meme token hype to find the real value. Boring_Business suggests a five-step routine:

• Skim the CIM and model to get the big picture.
• Pinpoint the key drivers (e.g., what affects volume, pricing, or costs).
• Narrow it down to 4-5 critical factors to focus on.
• Dive into the VDR for data on those factors.
• Spot the thesis, risks, and data gaps.

The best associates use this method to save time for their seniors by flagging deal-breakers early—think customer concentration risks or shaky unit economics. It’s a skill that sharpens with experience and is the backbone of being a solid investor.

Asking the Right Questions

Next up is the art of asking smart questions. In a deal process, time is money, and companies or bankers won’t always have the bandwidth to answer everything. A rookie mistake? Sending a massive 11-page due diligence (DD) list that goes nowhere. Instead, focus on questions that shift your underwriting thesis.

Before firing off a query, ask yourself: “Will this answer change how I price the risk?” DD isn’t about eliminating all risks—it’s about figuring out if you’re getting paid enough to take them. This mindset not only saves time but also trains you to think like an investor from day one.

Collaboration: The Unsung Hero

Deals move fast, and your inbox will buzz with emails from accountants, lawyers, and bankers. Staying organized is key. Poor associates lose track of deliverables or forget to follow up, while the best ones keep everything on point and represent their firm well.

Plus, it’s a small world in finance—your reputation sticks. Building trust with third parties (who might be on the other side of a future deal) can set you up for long-term success. It’s like networking in the crypto space: relationships matter!

Becoming a Confident Speaker

As you grow, you’ll need to step up from note-taker to presenter. This means pitching to CEOs, Boards, or your investment committee (IC). It’s not just about crunching numbers—it’s about selling your ideas and yourself. The top associates master articulating complex concepts simply, which comes with practice.

Boring_Business advises putting yourself out there—volunteer to present parts of the investment memo, even if it’s uncomfortable. It builds confidence and hones a crucial skill for promotions and leadership.

The Future of These Skills

In a reply, @SteveWiesnerSMB predicts AI will soon handle DD question lists, shifting the focus to follow-up questions, collaboration (25%), and speaking/sales skills (55%). As technical tasks get automated, soft skills will dominate. This mirrors trends in blockchain, where community engagement often drives meme token success over pure tech.

Final Thoughts

This thread is a treasure trove for anyone eyeing a buyside career—or even crypto pros looking to diversify skills. From quick data digestion to persuasive presenting, these traits build a foundation for success. Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s chat about how these skills translate to the meme token world!

Originally posted on meme-insider.com — your go-to for meme token insights and more!