I've had a number of people ask me recently how I find and select the companies I work with.

The answer is quite straightforward. But the last method might surprise you.

My primary sources of deal flow:

- Ambient reputation: People have heard of me (but they're not quite sure how) so they google for me and reach out from my site.

- Word of mouth: Founders I've worked with tell other founders to reach out to me.

- Social media: People stumble onto my social media posts, go down a rabbit hole, and then reach out because my world view and advice resonates with them.

- Newsletter: People have read a newsletter (sometimes because someone forwarded it to them) that alerts them to a problem or opportunity in their business. They then reach out from my site.

- Podcast: People are discovering and listening to my podcast regularly. It's growing fast (from algorithms or listener shoutouts). Some founders and operators like what they hear and reach out.

- VCs: Investors suggest founders contact me under 2 very different scenarios. a) They meet a lot of companies that are not yet ready for investment, so they send them to me to help them get ready, and b) They invest in companies and then learn about an opportunity or a weakness that I can help with - so they introduce me - this de-risks and maximizes their portfolio outcomes.

- Licence plate: You wouldn't believe the number of people who have stopped my wife, my dad, or me at the lights and asked about the plates on our cars (STRTUPS) - and then they want to connect.

My criteria for choosing to work with a company:

- 6+ months of operating capital.

- Potential to disrupt some fundamental aspect(s) of the world.

- A founder with ambitious goals.

- A coachable team, eager to evolve and improve quickly.

- A deep appreciation for opportunity cost and the value of moving fast.

- A “Chris-shaped hole” in the team where I can add a lot of value quickly.