FEEDBACK #1 – will you recommend me as #CFO (of Value) after the last 3 articles?

After every 4th article I think it is important to get some feedback from outside the ECHO CHAMBER that LinkedIn can be to see if I am going down the right track

While I hope my articles may educate or entertain as a way of Paying it Forward there is a part of me that says this does not pay the bills.

I ask one favour or perhaps two.

Favour one: The key question is do my articles make you want to take action to:

Recommend Me as CFO to a VC, PE, or CEO?

And favour two: have you recommended me?

Creating content that captures the attention of CEOs, venture capitalists (VCs), and private equity (PE) professionals isn't just about writing well—it's about homing in on the feedback that truly matters.

Using examples by Rob Fitzpatrick's book "The Mom Test," let's explore how to get actionable feedback on my articles and see if they would convince you to recommend me as a CFO to someone in your network.

I'll examine the last three articles and ask for your feedback.

Asking the Right Questions

When it comes to getting valuable feedback, it’s all about asking the right questions. Imagine you hand your latest article to a friend, and they say, "It's great!" This is nice to hear but completely unhelpful.

Wrong Question: "Did you like my article?"

Right Question: "Which parts of the article did you find most and least useful?"

Why It Works: Specific questions bypass polite affirmations and lead to actionable insights. It’s about trading vague "It's good!" for "The section on financial forecasting was a bit confusing."

Would You Recommend Me as CFO? If feedback shows that my articles clarify complex financial concepts, it’s a strong indicator of my ability to communicate effectively—an essential skill for a CFO.

Observing Actions, Not Words

Actions often speak louder than words. Readers might say they love your content but never actually read it through. Monitoring their actions provides real insights.

Example: If analytics show readers drop off halfway through your articles, you're losing their interest.

Action Plan: Shorten your articles or break them into a series. Use engaging subheadings and bullet points. If bounce rates drop, you've found a winning strategy. This article certainly is not short!

Would You Recommend Me as CFO? High engagement and completion rates suggest that my content keeps readers hooked and informed, a critical trait for a CFO. 

Embracing the Awkward Silence

Silence can be incredibly revealing. If someone pauses before giving feedback, you’ve hit a nerve. Dive deeper. LinkedIn feedback can be quiet as a mouse.

Example: "What did you think about the section on market trends?" If they hesitate, follow up.

Follow-Up: "I noticed you paused. Was there something unclear or unconvincing about it?"

Why It Works: This pushes for more nuanced feedback, helping identify areas needing improvement. 

Would You Recommend Me as CFO? Honest, detailed feedback about my financial analyses highlights my expertise and readiness for high-level recommendations.

Making Critiques Easy

Getting feedback can be tough. Make it easier with guided questions.

Example: Instead of asking, "What did you think?" ask, "On a scale of 1-10, how useful did you find the budgeting tips?"

Why It Works: Specific, quantifiable questions provide a clear path for feedback and follow-ups like, "What would make it a 10 for you?"

Would You Recommend Me as CFO? High usefulness ratings indicate practical value, suggesting my financial advice is insightful and implementable—key traits for a CFO.

First Article Feedback: "#1 What Would Be Your 90 Day Plan?"

I aimed to provide practical advice reflecting an understanding of the strategic and operational intricacies involved in a CFO role. The detailed plan should show my readiness to step into a role and make an immediate impact, which should be appealing to CEOs and VCs looking for strong financial leadership.

Feedback: but do you think this would drive you to a high-level recommendation. 

Second Article Feedback: "#2 Unlocking the Secrets of Value Creation in Business"

This article aims to demonstrate an understanding of value creation and exit strategies, crucial for a CFO, with a strategic mindset, practical expertise, and thoroughness—qualities that are crucial for a CFO.

Feedback: but do you think this would drive you to a high-level recommendation.

Third Article Feedback: "#3 How a CFO Can Help Scale a Business in the Technology Space"

This article aims to demonstrate strategic value to tech companies, highlighting critical areas like investor relations, operational efficiency, and international expansion. I aim to demonstrate an ability to articulate these strategies clearly.

Feedback: but do you think this would drive you to a high-level recommendation.

Conclusion: Turning Criticism into Conversion

I one hundred % value your constructive feedback. By applying principles from "The Mom Test," I aim to transform superficial praise into deep, actionable insights. My content then becomes sharper, and YOU the audience more engaged, and conversion rates higher. 

Would These Articles Convince Someone to Recommend Me as CFO?

By asking the right questions, observing actions, embracing awkward silences, making critiques easy, I am trying to ensure my content demonstrates the expertise and relatability needed to earn high-level endorsements.

If this is not working, please tell me where my efforts should focus other than my network. Thank you. If you got to this point hope it was not as painful as being an England football fan over last few weeks…it can only get better!

Scale 1 to 10 -90 day plan; value creating; scaling a business - on the right path? What can be improved and what would you want to hear about next in the next 3 articles to convince you?