Most traders think an elite prop firm wants one thing on Day 1: make us millions of dollars.
What we actually expect may surprise you.
Over Sarabeth’s UWS breakfast, I was checking my inbox when I saw a response from
@robertoclaroar1. Roberto is one of the most likable developing traders you will ever meet—you root for him the way a New Englander roots for the Patriots. After years of relentless training and building out an impressive Breaking News systematic strategy, he officially earned a seat on the SMB desk.👏👏👏👏👏
His response to the invite? "Thank you Mike. And I will show my gratitude with results and progress."
In the past, new invites often came with vows to make the firm millions. Roberto’s response gave me that familiar gut check: it’s time to set the record straight.
When you earn a seat on our desk, we do not expect immediate P&L fireworks. We expect you to:
1) Collaborate. Build an alert for a peer. Share an idea that fits a senior trader’s PlayBook. Dissect a missed setup openly with the desk.
2) Master the daily inputs.
a) Build a PlayBook
b) Daily Report Card
c) Trading Journal
d) Build technology
e) Collaborate with colleagues
f) Bring your best self to markets- eat, sleep, exercise, breathe.
g) Backtest trading ideas
3) Make progress. By Year 1 build a PlayBook of your best setups, show PnL progress, and have real relationships on the desk. Do that, and you've earned your next year.
4) Be curious, open-minded, and resilient. If you do all of these and lose money we will NOT be disappointed. We will help you transition into another job where your experience with us will be valued.
5) Accept mentoring and coaching. Trust the process. We’ve been developing star traders since 2005. Lean on our capital, tech, and team.
Giving your best professional effort is all that is expected. Doubling and tripling down on a solid process that has yielded results for many before you is all that is expected. The rest will take care of itself at SMB and in the markets.
Amazing work Roberto!
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