Stone Fritz
Bio
Stone Fritz is a financial professional based in Naples, Florida. Outside of work, he spends his time with organizations including Ave Maria University, Community Pregnancy Clinics, and Young Catholics of Southwest Florida.
Resources
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At a glance
24 hours beforeConfirm the time.24 hours or less afterSend a thank-you.3–4 weeks laterSend a short update.Better questions
Instead of “Can you tell me about your job?”Ask “What does a normal week look like for you?”Instead of “Any advice?”Ask “What would you do differently in your first two years?”The process
Before the meetingSpend 20 to 30 minutes on the person, the business, the industry, and the topic. Pick one detail to mention early. Write five questions that only this person can answer.The day beforeSend a short note that confirms the time and the link or place. Offer to move it if anything has come up.DuringArrive ten minutes early. Talk for less than half the time. Near the end, ask if there is anyone else you should speak with.Within 24 hoursSend a thank you that names one moment from the talk and what you plan to do with their advice.Weeks laterSend a short update on what you tried. Few people do, so they remember the ones who do. -
At a glance
48 hours beforeFinish your research.24 hours or lessSend a thank-you.7 days laterFollow up if you haven’t heard.Better questions
Instead of “Do you like working here?”Ask “What has surprised you most since you joined?”Instead of “What does the job involve?”Ask “What does success look like in this role after six months?”Instead of “So, what are the next steps?”Ask “Is there anything about my background you’d like me to expand on?”The process
Before the interviewSpend an hour on the firm, the team, and the people you will meet. Read the job posting twice and match each requirement to a real example from your past. Write down five stories: the situation, what you did, and the result.The day beforePractice your stories out loud, twice. Plan your route or test the link. Lay out what you will wear and save a copy of your résumé.DuringArrive ten minutes early. Keep each answer under two minutes. Ask two or three of your prepared questions, then ask about next steps and timing.Within 24 hoursSend a thank-you to each person you met. Name one thing you talked about and say why you want the role.A week laterIf you have not heard by the date they gave you, send one short note that restates your interest. One follow-up is enough. -
At a glance
1 weekMeet the team and learn the basics.30 daysAgree on goals in writing.90 daysReview progress and set the next goals.Better questions
Instead of “Is there anything I should be doing?”Ask “What would make the next 30 days a success for you?”Instead of “How am I doing?”Ask “What is one thing I could do better next month?”The process
Week oneLearn names, roles, and how the team communicates. Ask your manager how they like to get updates. Write down what you do not understand and look it up before you ask.Days 1 to 30Learn the work. Read past examples, shadow a colleague, and ask for small tasks you can finish well. Agree with your manager on what success looks like, in writing.Days 31 to 60Take on a real piece of work. Share progress before anyone asks. Meet one person outside your team each week.Days 61 to 90Ask for a candid review. Note what has worked and what has not. Propose goals for the next quarter.ThroughoutKeep a running list of what you finish and what you learn, so you are ready when a review comes.
Desk notes
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Literature
Anna KareninaLeo TolstoyBrave New WorldAldous HuxleyThe CastleFranz KafkaPolitics & Economics
The PrinceNiccolò MachiavelliDemocracy in AmericaAlexis de TocquevilleThe New AtlantisFrancis BaconPhilosophy
The RepublicPlatoThe MeditationsMarcus AureliusEssaysMichel de MontaigneMarkets
The (Mis)behavior of MarketsBenoit MandelbrotThe New Market WizardsJack D. SchwagerTrading Option GreeksDan PassarelliTheology
Love & ResponsibilityKarol WojtyłaThe Imitation of ChristThomas à KempisThe Screwtape LettersC. S. LewisPsychology
Man’s Search for MeaningViktor E. FranklHuman Development and Human PossibilityRichard T. KnowlesInside Family TherapyMichael P. Nichols