Ask Me Anything - July 17, 2020

This is the second Ask Me Anything here on the website (first one here). I’ll get things started with a few questions shared from Instagram, and please include your new questions in the discussion below!

This will be moved to the paid offering in the coming weeks. If you’d like to access future Q&As - both to ask questions and to view my answers to other questions.

Any product or book links are affiliate links, which pay me a small commission on every purchase but bear no additional cost to you. Just wanted to make that clear, and I thank you for your support - time and money - in my content and platform. It means the world to me, truly.

I want to donate masks to a nonprofit in need but need funds to buy material. Suggestions?A crowdfunding campaign would be my suggestion! I highly recommend iFundWomen (one of my portfolio companies), who offer incredible coaching to make your campaign a success.

How do you not lose hope? Things are feeling bleak.When I feel like this, I put away my laptop and phone and do something offline. It could be a quick walk, cooking something new, working on my current needlepoint project, or rearranging my shelves for the bazillionth time. Anything I can do to create something helps remind me that I am in charge of how I react to the world and makes me feel infinitely better.

Any tips for Peloton seat/making it more comfortable to sit on? New rider here!First, make sure it’s at the right height! The top of the seat should hit the top of your hip, and the seat should also be your arm’s length away from the handlebar. A seat cushion can also help!

How long are you in the city sans kids? Are they joining you soon?We came back to the city on Tuesday to clean and organize and take care of some home maintenance, and are heading back today. We’re bringing the boys back on Sunday and will be in the city for good (unless a massive second wave hits New York)

Favorite back support for when you are reading or doing laptop work in bed?I love this back cushion, which also comes with extra filling so you can make it as firm or as soft as you like.

What are your thoughts on Botox? Have you tried it?If you want it, do it! It’s been extensively tested and I have no concerns about the safety profile of Botox. I haven’t tried it yet, but I will if I need it.

Can you share your people to follow for angel investing again? I can’t find it!Lolita Taub is incredibly generous with all the information and insights she shares on Twitter. I also recommend Backstage Capital, Halle Tecco, Sarah Knust, and Eileen Burbidge.

Are you missing your folks?Yes, but I will see them tonight! I’m really going to miss them when we return to the city for good on Sunday.

How have you gone about reaching out to founders in whom you’d like to invest?First, make sure they’re raising! For several of my investments, it came up organically in the conversation or I was introduced to a founder that’s actively raising by a founder I already know. If you want to widen your access to deal flow, consider joining a syndicate like Backstage Crowd, or sharing deal flow with other investors you might know.