Grifters.
"Grifter."
If you're in tech circles, you've probably heard this term thrown around a lot.
It doesn't refer to course gurus, internet scammers, or political commentators. Though there are definitely commonalities.
A grifter is someone who poses as hard-working, high-achieving, and talented while embodying none of those traits.
Common characteristics:
- They don't ship.
- Fake accomplishments: i.e. doing an executive/online degree but headlines they went to Stanford on LinkedIn
- "I will take care of the business side" (proceeds to fuck up the business side)
- Non-technical profession, usually VCs and product managers
- Great yappers, socially popular and convincing
- Performative credentials i.e. MBA degree, hackathon wins, speaking engagements
- Constantly going to networking events, never building
There's no one clear definition. But you've probably met one before. And maybe even grifted by one!
Grifters are dangerous. Our world is cynical. But the grifter sells you hope. They see your inner talent and want to use it to their advantage. And you'll want to work with them because they're the motivation you're searching for.
It never ends well. It's happened to many. It's happened to me.
If you find yourself at business parties, networking, phone calls, and panels: you're grifting. Be honest with yourself.
Time is your most valuable resource. Don't waste it. Don't grift.