This is the cold-hard truth of working in intel – most people will never get invited in.
Nothing disappoints me more than when people get that rare, once-in-a-lifetime invitation and don't recognize how special it is.
Recently, I got a call from a private intel client in Las Vegas who had an immediate need for new static surveillance team members.
The job was short-notice but a total 'unicorn' opportunity; all expenses paid including lodging in a major Las Vegas strip hotel/casino, $500/day base pay + $100 for incidentals, a pre-brief and turnover with other surveillance members currently in Vegas.
And the client openly admitted he would need continued support for the next 90-120 days!
So far the story is good, right? Well, now it gets less good…
I spent my afternoon tapping my network to find potential candidates for this awesome entry-level private intel invitation.
By the end of the day, I had a list of 11 people who had expressed interest.
But I found out quickly they didn't understand how special (or rare) the invite was.
The client held a zoom call for all 11 folks, gave them the breakdown, promised them a fun and easy contract, and personally invited them to come out to Vegas.
The client told each person they could set their own contract start/end date and that they could take up to 7 days to get personal life organized before coming out.
This kind of offer is incredibly rare in intel -- both private and government!
Of the 11 people who said they were interested, took time with the client, got all the op details, and were handed a golden invitation, only 2 accepted.
Here is what the others had to say:
"Hey Andrew. I'm not able to make the logistics for this one work. Feel free to reach out in the future if you're in need." - Richie
Nope. Not gonna happen, Richie... What I need is people different from you.
"Hi Andrew. I think I would love to do this but personally I just would need more confidence with the situation." - Crystal
Your confidence is not my problem, Crystal. You will not be getting a second offer.
"I am interested, but I won't be ready by next week…" - Justin
Then you will never be ready, Justin. Keep your day job.
"I'm going to have to pass on this due to family stuff… and I look forward to more opportunities!" - Paul
No, Paul. You're 'looking forward' and seeing more family stuff. Not opportunities.
"Mr. Bustamante, Unfortunately I'm not going to be able to come out on this one. Hopefully, the next time the opportunity comes up I'll be able to help out." - Joe
Fortunately for me, I won't be wasting any more of my own time talking to you, Joe.
The intel world is inconvenient, impatient, and unforgiving; full of action-makers and risk-takers who let nothing stand in their way.
That's why I sound unreasonable.
Because there is no such thing as 'reasonable' in the world of real, life-changing opportunities.
Here is what the 2 that accepted the contract said:
"It sounds perfect, although I'm supposed to be going on spring break… I'm pretty sure I can finagle 5 days and get there by Friday night." - CODENAME: EDCHARGER
"I'm working to free my schedule next week… I can fly out as early as Tuesday night." - CODENAME: INVICTUS
When you get an invitation like these 11 people, recognize it for what it is.
You don't have to be interested in intel.
You don't have to like me or hate your current job.
And you don't have to say 'yes' if you don't want to...
But you have to realize that you will not be given a second chance.
So make sure you know that when you say 'not this time' what you're actually saying is 'not ever.'
I'm on a train, and it's not slowing down.
For those of you that are right next to me, I love that you're here. Now we're really starting to gain speed!
Buckle up, or get off.
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