“How to create a business based on your Technical Analysis skills.” Bell Curve Trading, LLC “How to create a business based on your Technical Analysis skills.” December 2016

Working for a firm vs. being in business for yourself : Your skills are transferable & today the risk premium is minimal. Your clients are transferable (you can ask them). The internet allows you to have global reach. Your current work/output probably IS NOT transferable.

Step One: You need to have a suite of products. It is not like sitting at a desk, waiting for a client’s next inquiry. Be a mercenary. Everyone is interested in everything but you have to focus on what your clients will actually pay for. You have to produce a consistent rotation of reports.

Step Two: Pricing and terms. Two schools of thought: the price of something is worth whatever someone is willing to pay (a few big clients) vs. pricing to an institutional or retail audience. Institutional model (fewer clients, higher price, lower turnover). Retail model (many clients, lower price, high turnover). Contracts (yes / no - pros / cons). Client Service – be careful what you commit to. 4

Step Three: Distribution. Defining & controlling your distribution is critical. Do you go to them or do they come to you? There is a culture that “sharing” is okay. 5

Step Four: Marketing and Growing your business. Your legacy clients are great but that is not enough. Start by trying to grow with the help of your existing clients. Don’t be shy about asking for referrals. Think of your website as your store. Tweet everything (role of social media). Reach out to the MTA.

Step Five: Running the business. Billing. Collections. IT issues. Get a partner/s (don’t have to be co-located).

Step Six: Balancing the business with the rest of your life. Best business decision I have ever made. A lot of hours but also a lot of flexibility. Mentally can be very tough because of the volatility of the business and not many people to lean on. Explain to family, children, and friends that your life will be a little different going forward.

Bill Strazzullo CMT, CFA Partner & Chief Market Strategist Contact Information: Bill Strazzullo CMT, CFA Partner & Chief Market Strategist Bell Curve Trading (781) 937 - 5656 (ofc) (781) 910 - 7092 (cell) WStrazzullo@BELLCURVEtrading.com