[Sledge]

I have a wonderful opportunity that has been presented to me. I have a great friend of mine who went to college with a buddy of his that holds a seat on the CME. My friend spoke with him and his connection is expecting a call from me to chat. The problem.. I'm not sure what to ask. I'm not sure how to approach this opportunity.

This is about the same as if someone got to meet a rock legend or their favortie artist. What would you say to someone who you feel has such skill and talent? Someone who is wildy successful in a field that you hope to attain the same level of skill and talent one day. I know my way around the market, but I'm not some trading god, by any strech. I still have things to learn, I still have things to understand.You wouldn't want to act like a tool- asking stupid questions, acting like a silly star-struck school girl.

So my question to the masses here is this- how would you approach it? How would you utilize the opportunity to the fullest?

It is a good problem to have. But I feel I have been presented with a wonderful opportunity and I don't want to blow it.

Aaron

[daedalus]

I'd want to know what time most of the pit-guys take lunch. Seriously... If they are taking a lunch break, i'd want to be taking a lunch break at that time as well.

[brownsfan019]

Depends on how probing you want to be. If you are not bashful, I'd flat out ask how he trades and see what he says. And if you want to take it to the next level (and you are able to) I would ask what it would take to work with him in some capacity.

And if that's too straight forward for you, I would ask what he'd recommend to someone that is newer to trading and how to get in the game. Are there any specific books or websites me might recommend?

[thrunner]

Originally Posted by Sledge »

wonderful opportunity and I don't want to blow it.
Aaron

You won't be blowing it. CME seat holders are just like any other traders, except they could deal with size. They blow up accounts just like every other trader, sometimes more spectacularly so.
I would ask him/her how often do seat holders fail and how often they have to go and throw up in the bath room

Well, he's a seat holder, but does he still trade on the floor? What advantage does he feel he may have trading in the pit versus on the screen? If he's still on the floor, ask him if you can take a tour and shadow him for a day.

[Sledge]

All wonderful ideas gents. If he is friends with my buddy, I think the conversation will go pretty smooth. I'm just a bit nervous to ask him something that may be out of line or inappropriate. Between him and I, our experience is vast. Not to say I'm any slouch- but this is big time.

I have already toyed with the idea of talking with him about heading to Chicago for just one day to "experience it live" Especially, since currencies are traded there and their is no "pit feed" for it available.

Bf: Well I got the balls to ask no doubt (born and raised New Yorker) so that isn't an issue.

Keep em coming. I think the most logical approach is to write down some questions and ask them. Who knows, I may pull all of them together and he may be very forthcoming with how he trades, what he trades etc. I will not be surprised at all if this was the way he was as my buddy said he is pretty laid back and not arrogant about what he does and the success he has gained.
Aaron

[johawk]

I'm a CME seat holder what is it that you want to know??

thrunner is for the most part correct. cme seat holders are like anyone else except they have lower much lower commisions than you and can use their seat as margin (thus they can throw around larger size). There are the good, the bad and the ugly, like in any other business.

Just try to get accross that you have a deep passion for this business and you will do whatever it takes to be successful. You appreciate his time as it is very valuable and any advice that he can give in your pursuit is greatly appreciated etc.... then listen.

Absolutely no reason to be nervous...

[Sledge]

Originally Posted by johawk »

I'm a CME seat holder what is it that you want to know??

thrunner is for the most part correct. cme seat holders are like anyone else except they have lower much lower commisions than you and can use their seat as margin (thus they can throw around larger size). There are the good, the bad and the ugly, like in any other business.

Just try to get accross that you have a deep passion for this business and you will do whatever it takes to be successful. You appreciate his time as it is very valuable and any advice that he can give in your pursuit is greatly appreciated etc.... then listen.

Absolutely no reason to be nervous...

johawk-
I appreciate the insight. That helps calm my nerves a bit. I'm sure most people can understand why someone would be nervous. It is a big thing. I don't want to ask questions that may seem as if I'm trying to get the keys to unlock the market (as I know their aren't any) or act as if I am probing to "copy his work" in order to do the same. That would never be my intent.

As I have learned in this business- one man's edge is another man's mystery. Depends on how the trader is wired, risk tolerance, confidence and to be blunt- balls!

I do have an extreme passion for the business, I'm sure that he will hear it come across in my excitement and conversation. I'm sure my buddy has filled him in as well (my trading story that is) He'll already be aware of where I started, stories of my trials and tribulations, and my gumption to fight through the learning process to get to where I have landed to this point.

But such a simple paragraph- helps a lot.

The 3rd grade lesson of "Shut up and Listen" will hopefully serve me well.
Thanks,
Aaron