When you work at a company that deals with venture capitalists, you sometimes go to networking events and talk to venture capitalists.

Venture capitalists are people who give other people money in order to start companies.  In return they take a share of those companies, often in the form of stock options, that they eventually sell for a profit.

When you get a bunch of venture capitalists in a conversation, you can sometimes learn a lot.  Unfortunately, you also often get an exchange like this:

“I work with Steelpoint Ventures, and we manage a $1 billion fund.”

“Oh.  Well, I work with Redbridge Ventures, and we manage a $1 billion fund with a 50% return on investment.”

“Oh.  Well, I work with Steelbridge Ventures, and we manage a $1 billion fund with a 50% return on investment and lots of great synergies.”

At this point I can’t take it anymore.  So I interject:  “I work in marketing, and I manage my annual salary which is less than each of you make in a week.  I’m currently accepting donations so I can buy Buffy Season 5 on DVD.”

Everyone visibly relaxes, since there’s nothing to prove as long as I’m in the room, and the conversation continues on a normal track.