Why It’s Great To Be Number 2
I’ve spent the last 3 and a half years as Number 2 to Jeremiah Davis. I’ve learned a lot about how to properly assist someone in a high leverage position. But most of all, I’ve learned that it’s a great gig to have. Here’s why:
I get a front seat
Watching Jeremiah’s career start from humble beginnings and transform into a digital media powerhouse has been rewarding. A few days before we both graduated, Jeremiah was just short of 2,000 followers on Instagram. I posted on my twitter, linking my followers to his Instagram, trying to get him to 2,000 followers. The day we graduated, he got there. I also got to throw a surprise party with our production team when Jeremiah’s account grew over 100,000 followers. We got him a cake and had a few drinks in between meetings. It feels like a privilege to see this progression.
Many of the things Jeremiah has learned about creating digital content, I have learned too. He uses me as a sounding board to make decisions, which has given me a heap of insights that I may have never stumbled upon on my own.
I have a lot of decision making power
Anyone in a high-leverage position doesn’t have time to consider every possible scenario when making decisions. That’s the Number 2’s job. Much of what I do is weeding through information (creative, financial, logistical, etc.) and presenting 2 or 3 good options to Jeremiah. He makes the best decision from there.
Even though I’m often not the one making the final decision, I am the one presenting the options that get chosen. If I want something to go a certain direction, I present the information in a way that’s favorable to that direction. This is the real power of the Number 2. This is also why it’s important to be trustworthy person if you’re a Number 2.
People come to me for answers
The third reason why being Number 2 has been great is because people come to me for answers. I’ve been able to share a lot of insights with young creators, and make connections for my own career in the process. Being in my late 20’s, many creators in their early 20’s have a lot to gain from knowing me. But a few years down the road, we’ll all be on a level playing field again. By treating everyone with respect, even young creators, I set myself up for success and connection down the road.
Additionally, I have been able to get in the room with other people simply because of my connection to Jeremiah. Having insights is important. But being perceived as someone with insights is just as important if you’re looking to get hired for those insights.
Closing
Our modern culture prizes founders, CEOs, and creatives, but it doesn’t have much to say about their Number 2s. This is a shame, because being Number 2 in an organization, especially when it’s small and growing, is a fantastic experience.
