“FT71 has created a blueprint within Convergent so everyone in the community can understand the auction process…” @Allonblack
In Members in Profile, we interview stand-out members that show strong aptitude and work ethic. Our goal is to highlight different folks so that you can see the effort that our members are putting into their trading and hopefully learn from their experiences of the Convergent Trading Community.
We hope you enjoy hearing what @Allonblack has to say!
What brought you into trading?
Shows how old I am, but I was looking up some stock market information and inadvertently stumbled on some Elite Trader threads. These threads were as exciting as a movie script. Featured prominently in those threads was FT71, helping people out, just as he is today.
He did a 4-part webinar series on Basics of a Market Profile (open types and how to process and use the profile), Intermediate Market Profile (day types, profile shapes and how to use composites), Inside a Trader’s Mind – Beyond the Technicals (probabilities and outcomes), and I believe a 4th Webinar on Risk. I was hooked. Convergent covers these topics, but I still look back at PDF’s from these sessions all the time, mostly to clarify something that might have just occurred in the market.
What do you like most about Convergent?
Everything. It’s a group united for the common good. There is a wealth of information, from webinars, to stats, to daily ideas. I wish I had processed those webinars more effectively when I watched them 15 years ago, but knowledge evolves—learning and growth happen organically. FT’s not selling stalk zones. He’s created a blueprint within Convergent so everyone in the community can understand the auction process, create their own levels, setups, data set, and risk management.
How have these aspects helped you grow as a trader?
When I start my homework, I may have no idea what to expect the next day, but by the time I’m done I feel like I have a nice framework with ideas, levels and stats. My trading plan incorporates Convergent stats with probabilities, which remind me what I’m looking for. Whether they are reached or not, gives me clues. Every morning I compare my thoughts to what John471 puts out there. I need to do the work myself, but it’s helpful to see if I’m aligned—or if I need to rethink my hypothesis when I’m not.
Do you have a favorite community quote or webinar?
I love all the all the Anatomy of a Trades. They go over from beginning to end all the internal tools, all the context, all the things that need to be addressed before clicking the button for a trade. With a little secret sauce. There’s no one holy grail, but several grails in almost every webinar.
Do you have any advice for new members?
Watch all the webinars. Do the trade right program. Do your homework. If you have small account, trade micros. Watch Bagger Vance – FT71 can add color to that! Ask questions.
What is your favorite non-trading activity/hobby?
Walking my dog by the lake, getting into the flow of what’s around me. However, to me, that’s still trading related, being in the flow.
Have you participated in the #TradeRight program/challenges? What discoveries have you made?
I’ve gone through the Trade Right program, which is the blueprint for growth. Each of the past 3 months I’ve also participated in the 30-day challenge. It forces me to do my homework and holds me accountable. I have a better process than day 1 of the first 30-day challenge, but still always refining. Cohort will be the next step in my evolution.
