Introduction
how to start trading with no system is a trap many beginners fall into. In this first-person QnA, Jerry Robinson shares candid lessons from over 25 years in markets—early mistakes, why rules matter, how to choose a niche, and why protecting capital is everything.
Trader Talks QnA
What have you found has been the hardest learning point for new traders when you are coaching them?
Quite frankly, trading success is in the preparation—reading, learning new things, being open to understanding things. Inconsistency, lack of self-confidence, a lack of rules, a lack of any kind of system—so vital.
When you’re new in trading, how would you suggest setting goals?
Whatever you can do to not lose money is the key, and so if you’re making money, you’re doing it right.
How did you get started into this world of trading?
I traded my very first stock in 1996. I had a very small account—about $700—and lost most of it pretty quickly. I even took a cash advance on a credit card for like two or three thousand—one of the dumbest things I ever did—and lost almost all of it. Trading without a system, rules, plan, or mentor is brutal.
Did you continue day trading or switch to swing trading? How did that happen?
I continued to day trade but carefully with lower accounts. I traded my first option in 2002, which helped with leverage. Over time, as life got busier, I migrated toward swing trading—holding one to ten days for about a 1–10% gain—and eventually to part-time position trading and long-term investing.
When did you flip to swing trading?
Probably around 2004. Early on I thought trading was only day trading. Education and system-building changed that.
How did you gain your education and find mentors?
Tons of reading. I practically lived at Barnes & Noble. William J. O’Neil mentored me through his books—”How to Make Money in Stocks” (orange cover). I learned technical analysis by printing charts, marking them up, and building my own rules. That changed everything and gave me confidence.
Have you seen successful traders disappear?
Oh sure. I’ve coached many traders. Patience, discipline, and wisdom matter. Wisdom is the application of properly apprehended knowledge. Many flunk out—not blown out—because they quit too soon. This takes years to learn, but once you learn it, it’s a skill you can always fall back on.
What’s the hardest learning point for most students you coach?
Being coachable. Also understanding this is a business—you need a niche. Focus on a sector, industry, ETF, or stock, and learn it deeply. I focus on the NASDAQ 100 (QQQ) and use options on broad index ETFs to avoid single-stock risk.
What was your biggest hiccup or setback?
Inconsistency, lack of self-confidence, lack of rules, and lack of a system. Once I created rules and a system—and managed psychology—I improved. Early on, I bragged when I won and beat myself up when I lost. You have to be like a brick wall emotionally and give it time. Paper trade if needed, keep money close, build rules, and control emotions.
How should beginners set business-like goals in trading?
Set goals around study time—reading, learning, preparation. Be open to options. Print charts, mark them up, and develop a niche. Every successful trader I’ve known has a niche. Know if your niche is in uptrend or downtrend and act accordingly.
If you’re already profitable, should you set monetary goals to scale?
Be cautious. If you’re consistently profitable, you’re way ahead. First, dissect what’s working and why. Greed and comparison can blow up accounts. Protect what works before pushing size.
Is trading more about offense or defense?
It’s all about defense—protecting capital. Rule number one: don’t lose money. If you’re making money, you’re doing it right. Push carefully so you don’t break what’s working.
Can you paint the real picture beyond social media winners?
Over 90% of traders fail—usually due to lack of patience, rules, systems, or capital. You’re up against the brightest and most vicious players. Without preparation you’ll get eaten alive. It’s not easy and takes years to become consistent.
What red flags should students watch for in mentors?
Lack of transparency, hesitancy to discuss mistakes, and flashing net worth. That hooks greed. It should be about education, patience, and learning the craft, not flashing money.
Where can people learn more about you?
followthemoney.com (also mentioned followthemoney.org). Enter your name and email to get my trading rules, a video on lessons from great traders, and more. We also have memberships: daily swing idea with entry and suggested stop loss, plus weekly video coaching. You have to be serious and long-term in mindset.
Jerry Robinson Trade Statistics
Based on shared experiences, here are summarized highlights of how Jerry Robinson approaches trading outcomes and process over time.
- Started trading in 1996 with a small account (~$700) and early rapid losses
- First options trade in 2002 to leverage smaller capital
- Migrated to swing trading around 2004 (1–10 day holds, 1–10% targets)
- Current focus: part-time position trading and long-term investing, niche in QQQ
Key Trading Insights from Jerry Robinson
Preparation, rules, and niche focus drive consistency. Protect capital first; growth comes from disciplined execution and emotional control.
- Create and follow a written rule-set and system
- Develop a niche (e.g., QQQ) and learn it deeply
- Use preparation: reading, chart study, and ongoing education
- Prioritize defense: avoid losses, scale carefully, manage emotions
Jerry Robinson Trading Strategy
Jerry emphasizes rules-driven swing and position trading with a focus on broad index ETFs, primarily NASDAQ 100 (QQQ), supplemented by options for capital efficiency and risk control.
Rules-Driven Swing Trading
Hold 1–10 days, seek 1–10% moves, predefine entries and suggested stop losses. Use technical analysis timing informed by printed chart study and pattern recognition.
Niche Focus: QQQ and Broad Index Options
Trade QQQ due to familiarity with components and index behavior; use options on broad ETFs to reduce single-stock risk while maintaining leverage.
Jerry Robinson Tools
Jerry highlights education-first tools and methods that supported his development, from classic books to hands-on chart work and a transparent rules-based system for members.
- Books: William J. O’Neil’s “How to Make Money in Stocks” (orange cover)
- Technical Analysis: Printed charts, manual annotations, multi-timeframe review
- Trading System: Rules-based swing/position framework shared via his site
- Education: Weekly video coaching, daily swing ideas with entries and suggested stops
Common Trading Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid trading without a system, chasing every market, and mentors who flash net worth. Be coachable, patient, and treat trading as a real business.
- Trading without rules, plan, or mentor
- Lack of patience and quitting too soon
- No niche focus; trading anything that moves
- Letting greed and social media comparison drive decisions
Conclusion
Success comes from preparation, rules, niche specialization, and capital protection. If this QnA helped, share your questions in the comments and consider joining an education-focused community to level up your process.