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ArticleFounders, Not All Problems Are Apocalyptic

Founders, Not All Problems Are Apocalyptic

There are very few problems at a startup worth actually stressing about — but that doesn't keep us from burning ourselves out about them.

Startups are nothing but problems. Everything about this epic shit show that we've created is a problem. We're building a company that has never existed, in a market we invented, with a team that got here 5 minutes ago. What about that would breed anything but problems?

Even if we can agree that the fire hose of problems will never be turned off, we can at least understand how to treat those problems differently, separating the ones that may end us from the ones that are "just another day at the office." If we can't, we will crush ourselves with stress and anxiety.

Problems vs. Apocalypse

First off, we re...



ArticleStop Listening to Investors

Stop Listening to Investors

Startup investors are incredibly useful experts — on investing in startups.

The problem for us Founders is when we start taking their expertise on building startups as gospel, and worse, start pivoting based on their feedback versus our own decisions.

This stems from the fact that as Founders, we don't really have a lot of data points or experience when it comes to the qualifications of investors. We tend to think that since they invest in startups, they must be experts in how startups operate.

Investors are not Fortune Tellers

One of my favorite indulgences is listening to an investor who has been thinking about my business for 60 seconds tell me what the future of my business will be. I will always politely listen (you never know what you...



ArticleCan You Build a Startup in Less than 40 Hours per Week?

Can You Build a Startup in Less than 40 Hours per Week?

There are tons of famous Founders who have built world-changing companies in less than 40 hours per week — I just can't name a single one.

I'm not talking about the later stages when a company is already successful. I'm talking about the "garage band years" when it's just the Founder(s) doing every possible job and scraping to get a single paying customer.

The idea is that we can simply put in our 40 hours, work really hard, then turn it all off and live a regular life. Which sounds awesome. So why is it that every time we hear the origin story of a Founder, it's always the same — they worked insane hours for an insane amount of time to get to an incredible outcome?

Time is Money

Let's start with the correlation of hours to our success and...



ArticleUnlocking the Power of a Startup Community

Unlocking the Power of a Startup Community

Tap into the power of startup communities to help you take your ideas and business plans further. These incredible networks offer a wealth of resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can be invaluable when starting out on an entrepreneurial venture.

In this blog post, we will look at why these innovative startup ecosystems are so important in America, as well as explore options for international entrepreneurs who want to access these global community support structures too. Finally, early-stage investor input is discussed with tips shared on how best to navigate through the process successfully!

Short Summary

  • Startup communities provide powerful resources and connections to help entrepreneurs succeed.

  • Explore the vibrant startu...



ArticleStrategies to Effectively Raise Capital for Your Startup Business

Strategies to Effectively Raise Capital for Your Startup Business

Businesses need to be able to access capital for growth and stability, which is why understanding the different approaches to raising funds is essential. This blog post provides an in-depth guide on analyzing, comparing, and applying various methods of obtaining funding so that companies have the ample financial resources they require.

Short Summary

  • Understanding the importance of capital raising and different methods available to businesses.

  • Evaluating pros & cons of equity financing vs debt financing, as well as innovative strategies such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, and strategic partnerships.

  • Attracting investors by crafting a compelling pitch, building a strong network & demonstrating past successes. Plus preparing for capital ra...



ArticleAre Bootstrapped Startups Less Valuable?

Are Bootstrapped Startups Less Valuable?

The value of a startup should be judged by its potential to help the Founder — not everyone else.

But that's not really the way we tend to talk about the value of a startup. We tend to think in terms of how valuable our startups are perceived by people that aren't us, like investors or the outside media.

At the same time we get a very skewed perspective of how many startups even raise funding, much less how many of them ever survive the journey. When we compound those broken perspectives, we make it nearly impossible to realize just how valuable our bootstrapped startups are!

99% of Startups don't Raise Venture Funding

If we're going to assume that only venture-funded startups are more valuable, then we should probably start by understandin...



ArticleWhy Founders Don't Ask for Help

Why Founders Don't Ask for Help

Founders are generally really bad at asking for help... but why?

We'd think in a business where we need help with literally everything, we'd be amazing at asking for help. Yet time and time again, we go it alone, or at most make a half-hearted attempt to get the guidance we probably need.

I spend most of my day pleading with Founders, "Please, whatever you do, stop guessing! Let me just tell you exactly what you need to do in order to move forward so you can spend your time getting it done versus figuring out how to do it."

Once we finally break that seal, I get countless questions, which is exactly my goal as someone who helps Founders all day. But the same issue keeps coming up "Why are Founders always hesitant to ask for help?"

We're Use...



ArticleWhere to Find Startup Mentors to Take Your Business to the Next Level in 2023

Where to Find Startup Mentors to Take Your Business to the Next Level in 2023

Many entrepreneurs have looked to mentors as a way of finding guidance and support for their startups. With the right startup mentor by your side, you can avoid pitfalls and navigate toward success. This blog post will provide strategies on how to find such perfect mentors who could take your startup journey up another notch!

Short Summary

  • Gain invaluable knowledge and experience from a startup mentor to help your business succeed.

  • Network, attend events, use online platforms & leverage personal connections to find the perfect mentor for you.

  • Build meaningful relationships based on trust and understanding for a successful mentorship journey.

The Importance of Startup Mentors

Having access to the cumulative experience and expertise of many busines...



ArticleWhat Is a Venture Capitalist and How Do They Work?

What Is a Venture Capitalist and How Do They Work?

Venture capital, when provided by venture capitalists, serves a crucial role in stimulating economic growth and fostering innovation. Without it, the market landscape would be devoid of innovative startups with groundbreaking ideas. Fortunately, this form of funding gives life to these businesses, which in turn promotes progress for all. In this blog post, we discuss how venture capital works from its structure and ecosystem to potential risks as well as rewards that come along with it.

Short Summary

  • Venture capital is a form of private equity investment that provides capital to high-potential startups and small businesses.

  • It involves an extensive process of due diligence, term sheet negotiations, and post-investment support for portfolio com...



ArticleWhat Is an Entrepreneur? A 2023 Guide to Starting Your Own Business

What Is an Entrepreneur? A 2023 Guide to Starting Your Own Business

Have you ever had a desire to have total control, make an impact on the world, and establish something that will last for generations?

If so, then entrepreneurship is likely your ticket. But what does it actually mean to become an entrepreneur? The journey for entrepreneurs can be both exciting and gratifying, yet at times challenging and risky. There are plenty of possibilities if done correctly.

Here we'll discuss in depth the concept of becoming successful as an entrepreneur — from gaining insight into crucial entrepreneurial thinking required all the way through to how one may navigate running their own business — offering practical guidance specifically tailored towards early-stage entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, you'll be far more prepa...



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