Founders often want to move fast too early, before they achieve problem/solution fit, then subsequently move too slowly after they’ve validated product/market fit. This all boils down to confidence — overconfidence early and under-confidence later.
Author: Eric Marcoullier
Startup and Product Coach. CPO @ Manifest. Co-founder Gnip, MyBlogLog, IGN, others. Live music, pop culture, building things.
Transparency and Authenticity
There is a difference between saying, “how can I help you?” and, “help me help you.” There’s also a difference between saying, “I need X, Y and Z to be a better partner,” and, “we’re screwed and need your help.”
Increasing Deal Flow From Underrepresented Founders
Seriously, I can’t hammer this one home enough. Just. Fucking. Take. The. Call.
Understand Your Customers’ Business As Well As They Do
As CEOs and product owners, we are effectively outsourced team members, contract force accelerators. Yet more often than not, we act like clueless employees, sleepwalking through the day, hoping that our actions align with our employer’s goals or, at worst, praying we don’t fuck up enough to be noticed.
Large groups of people show you’re not alone; small groups show you have allies
Find your tribe. Find the people with whom you’re comfortable removing your mask. Find others like you who feel a bit broken inside but still have the guts to change the world while dealing with all that baggage. Creating a better future is tough work, so bring friends.