airbtq’s Post

This article by Paul Graham turns 11 next month but is still highly relevant. Biggest takeaway for me is always this: "the question to ask about an early stage startup is ...how big could this company get if the founders did the right things?" If I don't find myself thinking that about a startup then inevitably it will not be right for us to invest in. In fact, the truly exciting startups are the ones that I can't stop thinking and talking about how they could be really big! PS - One item from this article which definitely hasn't aged well? The reference to Pebble watches! https://lnkd.in/dGCd3EMu

In a recent chat about startups, a friend and I revisited a classic by Paul Graham. What struck us most? The emphasis on unscalable personal touches. It's a piece I can't justly summarize here—better to experience its depth firsthand. #StartupInsights #PaulGraham

🚀 Doing Things That Don’t Scale: Insights from Paul Graham One of the most impactful essays I've read is Paul Graham's "Do Things That Don't Scale." It sheds light on a counterintuitive approach for startups: focusing on manual, unscalable efforts in the early stages. In a world obsessed with scalability, it's easy to overlook the value of personal, hands-on work. Graham emphasizes that by directly engaging with users, founders can better understand their needs and create truly valuable products. Here are some key takeaways that resonate with me: Personal Interaction: Early on, it's crucial to interact directly with users. This personal touch not only helps in gathering invaluable feedback but also builds a loyal user base. Tailored Solutions: In the beginning, don't hesitate to provide custom solutions for your users. This may not be scalable, but it leads to a deeper understanding of their problems and how your product can solve them. Manual Efforts: Tasks like recruiting users, providing exceptional customer support, and even handcrafting parts of your product can create a strong foundation. These efforts, though not scalable, pave the way for long-term growth and scalability. Learning and Iterating: Doing things that don’t scale allows you to learn quickly and iterate on your product. It creates a feedback loop that’s essential for refining your offering. So, if you're in the early stages of building, don’t shy away from doing things that don’t scale. These efforts might just be the key to unlocking your startup's potential. 💡 #Startups #Entrepreneurship #PaulGraham #Innovation #CustomerFirst #GrowthMindset

If you haven't read this essay... I don't think you understand business or start-ups. The essay, written by Paul Graham, is a must-read for anyone who wants to excel in the world of entrepreneurship. Graham's writing style is unique and captivating, making it a highly engaging read. Click the link below to access the essay and see for yourself why it's a game-changer. Link: https://lnkd.in/gE5RDu5p #PaulGraham #entrepreneurship #startups #business #mustread

https://lnkd.in/eabFPWrV Best article on startup infancy that I have read in a while. Super valuable insight for all the founders out there!

I'll bite on founder mode. There are very few people to whom it applies. Founders at some scale. Certainly not me at this point. And likely not you. It may have been a needed wake-up call about you being passive in your business. But that's a different issue. I’ve been there and can appreciate a wake-up call. If you are using "founder mode" as a reason to do something, I would reevaluate. I would recommend these Paul Graham articles. But be warned, they are (generally) longer and less "fun." Early-stage entrepreneurs: Do things that don't scale - https://lnkd.in/ejaMY_uY Startups in 13 sentences - https://lnkd.in/eZKWH72w Everyone: How to do great work - https://lnkd.in/ea23nmvd How to work hard - https://lnkd.in/ere3czFT Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule - https://lnkd.in/enuER5EK

🚀 Building a Startup? Here's an Essential Truth to Keep in Mind 🔑 In his blog, Paul Graham reminds us of a powerful lesson: "Do Things That Don’t Scale." Early-stage founders often get caught up in trying to optimize and automate too soon. But when you're just starting out, it's the hands-on, scrappy work that sets you apart. It’s those manual, unscalable efforts—talking to users, hand-coding solutions, offering personal support—that build the foundation for future growth. 💡 If you’re a founder, don't shy away from the hustle. Focus on learning from your customers first—scale later. Check out the full blog: https://lnkd.in/eeNXbv9T

An idea is dynamic

DO things that DON'T scale. **Startups Take Off with Effort**: Startups often require a significant push from founders to gain initial traction, contrary to the belief that they will naturally take off if the market exists. **Manual User Recruitment**: Founders often need to manually recruit early users. Notable examples include Stripe and Airbnb, who engaged directly with potential users to build their base. **Overcome Initial Fragility**: Early-stage startups are fragile. Success often hinges on the founders’ efforts to engage users personally and persistently, despite small initial numbers. **Power of Compound Growth**: Consistent small growth, like 10% weekly, can lead to substantial user bases over time. This emphasizes the importance of persistence and gradual growth. **Delighting Users**: Exceptional customer service and attentiveness to early users are critical. Founders should go above and beyond to make users happy, creating a strong foundation for future growth. **Unscalable Efforts**: Doing things that don't scale, such as personalized service and manual tasks, can be crucial in the early stages to understand user needs and improve the product. **Contained Fire Strategy**: Starting with a narrow market segment can help achieve a critical mass of users. Facebook initially targeted only Harvard students before expanding. **Consultative Approach**: For B2B startups, acting like consultants for initial users can provide valuable insights and ensure product-market fit. **Manual Operations**: Sometimes, manual operations can be a stopgap before automation. This approach allows for rapid feedback and product iteration. - **Avoid Big Launches and Partnerships**: Big launches and partnerships are often ineffective for early growth. Focus on user happiness and gradual growth instead. - **Two-Dimensional Effort**: Successful startups require hard work in both building the product and doing unscalable tasks to gain early traction. This dual focus can create a robust foundation for scaling. https://lnkd.in/eGa6dmu4 #venturecapital #investing #startups

Too often, we hold back, waiting for the stars to align, for everything to feel just right before taking that first step. But here’s the truth: perfection doesn’t come wrapped in a perfect moment. It’s created when we grab the moment in front of us and make the most of it. Sometimes, the most beautiful things in life come from simply taking a leap. #makeitcount #createyourmoment #startnow #successmindset #InspireChange