My guide to startups:
I've lost millions, hired hundreds, raised millions and sold companies before the age of 30
Read this to become better:
Venture capital & PR are like drugs
Drugs can kill you or save your life
Use accordingly.
If you’re lucky: your startup will be copied. Don’t be mad
The best startup revenge is overwhelming product/market fit
Okinawa is an Island in Japan with the highest life expectancy. It's called "the land of immortals"
The secret: almost everybody gardens
Entrepreneurship is a marathon not a sprint. Be sustainable
Find your gardening.
A wonderful online course is so valuable its like you’re stealing from the teacher
A bad online course is a teacher stealing from you
Tip: scout out for wonderful online courses
A few dollar investment will completely change a life
For most people: forget Harvard or living in SF
With the internet, you are more powerful than you think you are
1) Learn anything you want
2) Connect with anyone you want
3) Be anyone you want
What a time to be alive
Startup life is a life full of rejection
No rejection, no progress
How to learn quickly:
Ask questions. You almost never learn while you are talking
Gratefulness: makes it hard for you to be fearful
Recruiting is not hiring
Recruiting is actively seeking the best people to create the best possible team
Hiring is pulling the trigger
Founders should always be recruiting
Most sales people stop after one or two rejections. Go until two or three
I bet your sales go up
Lesson: try and try some more
A good job interview is the same as a good therapy session
Ask questions & learn
To-do lists are overrated
A “not to-do” list is more effective than a to-do list. Keeps you from being exceptional
Focus is the holy grail
Quincy Jones would talk to every person at a book signing and leave a personalized note even if it took him until 3 AM to get home
He understood the power of making people feel heard
Personalization is the secret weapon to build loyalty for your customers & team
This may sound silly but:
A single viral tweet can change your life forever (h/t @sweatystartup)
Going viral can transform your business
Point: It's worth experimenting
Maybe this thread will go viral
Follow me @gregisenberg for more thread about startups, internet communities and niches
I'll make it worth the follow
2 criteria for success:
1) you’re happy
2) you’re making other lives better
I once had my identity stolen. It sucked
Tip: use a password manager like @1Password
Saves time and gives you peace of mind
When dealing with someone upset, think:
Have they slept, eaten, or been bothered by someone?
Sensitivity to people is a superpower
How to build relationships:
- Don’t dismiss people
- Don’t be a jerk
- Don’t rush
- Don’t interrupt
Be positive & kind
Fear kills startups & dreams. Don't let it!
Stressed is the word that high achievers use for fear
Never be fearful, OK to be stressed sometimes
Tip: Master micro-bravery. conquer fear by breaking it down into smaller steps
Many team issues are like cavities: long term that people never can address the main issue
Band-aids never work. Address main issues
You can’t fix something that starts with a poor foundation
Good questions to ask yourself everyday before bed:
- What have you done today to help someone
- What is something nice that someone has done for you
- What did you learn
- What can I do to be better tomorrow?