Startup Advice

Why Are We Surprised That

Startups Are So Freaking Hard?

We think they can be hacked, but the only enduring moat is effort

I’m sure you’ve seen your fair share of ads trying to sell you the greatest new tactics to get more customers, make more sales, and earn a bazillion dollars while you sleep. 

The problem with most of these ads is that they’re selling you recycled tactics with new catchy names pulling you away from your goals. 

I say this because tactics without a... See more

To help you make it through the darkness, here’s a series of concrete actions you can take today to try to turn things around:

1. Talk to more users (actually do it)


2. Change your target audience/ICP


3. Change your positioning/messaging/pitch


4. Try a “kickstarter” to get the word out


5. Find something that is working and pivot fully to that


6. Give it a bit more time


7. G

... See more

If you don’t have time to clean up, you don’t have time to cook

Professionals understand that the project is the whole project, not simply the fun or urgent or interesting part of the work.

There are countless productive shortcuts along the way. But not finishing the project isn’t one of them.