Simon Martelo

Founders: Find something that is both important to you and resonates with a group of people at this particular moment in time. In the early days you’ll need to frame your story—to recruits, to partners, to investors, and to the entire outside world—along those lines. Talk about why your company matters, not just what it does. Make sure your product... See more

So many founders have a great idea but can’t figure out how to sell it. Second-time founders know that they shouldn’t even bother with an idea if it is not sell-able. Marketing risks force you to face the truth: Do you know enough about your market to know how to sell it and who will buy it?

You can stand out by offering unique features for your biggest supporters and early adopters. Nothing creates a more powerful marketing initiative than rewarding your current top supporters. They’ll go out and sell for you like crazy when they are regularly acknowledged and rewarded for being part of the founding community. 

Self-esteem isn’t something you receive. No one can give it to you, and no one can take it away. People can praise you and it might not land. People can criticize you and it might light a fire. Either way, if your sense of self moves with their words, they’re still in control.

The kind that actually stays is built slowly. It comes from doing things... See more