Startup Therapy

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore whether lacking prior experience can be a game-changer for startup founders. Having zero experience means you're new to something, and surprisingly, that can be a good thing. It brings a fresh perspective and adaptability. But for startup founders, could a lack of experience help you succeed or fail? Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan RutanWhat to Listen For00:00 Intro00:09 Is experience an asset?03:19 The bias of experience08:17 Balancing Experience and the Unknown11:45 Why not?12:50 Stop using someone else’s experience19:11 Other people’s path is not yours20:14 The best innovations are micro-innovations21:47 Be too dumb to fail26:09 Know what you know and don’t know30:02 Just knowing the basics

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about whether a founder should focus on building a startup that just makes money. Ever thought about ditching the whole fundraising craze and simply building a startup that puts money in your pocket? Join Wil and Ryan as they navigate the path less traveled, exploring the freedom and sustainability that comes with creating a startup designed to consistently generate profits. It's not just about surviving in the business jungle, it's about thriving on your terms.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan RutanWhat to Listen For00:00 Intro00:08 The end of the fundraising era04:14 Building success without venture funding07:09 Trading freedom for growth09:05 True value of incremental business growth10:14 How bootstrapped businesses create sustainable wealth14:54 Returning to the fundamen

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you can get rockstar advisors for your startup. Discover the common mistakes people make when they are getting people to be their advisors and what are the best strategies for asking them to be your advisor. Don’t miss out and find out if your startup needs an advisor or do you just need an advice?Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan RutanWhat to Listen For00:00 Intro01:53 What is NOT an advisor03:32 Advisors don’t want to spend a lot of time with you04:59 The common mistakes people do when recruiting advisors07:06 Don’t sell your soul for a moment in time08:01 Just be willing to ask11:41 Other people don’t know your “rockstars”14:25 Possible reasons why they are advising you17:46 How to ask someone to be your advisor?24:51 The limitations to an advisor’s knowledge29:31 A

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether you should get a steady paycheck or start your own startup. Choosing between a regular job and starting your own business is a big decision many face. Working a steady job offers security and a predictable income, while launching a startup is all about taking risks and creating something from scratch. Join them as they unpack the realities behind these choices, providing insights that could reshape your career perspective.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources:Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/beginJoin our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan RutanWhat to Listen For00:00 Intro00:23 Should you get a job or start a business?03:43 Age matters13:15 Soul vs. Salary20:03 How much downside can you take?22:11 Realistic probabilities of success28:10 Three types of career choices33:45 Risk, goals, and financial realities

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of managing chaos as a founder. Keeping a startup on track is like steering a ship through rough waters. Founders must stay calm and focused amid the chaos, juggling priorities and tackling problems as they arise. It's about staying cool under pressure, sorting out what matters most, and finding opportunities in the midst of the storm. Ultimately, a founder's ability to handle the daily whirlwind defines their success in the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:56 How do you manage the chaos of being a founder? 01:43 The first step to managing chaos is accepting chaos 02:10 The problems will be endless 05:06 Choose which problem to focus on 10:46 Isolate the chaos into small, solva

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of having a co-founder. A co-founder can offer numerous benefits for a business. It allows for shared responsibilities, diverse skill sets, and a support system during challenging times. However, finding the right co-founder whose values align with yours and who complements your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for a successful partnership. In this episode, let’s find out how you can choose the right co-founder for your startup and know if you really do need one.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan RutanWhat to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:36 Is it a good idea to get a co-founder? 02:48 Different categories to consider when picking a co-founder 05:01 ‘Who’s willing to do this?’ 07:30 The criteria that founders set for choosing their co-founder 09:29 When you DO

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the concept of scaling without adding or hiring more people. Making a significant impact doesn't always mean having a large team. You can achieve remarkable results with a compact and efficient group. Instead of expanding your team, you can focus on optimizing processes and leveraging innovative tools. Let's delve into the strategies that empower a small team to make a substantial difference, proving that size isn't the only measure of success.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:23 Small Team, Big Dreams 08:03 Efficiency vs. Headcount 12:03 Size Creates Dysfunction 13:59 The Ripple Effects of Company Growth 15:27 The Myth of the 70% Employee 18:22 Scaling without Headcount 20:58 Cutting Back Workload Instead of Adding People 25:

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss about the grind and guilt dilemma of founders. Founders often struggle with the never-ending hard work of growing their business, driven by their passion and ambition. This can create a persistent feeling of guilt as they try to juggle work demands with their personal life and health. So how can you achieve a harmonious equilibrium that allows you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams while also nurturing your mental and physical health and maintaining meaningful relationships?Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan RutanWhat to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:08 Guilt out of fear 04:31 The fear of failing as a founder 08:57 Pride, guilt, and the struggle with asking for help 10:15 Entrepreneurship as a way out 13:29 Fear as a superpower 16:18 When guilt compounds… 18:31 The nob

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether founders are driven by fear or greed. In the world of startups, there's a question that keeps coming up: what drives founders? Is it the fear of failure, or is it the pursuit of wealth and success, often labeled as greed? In this episode, we delve into the motivations behind entrepreneurs' unique journeys. We explore the delicate balance between these two forces, seeking to uncover what truly fuels the hearts of founders as they navigate their daily challenges.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:37 Are founders really greedy? 05:00 Fear as motivation 10:54 Getting paid as a founder 16:19 A founder's fear of being called “greedy” 20:00 Recognizing founder’s achievements 22:26 Fear and greed cycle

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you as a founder will know if you’re building the right or wrong product. Have you ever had an idea, but you're just not sure if it's good? It's something that many entrepreneurs can relate to - that anxious feeling of whether what you think would be a successful product could actually just be a waste of your time. So how do you actually know if you’re building the right product?Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:08 How do you know if you’re building the right product? 03:07 Ask your customers first 05:32 Don’t fall in love with your product idea 08:07 Start with solving a problem 09:38 Lessons from the Fundable experience 16:52 The MVP approach to startup ideas 20:49 Learning from past mistakes 27:45 When great products fa

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how startups are actually bought and sold. The process of buying and selling startups can be tricky. It's easy to get confused about how much a startup is really worth, and people sometimes have high hopes that don't match reality. When it comes to getting paid, the way deals are set up can be complicated, with some money coming right away and the rest later, often based on certain goals. To succeed in this startup world, it's important to understand these details and be realistic about what to expect.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:26 How are startups bought and sold? 02:32 Know and understand how the process works 07:45 Inbound calls in business sales 11:35 What's your business really worth? 16:35 Startup valuation 21:54 T

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss when to quit or let go of your startup. If your startup has struggled for an extended period without meaningful progress, causing financial strain, and lacks market validation, it might be time to consider quitting. Additionally, if the startup is taking a toll on your physical and emotional well-being, negatively impacting relationships, or if you've lost passion for the project, quitting could be a wise decision. Remember, quitting isn't always a failure; sometimes, it's a strategic move toward a brighter entrepreneurial future.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:09 Do you want to quit? 03:41 Would you stay in your startup if it were a job? 06:48 When quitting is the smart choice 09:08 What is quitting? 14:01 Deciding when to

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the challenge of maintaining a long-term vision in the fast-paced world of startups. It's easy to get sidetracked by short-term goals and immediate survival mode. But here's the deal: Founders need to find that sweet spot between the urgent stuff and the big-picture dream. Regularly reminding themselves why they started this journey and resisting the temptation of trendy distractions can help them stay on track. It's not about chasing quick wins; it's about building something that stands the test of time.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:08 When startups get stuck in survival mode 02:20 Distractions from a long-term vision 07:43 Confusing urgency from short-term decision-making 14:06 “It takes time to build a good business…” 1

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if you can replace yourself as a founder. Founders often struggle to step aside in a company because their deep commitment and personal connection to the company's mission are hard to duplicate. Their passion, values, and individual perspective are tough to find in an outsider, potentially causing a mismatch in goals and values. Moreover, it's emotionally challenging for founders to entrust someone else with their vision.In a nutshell, founders can't easily replace themselves because their unique identity and the company's culture are closely linked, making it hard to find someone who truly embodies their spirit.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:35 Can we replace the founder? 03:02 Why changing the founder wouldn’t work 06:06

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss who founders are really competing against. Founders are often never satisfied because they constantly set new, self-imposed benchmarks and goals. They compete against a changing definition of success, driven by their ego and perceptions of their peers. As they reach one milestone, they quickly construct new challenges, making it challenging to ever achieve lasting contentment in their entrepreneurial journey. Finding a balance between ambition and recognizing their achievements can lead to greater satisfaction and a healthier perspective on success.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:24 A founder's rollercoaster of satisfaction 03:51 Why successful founders are never satisfied 05:45 Peer competition 10:37 The problem with compar

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the topic that investors and founders are not on the same side of the table. In the startup world, it's important to recognize that investors and founders don't always see eye to eye. Investors are primarily looking to make money, which can sometimes clash with a founder's vision. Balancing these interests can be tricky. Founders need to stay true to their startup's vision while also considering what their investors want, fostering a productive relationship. Good communication and finding common ground are key to ensuring the startup's success in the long run.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:08 Investors are only on the same side when everything is good 04:07 This is your only bet, not the investor’s 07:21 Guarantee of a payc

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss planning for the bad times and good times in your startup company. It's not all sunshine during the good times, and not all doom and gloom during the bad times. It's about striking that perfect balance in your startup's strategy. The secret to achieving longevity in the ever-shifting landscape of entrepreneurship? Continuous adaptation, vigilant monitoring of key performance indicators, and the ability to pivot when necessary, all while staying true to your business's core mission and values.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:59 Good and bad times aren’t just a single moment in time 04:31 Are founders aware of these oscillations? 05:45 “In good times, we plan for good times…” 10:04 What is longevity for startups? 19:04 Make dec

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why a lower valuation exit can offer founders more advantageous financial outcomes than a higher valuation exit. This happens because of things like how much of the company's ownership each founder still has and what investors are expecting from their investments. As startups grow and get more funding, founders might end up owning less of the company. So even if an exit seems worth more on paper, the actual money each founder gets can be less due to having a smaller piece of the pie. Let’s delve into the maze of startup exits, exploring the delicate interplay between exit values, ownership, and the real-world implications.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 00:28 Navigating funding & exit strategies 05:59 Optionality  09:23 Out

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you shouldn’t fear the AI revolution that’s coming. Founders shouldn't fear changes in technology because embracing advancements can bring various advantages. These changes often lead to improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and better decision-making. Adapting to technological shifts enables founders to stay competitive, innovate, and explore new opportunities, ultimately fostering growth and success.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:44 Technology is always changing 03:51 What happens when a revolution comes around? 07:23 Why are we afraid of this? 12:12 Become better tool operators 17:40 Is displacement a bad thing? 24:57 Not embracing the future can destroy you 28:26 Be on the right side of change 30:57 Change is

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you shouldn’t let investors become your customers. When you prioritize investor demands over customer needs in pursuit of additional funding, you risk losing touch with your market's true requirements. This could lead to developing products or services that don't align with customer expectations, potentially resulting in poor adoption and revenue generation. Over time, prioritizing investor preferences over customer feedback could erode customer trust and loyalty, negatively impacting your long-term business sustainability.Sign up for the Startups Newsletterhttps://www.startups.com/newsletterResources: Startup Therapy Podcast  https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders  Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan What to Listen For 00:00 Intro 01:12 Optimizing for what investors want 02:13 Two types of investor feedback 03:47 Being in the capital raising business 04:53 What happens when you pitch to investors vs.