Startup Therapy

By Startups.comBusiness

Startup Therapy episodes

August 21, 2023Don't Fear the Reaper (AI Edition)
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.

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Resources:
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 scary
33:25 AI taking decisions for us
38:06 Are people lazy by nature?
42:24 The negative effects of technology
48 min
August 14, 2023Don't Let Investors Become Your Customers
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.

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https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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. provide to customers
06:10 “You’re just as vulnerable at the beginning of fundraising as you are at the end of fundraising…”
07:44 The investors don’t matter to the business
09:10 Jumping on trend for the money
16:37 Investors have a different game that they’re playing
18:15 Investor Optics vs. Customer Value
22:11 Navigating investor expectations and customer demands
28 min
August 07, 2023We Can't Stay Out Of The Game For Too Long
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss what happens when founders stay out of the game for too long. Startup founders can't afford lengthy breaks from the game because the skills and mindset crucial for entrepreneurship can weaken over time. Startups demand ongoing learning and adaptability due to their rapid evolution. But here's the burning question: Can you still come back strong after a break, ready to tackle the dynamic challenges of the startup world?

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Resources:
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
01:17 When you’re not relevant anymore
03:58 The startup muscle
05:54 Challenges in re-entering the game
08:27 The difference between taking a rest and quasi-retiring
10:08 Too soon or too late?
12:51 Relationships and relevancy
15:17 You lose relevance, relationships, and your mind
18:37 Pitfalls of taking a break
22:51 Don’t stay out of the game too long
26 min
July 31, 2023What if our Dreams are an Illusion?
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if your dreams as a founder is an illusion. The dream seems so valuable because it's something you don't have right now. But it's essential to play test your goals and ask yourself if you'd truly enjoy it once you achieve them. Sometimes, the journey and the process of pursuing a startup are more important than the final outcome, so it's crucial to think about whether the sacrifices are really worth it for your long-term happiness and sense of purpose.

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https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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
02:08 What if your startup dream is bullsh*t?
03:11 Investing in something uncertain
07:59 Did you test-drive it?
09:45 The cost of being wrong
19:33 Assessing risk in a startup
25:53 It’s valuable now because you don’t have it
27:48 Recalibrate your goals
33 min
July 24, 2023What if this isn't a "Big Business"?
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the topic of building a “big business”. Scaling rapidly can lead to market dominance and attract investors, but it also involves higher resource demands and potential pitfalls. On the other hand, building a profitable and sustainable business may allow for steady growth, reduced risks, and long-term viability. By reevaluating goals and priorities, founders may discover the benefits of a steady and enduring approach that aligns with their vision and values. So what’s it going to be? Are you going to go big or go home? Or are you going to go steady and go long?

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https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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 You don’t need to make a “big business”
06:13 Who is this big enough business for?
09:51 Building a profitable business is much easier to achieve
13:01 Focus on your actual goal
15:35 The path to freedom
19:23 When people belittle more money
24:02 Think about sustainability instead
26:23 The probability to build a big business is insanely small
28:23 Dimes vs. Dollars businesses
31:46 The dangers of aiming too high
34:01 Goals and metrics when it comes to scaling a business
40:13 Problem-solving and resource efficiency in startups
43:02 Stop pleasing investors
49 min
July 17, 2023Founders, Not All Problems Are Apocalyptic
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how all problems are not the end of the world for founders. While running a startup can be challenging and bring various obstacles, not every problem leads to failure or signifies the end. Startup founders often encounter a range of difficulties, including financial setbacks, operational hurdles, or competition. However, with resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, founders can navigate these challenges, learn from them, and continue to grow their businesses. It's important for founders to maintain a positive mindset, seek support from mentors and networks, and view problems as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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
00:38 Not all problems are apocalyptic
03:12 Startup problem vs. True “end of the world” problem
11:33 Externalizing the problem normalizes it
12:34 Why categorize your problems by levels?
15:53 Don’t overprioritize one problem and ignore the others
16:53 Stop making everything a level 10
20:40 You will never run out of problems
27:30 Time will come problems won’t even faze you
30 min
July 03, 2023Stop Listening to Investors
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you should stop listening to investors. While investors can provide valuable insights and expertise, founders should exercise caution when relying too heavily on their advice. Investors often prioritize financial returns and short-term gains, whereas founders have a deep understanding of their vision and long-term goals. Over-reliance on investor advice may compromise the original vision and unique value proposition of the business, hindering its potential for growth and innovation. Founders should carefully evaluate and consider investor advice while staying true to their own vision and strategic direction.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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
02:19 Investors are not fortune tellers
06:42 They just speculate everything
08:11 What one investor says doesn’t represent all the investors
09:13 Investing in a certain industry doesn’t make them an expert
10:31 Match their advice with their experience
12:45 If you want advice, go to experts
15:35 A well-intended advice can still derail you
16:27 Even if it’s a strong opinion, it doesn’t mean it’s right
21:20 Get a lot of feedback but consider the source
23:04 Checkbooks = writing checks, not giving advice
24:22 Investors can give bad assumptions, so don’t treat them like gospel
28:33 A positive feedback might actually mean “no”
30:09 Nobody can turn the wheel other than you
32 min
June 26, 2023Can You Build a Startup in Less Than 40 Hours a Week?
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if you can actually build a startup in less than 40 hours a week. Building a successful startup typically requires a significant investment of time and effort. While it's theoretically possible to work on a startup for less than 40 hours a week, it may significantly impact the chances of success. Building a startup is not just one job; it involves planning, research, product development, marketing, and networking. By committing more hours initially, founders can accelerate the growth and development of their startup, potentially leading to a point where they can work fewer hours in the future. Ultimately, the time invested in the early stages can significantly influence the trajectory and potential success of a startup.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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
02:16 Time is the only resource you got
05:05 It’s now survival mode
06:21 Why would you start this if you don’t want to put yourself in completely?
08:15 Focus all your energy on one thing
09:25 In a startup, 40 hours is not enough
10:27 You can work less in the future if you work more now
13:43 Time commitment to the business
15:52 When things need to get done, they need to be done
18:43 It depends on how many people will get affected
20:03 It just needs to take time in the beginning
25:07 For startups, everything is variable
27:22 Experience is not a formula for success
31 min
June 19, 2023Are Bootstrapped Startups Less Valuable Than Venture-Funded Startups?
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether bootstrapped startups are less valuable than venture-funded startups. The value of a startup isn't only determined by its funding source. While venture-funded startups may have more money and support initially, bootstrapped startups can still be valuable and successful. Bootstrapping often leads to efficient operations, as founders have to focus on making money and becoming profitable without relying on outside investments. In the end, the value of a startup depends on things like its potential in the market, how much it's growing, how well its product fits the market, and the skills of its team, regardless of how it's funded.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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
02:44 What do founders feel when they are not funded?
03:47 There are only a few companies that get venture funded
06:44 If you don’t raise VC, who cares?
08:52 What happens after you get the funding?
13:32 Getting funded = smaller options
17:39 Who are you creating value for?
22:32 Bootstrapping is okay
25:53 The optionality of bootstrapping
27:34 Creativity and resourcefulness from bootstrapping
28:49 Don’t let your startup be valuable to someone other than you
29:54 Bootstrapping a business that won’t generate profit right away
35:08 Patience is an incredible asset
46 min
June 12, 2023Why Founders Don't Ask For Help
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why founders don’t like to ask for help. Founders sometimes hold back from asking for help because they worry about losing control, looking weak, burdening others, or feeling like they have to do everything themselves. However, it's actually really important for founders to push past these concerns and ask for help. Getting guidance and support from experienced folks can give them awesome insights, expertise, and connections that can speed up their growth and success. It lets founders tap into different perspectives, learn from other people's experiences, and access resources that can help them tackle challenges and make smarter choices.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter
https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:
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
03:58 You could learn something if you just ask for help
06:32 Why founders find it hard to ask for help
08:57 When there’s literally no one else but you
10:32 Unique problem vs. a problem other founders experienced already
15:15 How do you know it’s good advice?
20:31 Asking for help is not a weakness
22:40 Difference between getting advice and experience feedback
24:43 When you’re “too busy” to ask for help
29:10 The advice should be timely
30:23 Ask someone who knows the topic for a long time
34 min

About Startup Therapy

From the publisher's feed

The "No BS" version of how startups are really built, taught by actual startup Founders who have lived through all of it. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan talk candidly about the intense struggles…