This document discusses the challenges of starting and growing a startup company. It provides advice on being bold and taking risks. It compares running a startup to building an airplane while flying it, requiring focus on both development and operations. The document emphasizes focusing on critical launch factors and differentiation. It stresses the importance of every hire and managing cash flow and investors transparently. It also highlights inspiring utter commitment in employees through a clear mission and caring about their lives.

2. A Builder’s Start Up Story
Navigating Rapid Growth…
Alex Kroon
October 1, 2014

3. Be Bold
u Brave actions = life changes
u Have a life plan
u Find your mission and tell people about it
u Take risks
u Trust your gut: Think and work hard, but
intuition trumps

4. Building a startup is like building a
plane as you fly it:
u Airplane in the Sky-SD.mp4
u Focus too much on build, you won’t launch
u Focus too much on flying, you won’t survive
u It’s exciting as hell, the view is great, and it’s
very risky.

6. Building a startup is like building a
plane as you fly it:
u Airplane in the Sky-SD.mp4
u Focus too much on build, you won’t launch
u Focus too much on flying, you won’t survive
u It’s exciting as hell, the view is great, and it’s
very risky.

7. Focus on your “Make or Break”
u What are your launch and differentiation
Absolutes?
u Good is not Good Enough, but perfection is crappy
u Drive Accountability and Shared Mission
u Quarterly, Monthly & Weekly Imperatives
u Focus on Sales, your Core, and your
Differentiation

8. Every Person Counts
u Every Hire is Critical
u First filter: Integrity, Passion, Commitment, Teamwork,
Smarts.
u Second filter: Versatile; Willing to be Hands On
u If you make a mistake: Terminate Quickly
u Over-hire as much as you can afford…..
u Strong people hire strong people
u Humor relieves stress

9. Every Person Counts (continued)
u Find a mantra and shout it
u Ask great questions
u Deal with issues and conflicts
u Superstar jerks are still jerks….get rid of them
u Talk not text

10. Manage Your Cash and Investors
u Low Sales = No business
u Cash is King
u Teach staff how key business events = payroll.
u Know and grow your margins
u Be honest and transparent with investors

11. Inspire Utter Commitment
u It will be everyone’s life a long time
u Inspire with mission and differentiation;
Financials are not a sustainable inspiration.
u Share rewards
u Talk to people about their lives. If you can’t
genuinely care….you are not a leader.