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Startups For the Rest of Us

Episode 687 | An 8th Thing You Should Never Do, Things That Don't Scale, and More Rob Solo Topics

Nov 14, 2023
Rob Walling dives into the pitfalls founders should avoid, adding a crucial item to his list. He critiques Meta’s new ad-free subscription services for Facebook and Instagram, sparking an interesting discussion. The conversation then shifts to the value of manual processes in startups, highlighting insights from Paul Graham about the importance of doing things that don’t scale. Real-world examples showcase how manual onboarding and direct customer interactions can help validate ideas while building a strong foundation for growth.
23:24

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Startup founders should focus solely on their main venture to prevent diluted commitment that can deter potential investors.
  • Introducing subscription models like Meta's ad-free services signals a shift in user preference for paid experiences over free, ad-supported ones.

Deep dives

The Importance of Focus for Startup Founders

Startup founders should prioritize focus in their ventures to ensure success. Taking funding while simultaneously working on side projects creates a lack of clarity and commitment that risks undermining the primary business. Constantly dividing attention among multiple pursuits dilutes the potential for growth and achievement, as effective development typically requires dedicated time and effort directed towards one idea. Founders who chase the entrepreneurial dream of launching numerous projects often find themselves spread too thin, ultimately sending negative signals to potential investors about their commitment.

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