

Idea to Startup
Brian Scordato | Tacklebox
A podcast for people working on startup ideas. We have 15-minute tactical episodes and occasional interviews with people who did the early things exceptionally well. We've helped launch hundreds of startups worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and these are the building blocks.
"This is, without a doubt, the best podcast for people trying to build startups out there."
"If you aren't listening to this podcast and you're considering building a business (or you're already building one), what are you doing?"
"Must listen for first-time entrepreneurs - excellent storyteller."
"This is, without a doubt, the best podcast for people trying to build startups out there."
"If you aren't listening to this podcast and you're considering building a business (or you're already building one), what are you doing?"
"Must listen for first-time entrepreneurs - excellent storyteller."
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 7, 2022 • 22min
Build a System to be Different in 2023 (feat. pessimistic squirrels and majestic lions)
Today, we'll help you build a system to be different. The well-traveled paths don't get you anywhere interesting and common inputs won't give you uncommon output. But, acting different is difficult. There's external and internal pressure and biases, so we need a system. We talk through the Venn Diagram Method and the cataloging and reflection needed to make decisions that'll help you reach your potential. Tacklebox - turn your idea into a startup (code HOLIDAY for 50% off month 1)Tacklebox Rhythm - program for being different in 2023

Nov 30, 2022 • 23min
How to Test the Startup Idea You Had Over Thanksgiving in 7 Minutes
Today, we'll run a 7-minute test on a startup idea I had over Thanksgiving. It's tackling a massive topic - email - but breaking it down into a manageable first customer and use case. You probably had a startup idea over the break, too, and you should use this framework to test it. The secret to startups is that there is no secret - you're more likely to have a successful business if you try out lots of ideas. This pod will help you do that. Tacklebox (50% off month one with code HOLIDAY)

Nov 23, 2022 • 21min
How to Productize Your Customer's First Step (feat. The Family Operating System and a 3am Pitch)
Today we'll dig in on productizing your customer's first step. This is the best path to building a product that generates revenue immediately so that you've got some runway and flexibility to build. We'll walk through a few examples, including a Family Operating System that came in at 3am last Thanksgiving from a listener. Tacklebox (Code "Holiday" for 50% off your first month)

Nov 16, 2022 • 18min
Two Frameworks to Help Find Your Differentiator (feat. Inversion and the Before and After Method)
Today, we'll outline two frameworks that'll help you find a meaningful differentiator. We use a bunch of examples to go through Inversion and the Before and After pic method, including a baseball academy, Krispy Kreme, and Nutrisystem. The goal is a product your customers will happily, willingly overpay for. TackleboxStart your Startup in an Hour a Day program list

Nov 9, 2022 • 21min
How to Think Bigger (feat. Mattress Mack and Asymmetric Upside)
Most entrepreneurs spend the majority of their time doing things that, even if they work, won't make a meaningful difference. Our default state is reactive, iterative work. To be a successful founder, you need to do things with the potential for asymmetric upside. Today, we talk about how to identify and incorporate tasks each day that - if they work - will fundamentally change your business. Today, we teach you how to think big. TackleboxTacklebox Podcast EmailsThe Tweet

Nov 2, 2022 • 20min
20(ish) Min Skills: How to Find Your Wedge (feat. Bleeding Neck Problems)
If you can't get traction, you likely need a wedge. Today, we talk through how to find one. We leverage a few frameworks we use at Tacklebox - the Bleeding Neck Problem, Productizing the First Step, and the 100 Character Landing Page. The goal is to solve an immediate, painful problem that'll build trust and allow you to pitch your bigger, North Star vision. Wedges get you started. Life is 100x harder without a wedge.TackleboxSign up for the Notion framework

Oct 26, 2022 • 28min
Start a Startup in an Hour a Day (Part 3 of 3): Taking the System for a Spin (feat. You've Got Mail and Curious Ruby)
Today is the last in our three-part series on how to start a startup in an hour a day. Brian talks through an idea he's working on on the side - VR for chronic pain - and sets up and executes a two-week, hour a day sprint. We dig in on the three pillars of the system - The Big Question, Tactics, and Structure, how to use friction and leverage, and how to organize your startup life around being curious. If you're interested in a notion doc that'll help you organize the hour-a-day system, sign up here. TackleboxWhy Greatness Cannot Be PlannedCan Virtual Reality Help Chronic Pain?

Oct 19, 2022 • 23min
Start a Startup in an Hour a Day (Part 2) - Founder Archetypes and a Two-Week Sprint Rhythm
In the second episode of the series, we'll talk through the type of founder you are - Storyteller, Builder, or Manager. We'll then help you build out a two-week sprint cadence to test and grow your idea dependent on which type of founder you are. We get a little help from Brian's grandma and an offsite event startup for businesses trying to get their remote employees to feel some camaraderie. Tacklebox Rhythm Signup

Oct 12, 2022 • 19min
Start a Startup in an Hour a Day (Part 1 of 3) - Reflection + A Lifestyle Debt Audit + Finding a Free Hour
Today is the first of a three part series on setting up an operating rhythm for building a startup while you've got a full-time job. We lay out a system to help you make serious progress in an hour a day. We focus on reflection - specifically, your lifestyle debt - in an attempt to free up an hour of your time for the startup work. A startup won't be sustainable if it's layered on top of everything you're doing now. So today, we find you a free hour. Tacklebox - Startup Rhythm SignupThe Rhythm of the Night 🐐The Laws of Creativity (code "IdeaToStartup" for 20% off)Rescuetime - track your time automaticallyToggl - track your time manuallySell the Position - Brian's favorite pod

Oct 5, 2022 • 21min
20(ish) Min Skills: How to Write Direct, Persuasive Copy (feat. The Four Keys to Writing)
Today we'll talk about the biggest gap in most entrepreneurs skillsets - writing compelling copy. We'll go through the Four Keys to Writing which idiot-proof writing compelling copy that'll convert customers from landing pages, ads, and cold emails. Implement this stuff and you'll give your startup a much better chance at success. TackleboxHow to Write Copy course signup (50% off)