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
Jul 27, 2022 • 18min
A Mental Model to Reduce Complexity: The River (featuring a papaya)
This episode digs into how to reduce complexity and choose the right path through a mental model we call the river. You identify the dams that stop your customer and break them down, focusing on just them to bring focused, explainable, shareable value. Plus, the papaya. Which you'll have to listen to understand. TackleboxThe River (Bruce Springsteen)
Jul 20, 2022 • 16min
How to Start a Startup Accountability Group
We've spent a ton of time recently on tactics and strategies. Today, we talk about how to build a group to make sure you're implementing them. Here's how to build a 4 person startup accountability group that'll meet weekly. We talk through who should be in the group, what you should focus on, and why it'll help. There's absolutely no better way to get started. Tacklebox
Jul 13, 2022 • 25min
The Three Pillars of a Startup That's Worth Your Time (feat. Markets, The 4x Rule, and Level Jumping)
Discover the three core characteristics that define successful startups. Effective cold emailing techniques are highlighted, along with the importance of balancing personal well-being with entrepreneurship. Key principles for startup success include market selection and word-of-mouth growth. Learn about the 'brag coefficient' to differentiate your product in competitive markets. Explore the concept of 'level jumping' and how profit margins can enhance customer status. These insights are essential for anyone looking to invest their time wisely in startup ventures.
Jul 6, 2022 • 25min
A 20(ish) Minute Startup: An App That Cures Chronic Pain
Explore the intriguing concept of an app designed to alleviate chronic pain. Discover the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating startup challenges, illustrated through a personal sports anecdote. Dive into a compelling journey of recovery from a concussion, highlighting innovative therapies and their potential in the telehealth market. Learn how to align product development with customer needs for successful value creation, emphasizing the necessity of thorough research and iterative testing.
Jun 29, 2022 • 23min
A Framework to Get You Unstuck (featuring an Airstream startup)
Today we'll talk about how early-stage entrepreneurs can get themselves unstuck. It's easy to get paralyzed when the things you do don't lead to the outcomes you want. The key is understanding that in the startup world, results and decisions don't always go hand in hand. Separating them and focusing on stacking good decisions while understanding that the results might be a lagging indicator is your best bet. That's hard to do. Today, we talk through it. TackleboxAlex Honnold Video
Jun 22, 2022 • 28min
20(ish)-Min Skills: Sales 101 For Entrepreneurs That Hate Sales
A 20(ish) minute skills episode on sales 101 for entrepreneurs who hate sales. We go through three tactics and a bunch of examples to help you build a system for sales that'll help you grow without making you feel slimy. We set up sales for a sabbaticals as a service startup. And we talk through why entrepreneurs hate sales and how to reframe the whole thing. TackleboxText ExpanderStreakPipedrive
Jun 15, 2022 • 27min
A Weekly Prioritization and Audit Framework to Help Entrepreneurs Make Great Things
Most entrepreneurs struggle with prioritization. When you need to do *everything*, where do you start? Today we lay out a three-part framework to make sure you're spending your time on the most important stuff. It includes a calendar, a weekly audit, and an environment makeover. Best of all, it works. Hat tip to Finland for the inspiration. TackleboxTom Eisenmann Episode
Jun 8, 2022 • 24min
How to Test If Your Idea Can Grow Before You Build It (featuring a meeting agenda startup)
Today we talk through testing and getting to an idea that can grow before you invest time and money to build it. We do this through the lens of a meeting agenda startup, plus revisit Brian's basketball lesson business and the NYC speakeasy, Please Don't Tell. ImmiPlease Don't TellTacklebox
Jun 1, 2022 • 17min
What Makes a Great Product?
Today we break down a tough question: What makes a great product? We look at Brian's two favorite products to tease out themes and characteristics we can leverage to build a great first product at a smaller scale. Tacklebox Membership (with pod listeners discount / application)
May 25, 2022 • 24min
Strategies for a Crowded Market: Breaking Down Three Coffee Startups
Operating in a crowded market with a ton of potential is tempting - and tough. Today, we evaluate companies taking very different approaches to the coffee market. We go deep on Blank Street, Cometeer, and Nguyen Coffee Supply and pull out everything we can learn that'll help you build your business. TackleboxNguyen Coffee Supply, Cometeer, Blank StreetQuibi Episode - How to lose 1.8bn dollars in 10 daysBoston Towns SketchAir Mail article on Blank Street
