

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

7 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 23min
Three Types of Problems Worth Your Time to Solve
Dive into the three intriguing problem types entrepreneurs should prioritize. Explore 'Hole Problems,' where solving urgent customer needs builds trust. Delve into 'Teleporter Problems,' which streamline transitions for users. Finally, uncover 'Status Level Jump Problems,' highlighting how envy and comparison can drive customer motivation. The discussion also touches on the balance between short-term successes and long-term skills, emphasizing the importance of aligning business choices with personal strengths.

8 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 23min
Another Lesson at 40: Three Shortcuts for Getting Started
Explore the Silk Sheet Problem, where comfort can hinder growth and new pursuits. Discover how to leverage shortcuts like Just-In-Time Prep and Forcing Functions to kickstart your projects. Gain insights into the value of direct customer engagement and the importance of community support in maintaining motivation. Learn to design your life for success and embrace change for personal and entrepreneurial growth. This pragmatic approach offers fresh perspectives on taking meaningful action.

Oct 11, 2024 • 18min
Writing Persuasive Copy That Tests Your Startup Idea
Discover the superpower of writing compelling copy to boost your startup's clarity and conversion rates. Delve into counterintuitive archetypes that simplify messaging for better engagement. Explore why many entrepreneurs struggle with persuasive writing and the critical need to communicate effectively. Learn techniques for addressing motivated customers and connecting with individuals on a personal level. This discussion showcases practical workshop opportunities, designed to empower aspiring founders on their journeys.

Oct 4, 2024 • 20min
A Lesson at 40: Happiness and Hard Things
In this insightful discussion, Brian reflects on his 40 years of life lessons. He emphasizes that embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth and true happiness. Brian introduces the concept of a 'documentary approach' to generate innovative ideas, suggesting that observation leads to creativity. He also shares a quirky take on time management using Taco Bell as a metaphor for prioritizing tasks. Overall, he encourages tackling uncomfortable challenges to unlock potential and achieve fulfillment.

Sep 27, 2024 • 25min
Are You a Freelancer or an Entrepreneur?
Is your career choice making you happy? The discussion dives into the essential distinction between freelancers and entrepreneurs. Discover how each path shapes your daily life and satisfaction levels. Real-life anecdotes clarify when it's best to be a freelancer versus an entrepreneur. Key insights reveal the importance of aligning your business pursuits with personal values. Plus, explore the dangers of scaling too soon and the emotional hurdles many entrepreneurs face. Make an informed choice about the future of your career!

Sep 20, 2024 • 25min
The Exciting Part - Building a Product and The Test (Part 4 of Starting a Startup Live)
In this engaging discussion, a physician takes us through the journey of testing a business idea focused on teaching productivity skills to fellow doctors. They candidly share the trials of launching a Concierge MVP, from finding participants to overcoming technical hurdles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability and feedback in refining the program. Listeners will be inspired by the doctor’s optimistic outlook and learn what it really takes to build a product from scratch, even without prior experience.

6 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 22min
Running a Concierge MVP (Part 3 of Starting a Startup Live On The Pod)
Explore the concept of Concierge MVPs and the challenges they pose for entrepreneurs. Discover the humorous journey of a doctor transitioning to a concierge model and the need for committed customers. Dive into the four essential ingredients for success: identifying your target audience, engaging early adopters, and creating tailored solutions. Learn how building trust and capturing customer feedback can refine startup ideas. Lastly, join the discussion on overcoming anxieties around launching and pricing a new service.

8 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 18min
Starting a Startup Live On The Pod, Part 2
In this engaging discussion, the focus is on customer acquisition through hands-on strategies. The guest realizes the true needs of his doctor customers, prompting a pivotal change in direction. The Delta 4 framework is introduced, showcasing how to enhance value based on customer insights. The conversation uncovers the hurdles faced by medical professionals in shifting careers while offering practical solutions to boost productivity. Ultimately, it’s all about refining ideas through real feedback and evolving with customer needs.

7 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 22min
Testing a Healthcare Startup Idea Live On The Pod, Part 1
A listener's healthcare startup idea is explored live, tackling key changes in the industry. The discussion dives into the 90% Wrong Principle, emphasizing how most initial assumptions are often incorrect. The importance of storytelling and understanding customer needs is highlighted for refining ideas. They'll also explore the growing trend of concierge medicine and how to support frustrated healthcare professionals seeking new practice models. It's an engaging start to a practical journey in entrepreneurship.

Aug 22, 2024 • 20min
How to Spot Promising Startup Ideas (feat. the Hard Startup Myth and the Hassle Premium)
Discover how to uncover promising startup ideas by challenging common myths about what's viable. Explore the concept of the 'Hassle Premium', where people are willing to pay more for solutions to tough problems. Learn the valuable lessons from culinary expert Frank Prisinzano, emphasizing the importance of tackling hard challenges that others shy away from. Dive into innovative concepts like 'Tinder for Jobs' and see how execution and customer risk play crucial roles in the success of your startup ventures.