How Startup Advice Is Flawed

by dabent on 10/20/2009, 5:14 PM with 16 comments
  • by gbookman on 10/20/2009, 6:33 PM

    I know this might sound whiney or bitter, but I think the vast majority of successful entrepreneurs were in the right place at the right time.

    If they weren't, how else would they have been successful?

  • by tptacek on 10/20/2009, 5:29 PM

    10. Maybe they have an agenda. Ask yourself: Does this person stand to benefit if I follow this advice? The VCs I know and trust are honest and very pro-entrepreneur, but I routinely hear others give advice that entrepreneurs should be suspicious of. Fundamentally, their incentives are based on having a portfolio of startups. As an entrepreneur, you have a portfolio of one. Think about that the next time a VC advises you to swing for the fences.

  • by echair on 10/20/2009, 6:27 PM

    "Next time you’re listening to a guru, ask yourself: How do I really know that they’re successful?"

    An ironic item to include.

  • by seldo on 10/20/2009, 6:23 PM

    This advice is remarkable only in its obviousness. Link-bait.

  • by gfodor on 10/20/2009, 6:47 PM

    As with a lot of blog posts, it can be summed up in one short, simple word: think.