As a founder, you need to sell yourself, especially when your product is still in development. Making potential customers feel valued and showing your commitment to their success can lead to stronger relationships.

To stand out, your startup must clearly articulate how it cuts through the noise of competitors claiming to be faster, better, or cheaper.

At the early stage of your startup, it's important to think about culture because the first 20 employees will shape the company's cultural DNA and influence future hiring and training.

In the early stages, founders should not prioritize marketing and PR, but as the product gains traction, they need to take charge of messaging and communication to ensure consistency and clarity. Developing personal relationships with journalists is crucial; they prefer talking to founders rather than PR representatives.

The product is the most important aspect of your company. Start with design, as it's how customers interact with your product and what they see and feel.

Building relationships with partners and founders is essential, especially in the early stages of a startup, as it can lead to valuable opportunities.

It's crucial for startups to understand their identity and approach, whether they are mercenaries seeking profit or missionaries passionate about their product.

Successful founders remember the names and stories of their first customers, emphasizing the importance of personal connections over impersonal marketing tactics.

When starting a brand, ask yourself what your strengths are, whether it's sourcing products cheaply, building a community, or unique design.