In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succeed. You will hear about receiving superficial praise, the impact of social media on perception, and the psychological reasons behind others' reactions to success the envy even among those closest to the founder. Don't walk this narrow road alone, get support from your peers in fou...
Apr 29, 2024•37 min•Ep 252•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort does not necessarily equate to progress or beneficial outcomes. The need for clear benchmarks within organizations to truly reward and recognize valuable contributions. Additionally, they challenge the notion of what constitutes as 'hard work' and the danger of equating all effo...
Apr 22, 2024•32 min•Ep 251•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advancements in AI. The challenges of the past, such as massive payrolls, investor dependency, and expensive infrastructures highlighting the opportunities AI technologies present for startups. The conversation covers the changing landscape where small operations can achieve significant...
Apr 15, 2024•39 min•Ep 250•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the startup therapy podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into bootstrapping a startup. They address common misconceptions about funding, emphasizing the importance of making do with what you have and prioritizing what's truly necessary for business growth. The conversation covers practical ways to manage expenses without external funding, including strategies for hiring, marketing, and managing operational costs through discipline and creative solutions. The hosts share ...
Mar 18, 2024•53 min•Ep 249•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the complexities of handling feedback from investors, emphasizing the critical need for founders to properly qualify and assess the advice they receive. They highlight the dangers of acting on feedback without considering its relevance, potential bias, and the investor's qualifications. The discussion covers the spectrum of investor types, from well-meaning but inexperienced individuals to top-tier venture capita...
Mar 11, 2024•43 min•Ep 248•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why earning atleast $10,000 per month is one of the most important milestones in your startup career. They stress the need to do whatever it takes to keep your business alive. Hitting this milestone gives you room to handle setbacks and shows that you're making real progress. Tune in for tips on managing startup finances and staying resilient in the ever-changing business world. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups....
Mar 04, 2024•32 min•Ep 247•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why investors choose to invest on failed founders. They debunk the myth that failure marks the end of a founder's journey and shows why giving people a second chance is the best investment. Tune in as they explore the investor mindset, focusing on why they prefer to invest in founders who have shown they can bounce back and learn from failure, ultimately changing how we think about startup success. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter h...
Feb 26, 2024•34 min•Ep 246•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the importance of generating revenue and being willing to do whatever it takes to move a startup forward. They discuss why it's crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize generating income and share insights on how to overcome challenges in achieving financial sustainability. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Fou...
Feb 19, 2024•38 min•Ep 245•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the hidden treasure of failed startups. From redefining valuation to creative acquisition strategies, they share insights on salvaging value from adversity. Tune in as they uncover the secrets to success amidst startup wreckage. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/begin Join our Network of Top Founders Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schr...
Feb 12, 2024•36 min•Ep 244•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about what happens if your competitor got funded. Join as they discuss the common concern of competitors securing funds and share valuable perspectives on why this might not be a cause for panic. They highlight the importance of maintaining focus, strategic planning, and turning the situation into an opportunity for your startup's success. Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podc...
Feb 05, 2024•36 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan explore whether lacking prior experience can be a game-changer for startup founders. Having zero experience means you're new to something, and surprisingly, that can be a good thing. It brings a fresh perspective and adaptability. But for startup founders, could a lack of experience help you succeed or fail? Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/begin Joi...
Jan 29, 2024•34 min•Ep 242•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about whether a founder should focus on building a startup that just makes money. Ever thought about ditching the whole fundraising craze and simply building a startup that puts money in your pocket? Join Wil and Ryan as they navigate the path less traveled, exploring the freedom and sustainability that comes with creating a startup designed to consistently generate profits. It's not just about surviving in the business jungle, it's about th...
Jan 22, 2024•31 min•Ep 241•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you can get rockstar advisors for your startup. Discover the common mistakes people make when they are getting people to be their advisors and what are the best strategies for asking them to be your advisor. Dont miss out and find out if your startup needs an advisor or do you just need an advice? Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.com/newsletter Resources: Startup Therapy Podcast https://www.startups.com/begin Jo...
Jan 15, 2024•41 min•Ep 240•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether you should get a steady paycheck or start your own startup. Choosing between a regular job and starting your own business is a big decision many face. Working a steady job offers security and a predictable income, while launching a startup is all about taking risks and creating something from scratch. Join them as they unpack the realities behind these choices, providing insights that could reshape your career perspective. Sign up ...
Jan 08, 2024•37 min•Ep 239•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of managing chaos as a founder. Keeping a startup on track is like steering a ship through rough waters. Founders must stay calm and focused amid the chaos, juggling priorities and tackling problems as they arise. It's about staying cool under pressure, sorting out what matters most, and finding opportunities in the midst of the storm. Ultimately, a founder's ability to handle the daily whirlwind defines their success in the unpre...
Dec 04, 2023•38 min•Ep 238•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the idea of having a co-founder. A co-founder can offer numerous benefits for a business. It allows for shared responsibilities, diverse skill sets, and a support system during challenging times. However, finding the right co-founder whose values align with yours and who complements your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for a successful partnership. In this episode, lets find out how you can choose the right co-founder for your startup ...
Nov 20, 2023•35 min•Ep 237•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the concept of scaling without adding or hiring more people. Making a significant impact doesn't always mean having a large team. You can achieve remarkable results with a compact and efficient group. Instead of expanding your team, you can focus on optimizing processes and leveraging innovative tools. Let's delve into the strategies that empower a small team to make a substantial difference, proving that size isn't the only measure of suc...
Nov 13, 2023•28 min•Ep 236•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss about the grind and guilt dilemma of founders. Founders often struggle with the never-ending hard work of growing their business, driven by their passion and ambition. This can create a persistent feeling of guilt as they try to juggle work demands with their personal life and health. So how can you achieve a harmonious equilibrium that allows you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams while also nurturing your mental and physical health an...
Nov 06, 2023•44 min•Ep 235•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether founders are driven by fear or greed. In the world of startups, there's a question that keeps coming up: what drives founders? Is it the fear of failure, or is it the pursuit of wealth and success, often labeled as greed? In this episode, we delve into the motivations behind entrepreneurs' unique journeys. We explore the delicate balance between these two forces, seeking to uncover what truly fuels the hearts of founders as they na...
Oct 30, 2023•27 min•Ep 234•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you as a founder will know if youre building the right or wrong product. Have you ever had an idea, but you're just not sure if it's good? It's something that many entrepreneurs can relate to - that anxious feeling of whether what you think would be a successful product could actually just be a waste of your time. So how do you actually know if youre building the right product? Sign up for the Startups Newsletter https://www.startups.c...
Oct 23, 2023•38 min•Ep 233•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how startups are actually bought and sold. The process of buying and selling startups can be tricky. It's easy to get confused about how much a startup is really worth, and people sometimes have high hopes that don't match reality. When it comes to getting paid, the way deals are set up can be complicated, with some money coming right away and the rest later, often based on certain goals. To succeed in this startup world, it's important to...
Oct 16, 2023•31 min•Ep 232•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss when to quit or let go of your startup. If your startup has struggled for an extended period without meaningful progress, causing financial strain, and lacks market validation, it might be time to consider quitting. Additionally, if the startup is taking a toll on your physical and emotional well-being, negatively impacting relationships, or if you've lost passion for the project, quitting could be a wise decision. Remember, quitting isn't...
Oct 09, 2023•29 min•Ep 231•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the challenge of maintaining a long-term vision in the fast-paced world of startups. It's easy to get sidetracked by short-term goals and immediate survival mode. But here's the deal: Founders need to find that sweet spot between the urgent stuff and the big-picture dream. Regularly reminding themselves why they started this journey and resisting the temptation of trendy distractions can help them stay on track. It's not about chasing quic...
Oct 02, 2023•32 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss if you can replace yourself as a founder. Founders often struggle to step aside in a company because their deep commitment and personal connection to the company's mission are hard to duplicate. Their passion, values, and individual perspective are tough to find in an outsider, potentially causing a mismatch in goals and values. Moreover, it's emotionally challenging for founders to entrust someone else with their vision.In a nutshell, fou...
Sep 25, 2023•33 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss who founders are really competing against. Founders are often never satisfied because they constantly set new, self-imposed benchmarks and goals. They compete against a changing definition of success, driven by their ego and perceptions of their peers. As they reach one milestone, they quickly construct new challenges, making it challenging to ever achieve lasting contentment in their entrepreneurial journey. Finding a balance between ambi...
Sep 18, 2023•39 min•Ep 228•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss the topic that investors and founders are not on the same side of the table. In the startup world, it's important to recognize that investors and founders don't always see eye to eye. Investors are primarily looking to make money, which can sometimes clash with a founder's vision. Balancing these interests can be tricky. Founders need to stay true to their startup's vision while also considering what their investors want, fostering a produ...
Sep 11, 2023•28 min•Ep 227•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss planning for the bad times and good times in your startup company. It's not all sunshine during the good times, and not all doom and gloom during the bad times. It's about striking that perfect balance in your startup's strategy. The secret to achieving longevity in the ever-shifting landscape of entrepreneurship? Continuous adaptation, vigilant monitoring of key performance indicators, and the ability to pivot when necessary, all while st...
Sep 04, 2023•29 min•Ep 226•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why a lower valuation exit can offer founders more advantageous financial outcomes than a higher valuation exit. This happens because of things like how much of the company's ownership each founder still has and what investors are expecting from their investments. As startups grow and get more funding, founders might end up owning less of the company. So even if an exit seems worth more on paper, the actual money each founder gets can be l...
Aug 28, 2023•33 min•Ep 225•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you shouldnt fear the AI revolution thats coming. Founders shouldn't fear changes in technology because embracing advancements can bring various advantages. These changes often lead to improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and better decision-making. Adapting to technological shifts enables founders to stay competitive, innovate, and explore new opportunities, ultimately fostering growth and success. Sign up for the Startups News...
Aug 21, 2023•48 min•Ep 224•Transcript available on Metacast In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss why you shouldnt let investors become your customers. When you prioritize investor demands over customer needs in pursuit of additional funding, you risk losing touch with your market's true requirements. This could lead to developing products or services that don't align with customer expectations, potentially resulting in poor adoption and revenue generation. Over time, prioritizing investor preferences over customer feedback could erode...
Aug 14, 2023•27 min•Ep 223•Transcript available on Metacast 
