There’s a single question that has saved me from more financial loss, wasted time, and squandered resources than any other piece of advice. It’s a question I learned the hard way, through a long list of failures and setbacks. Most people avoid asking it because it feels deeply uncomfortable, but ignoring it puts you in a dangerous position, like an ostrich with its head in the sand.
It sounds completely backward, but sometimes the best way to make customers want your product is to make their experience a little bit worse. As a marketing CEO, I saw this play out firsthand. I remember sitting in meetings with Coca-Cola executives who were stumped by the explosive growth of Red Bull. Sales of sugary drinks were tanking, but for some reason, the equally unhealthy, almost medicinal-tasting energy drink market was on fire. What was going on?
In the world of startups, a great product or service feels like the ultimate goal. But what happens when a competitor comes along and copies your features, or even does it cheaper? This is where your real competitive advantage comes in: your story. While anyone can replicate what you do, no one can replicate who you are. A powerful brand story is what sets you apart, excites your customers, and builds a loyal following that can’t be bought. For any , mastering storytelling is a critical step toward outshining the competition and building something truly lasting.
Launching your own company is a tough road. It’s paved with frustration, setbacks, and a whole lot of painful moments—and sometimes, it ends in failure. The wins feel incredible, but the lows can make you question everything. I’ve heard countless entrepreneurs talk passionately about their billion-dollar ideas, but when you look at the stats, most startups don’t make it. That got me thinking: is there a better way to go about building a successful company?
Before you start polishing your pitch deck and lining up investor meetings, it’s crucial to get your head in the right place. Getting your expectations, your math, and your strategy straight from the beginning can make all the difference when you’re looking for .