Building and growing a business is an unpredictable journey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best advice often comes from experience—not theory.
So here’s a bit of random advice for every founder out there: Don’t listen to everyone who tells you about the endless problems ahead. Instead of overthinking and trying to prepare for every challenge, rely on your resilience and stamina to handle whatever comes your way. You can do it!
That said, here are a few key lessons I’ve learned along the way.
1. How to Pitch – Treat Your Audience Like a Date
When you’re pitching, think of it like you’re on your first date.
But no, I don’t mean acting cringy, being weird, or trying too hard to impress. 😄
Sure, you’ll be talking about your product. But at its core, what you’re really doing is selling yourself. Don’t bog down your pitch with technical jargon or a presentation packed with product details no one will remember. Your job is to build a connection.
A great pitch isn’t about facts or figures—it’s about making people feel something. Just like on a date, you want to leave a lasting impression. Don’t just tell them what you’ve accomplished—make them feel excited about what’s coming next.
So, show them who you are. Be yourself, be engaging. You want them to walk away thinking, “I want to see more of this.” If you can do that, you’ve already set yourself up for success.
2. Always Sell – No Matter What
Your startup is always in sales mode. Always.
It doesn’t matter how many issues you’re facing or how many roadblocks are in the way—the need to sell never stops.
When I first started, I thought that once we got the product right, everything else would just fall into place. But the reality is, there’s always something that needs fixing. And that’s okay. What matters is that you never lose sight of the fact that you’re always selling.
Even when things aren’t perfect—even when you’re bogged down by bugs or frustrated with feedback—you still need to sell.
Whether you’re talking to investors, customers, or your team, focus on what your startup brings to the table.
Don’t dwell on the problems—talk about the value. Don’t wait for the perfect product—sell the bigger vision.
Investors want to believe in why your idea matters. So, don’t stop selling, even when it feels like you’re not ready.
3. Have a Long-Term Vision, But Deliver Now
When developing your product, focus on being lean. Prioritize getting a minimum viable product (MVP) out as soon as possible. But don’t lose sight of your bigger vision.
It’s great to know where you’re going, but you can’t afford to wait until everything is perfect.
The best version of your product is the one users can try today—not the one you’re still perfecting six months from now.
Let go of perfectionism. Don’t obsess over every detail before showing it to someone. The market won’t wait for you.
Your users don’t care if you’re still polishing features—they want value now, not later.
So ship early. Get feedback. Keep improving.
But also, don’t ignore your long-term vision. As you move fast, balance speed with structure so you’re not racking up technical debt that slows you down later. That’s what your roadmap is for.
Final Thoughts
Building a startup isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon.
But if you stick to these three principles, you’ll stay focused and on track:
Treat your pitch like a date, always be selling—even when things aren’t perfect—and stay committed to your long-term vision while delivering value today.
Do that, and the journey—while challenging—will be incredibly rewarding.
