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Startups
The Pitfalls of Appealing to Lizard Brains: Ethical Marketing in Tech Startups
Startups
In this thought-provoking post, a seasoned tech startup veteran explores the pitfalls of "lizard brain marketing" - strategies that bypass higher reasoning to appeal to primal instincts. While effective in the short term, these tactics can erode trust, invite regulatory backlash, and raise ethical concerns. The author advocates for sustainable marketing approaches that focus on genuine value, transparency, and ethical considerations, ultimately building more resilient and respected tech businesses. read on »
Startup Smoke and Mirrors: Exposing AI Hype, Corporate Vampires, and Pre-IPO Promises
Startups
In this installment of "Flashes & Failures," we pull back the curtain on startup theatrics, exposing the reality behind dazzling promises. From "AI-powered automation" that's really just glorified spreadsheets, to corporate vampires draining companies of assets, to pre-IPO paradises that turn into support floor nightmares, we explore the smoke and mirrors of the startup world. Learn to develop a healthy skepticism and ask the right questions to separate genuine innovation from elaborate theater. read on »
The Grift is Real: Red Flags Fly in the Startup Wild West - Flashes & Failures
Startups
Join me, Seth, on a wild ride through the startup world's underbelly. From adult entertainment surprises to sports betting bamboozles, I've seen it all. In this "Flashes & Failures" series, I'll share personal tales of triumphs and face-plants, shedding light on the tech industry's less glamorous side. Buckle up for a journey filled with eccentric geniuses, shady dealings, and valuable lessons learned in the trenches of Silicon Valley. read on »
Know When to Stop: Business Functions That Don't Need Disruption | Startup Tips
Startups
In the fast-paced world of startups, disruption is often seen as the holy grail. However, not every business function needs a revolutionary overhaul. This post explores five key areas where startups should tread carefully: payroll processing, regulatory compliance, accounting practices, basic infrastructure, and customer service. By respecting established practices in these areas, entrepreneurs can build a stable foundation for true innovation where it matters most. read on »
Navigating the AI Resume Revolution: Uncovering Authentic Talent for Startups
Startups
In this insightful post, a seasoned startup veteran shares five battle-tested techniques for navigating the AI resume revolution. From identifying unnaturally formal language to implementing practical skills assessments, these strategies help startups uncover authentic talent in an era of AI-generated applications. The author emphasizes the importance of embracing the human element in hiring while adapting to the changing landscape of recruitment in the AI age. read on »
Startup Death-Flailing: The Final Throes of Failing Ventures
Startups
Explore the telltale signs of struggling startups in their final stages, including communication silence, hiring freezes, desperate pivots, extreme cost-cutting, executive departures, and frantic searches for saviors. Learn valuable lessons from these experiences for founders, investors, and the broader startup ecosystem. read on »
Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for Your Tech Startup
Startups
Learn how to build a successful Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for your tech startup, from focusing on core features to gathering user feedback and pivoting when necessary. Discover real-world success stories and avoid common pitfalls in this comprehensive guide. read on »
The Lean Startup Method: A Guide for Tech Entrepreneurs
Startups
Explore the Lean Startup methodology for tech entrepreneurs, covering its core principles, build-measure-learn loop, MVP creation, pivoting strategies, and customer development techniques. Learn how to apply these concepts to build successful, innovative startups through real-world examples and practical tips. read on »
Stop Lying about Technical Debt: Redefining the Concept for Startups
Startups
Technical debt is a term that has been used to describe a myriad of different things. The most common use of the term is to describe the amount of work that needs to be done to fix a system that has been poorly designed or implemented. read on »
Decoding Tech Entrepreneurship: Startup Myths vs. Realities
Startups
The Startup Conundrum: Decoding the Myths and Realities of Tech Entrepreneurship From coffee shop visionaries to family members with the "next big thing," we've all encountered self-proclaimed startup gurus. But what really defines a startup, and how does it differ from a traditional small business? This post dives into the high-stakes world of tech entrepreneurship, exploring the unique characteristics of startups - from their inherent riskiness and lack of traditional structure to their ability to pivot quickly and aim for moonshot goals. We'll also examine the startup funding puzzle and the exit-focused mindset that sets these ventures apart from their small business counterparts. Whether you're considering launching a startup or simply curious about the ecosystem, this exploration will help you navigate the complex landscape of tech entrepreneurship. read on »
Conducting Consistent Engineering Interviews: A Framework for Success
Startups
After more than two decades as an engineer and over a decade as a hiring manager I've experienced my fair share of terrible engineering interviews. From quizzes to whiteboarding, take-home tests to awkward real-time coding exercises; I feel as though every startup I've worked at has had the exact same growing pains. read on »