Articles from the newsletter
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Choosing Your Startup’s Initial Market Segment
Avoiding the sex toy dilemma, finding your Bigfoot, and why targeting the right early adopters matters way more than going broad.
The best, highly vetted, ever-changing list of books founders should read
A curated reading list for founders who want to sharpen their mindset, storytelling, and decision-making.
How To Test Your Idea the Second You Have It
A scrappy, nostalgic method for testing startup ideas right away — with a little help from Nickelodeon GUTS.
The Formula “Cropped” Used to Grow Fast
How one startup found traction by becoming indispensable to a niche audience — and how you can copy the playbook.
The Storytelling Secret Founders Can Learn From Mario Brothers
Founders can create addictive products by framing customers as heroes on a mission — just like Mario chasing Bowser.
How to Build Magical Products
The most magical products feel personal and intuitive — here’s how to build that kind of delight.
Give Your Product a Beard
A metaphor for product positioning — sometimes a little superficial tweak changes how people perceive everything.
Weight Weight, Don't Tell Me
How an unknown founder raised $5mm on Kickstarter with heavy blankets.
You're Ruining Your First Interaction with Your Customers
First impressions are everything — here’s how to make your opening moments count by showing customers you truly get them.
When Should You Quit? This One's Going to Hurt a Bit
A raw, honest story about walking away from a startup at the right time — and how quitting can sometimes be the most courageous move.
Give Your Startup a Chance by Doing Less
Founders often try to do too much too soon. Ruthless prioritization can give your startup more of a shot.
Idea to Startup
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