Startup Therapy

Latest Episodes:

If It Makes Money, It Makes Sense Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

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 Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:18 Difference between good and bad revenue
01:34 Unexpected opportunities
05:22 Prioritizing cash flow in the startup journey
08:43 The importance of runway
11:43 Focusing on startup survival
13:31 Reality of startup timelines
15:00 Why surviving matters more than speed
17:03 Overcoming self-imposed barriers
18:53 The value of paid product discovery
22:00 Learning through services
24:18 Building MVPs that truly deliver value
26:10 How side gigs can propel your startup forward
30:36 Sacrifice and success
35:13 Willingness x Hard Work = Cash

The Hidden Treasure of Failed Startups Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

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 Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
01:42 What happens when venture-funded companies falter
06:11 Rethinking asset value
07:19 Recognizing when to pivot or let go
09:48 Business value vs. Venture value
10:52 True motivations behind exits
13:26 Disconnect between opex and value
15:57 Realities of startup valuation
18:59 Transforming nuisance assets into opportunity
21:08 Ownership and acquisition
22:27 Reclaiming startup assets
25:44 Startup value reset
29:56 Finding value in failed startups

My Competitors Just Raised Funds - Am I Screwed? Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

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 Podcast
https://www.startups.com/begin
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
02:20 What happens when your competitor gets funded
04:15 Is fundraising all glitz and glamor?
06:08 The pitfalls after getting funded
10:20 Crowdfunding: Hype vs. Reality
12:49 When Iivestors become your customer
14:56 You now need to raise more money
18:08 When focus shifts from profit to preferences
25:38 The hidden costs of funding
30:04 How founders see beyond competitor funding
32:11 How to stay focused

Can Having Zero Experience Be a Huge Asset? Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

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
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:09 Is experience an asset?
03:19 The bias of experience
08:17 Balancing Experience and the Unknown
11:45 Why not?
12:50 Stop using someone else’s experience
19:11 Other people’s path is not yours
20:14 The best innovations are micro-innovations
21:47 Be too dumb to fail
26:09 Know what you know and don’t know
30:02 Just knowing the basics

What If I Build a Startup That Just Makes Money? Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

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 thriving on your terms.

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 Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:08 The end of the fundraising era
04:14 Building success without venture funding
07:09 Trading freedom for growth
09:05 True value of incremental business growth
10:14 How bootstrapped businesses create sustainable wealth
14:54 Returning to the fundamental principles of business
16:18 Always have a plan B
19:22 Small wins add up
23:32 Founders need to play defense
25:58 Profits over hype

How to Get Rockstar Startup Advisors Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

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. Don’t 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
Join our Network of Top Founders
Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
01:53 What is NOT an advisor
03:32 Advisors don’t want to spend a lot of time with you
04:59 The common mistakes people do when recruiting advisors
07:06 Don’t sell your soul for a moment in time
08:01 Just be willing to ask
11:41 Other people don’t know your “rockstars”
14:25 Possible reasons why they are advising you
17:46 How to ask someone to be your advisor?
24:51 The limitations to an advisor’s knowledge
29:31 Advisors beyond social validation
32:58 Getting an advisor is a give and get
39:31 What’s holding you back to ask?

Job vs Startup - What Should I Do? Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

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 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 Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:23 Should you get a job or start a business?
03:43 Age matters
13:15 Soul vs. Salary
20:03 How much downside can you take?
22:11 Realistic probabilities of success
28:10 Three types of career choices
33:45 Risk, goals, and financial realities

Founders Need a Steady Hand in the Storm Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

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 unpredictable world of entrepreneurship.

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 Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:56 How do you manage the chaos of being a founder?
01:43 The first step to managing chaos is accepting chaos
02:10 The problems will be endless
05:06 Choose which problem to focus on
10:46 Isolate the chaos into small, solvable problems
13:53 The cost of lost focus in leadership
15:25 Prioritization and avoiding myopic solutions
21:11 Stack ranking of problems
23:06 Balancing individual tasks with collective objectives
25:12 Time as a problem-solving tool
34:24 Create focus in chaos

So You Think You Need a Co-Founder? Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

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, let’s find out how you can choose the right co-founder for your startup and know if you really do need one.

Sign up for the Startups Newsletter

https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources:

Check in with us on LinkedIn | Wil Schroter | Ryan Rutan

What to Listen For

00:00 Intro
00:36 Is it a good idea to get a co-founder?
02:48 Different categories to consider when picking a co-founder
05:01 ‘Who’s willing to do this?’
07:30 The criteria that founders set for choosing their co-founder
09:29 When you DON’T need a co-founder
10:32 It’s an expensive bet
11:40 Try before you buy
16:50 Everybody wants the upside, nobody wants the downside
21:23 Find someone committed and willing to outwork you
27:03 Are your co-founders valuable?
29:27 Getting involved with someone in the long term is hard

Can I Scale My Impact Without Scaling My Team? Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

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 success.

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https://www.startups.com/newsletter

Resources: