Andy Swan

You’re spending WAY too much time trying to figure out how...

Thu, 24 May 2012 07:04:18 -0400

You’re spending WAY too much time trying to figure out how company A got its users, how company B got its funding, and how company C got bought out by company D.

Repeating the processes of other startups kind of defeats the purpose of a startup. You’re here to do something different, and you know where you’re going.

I know it’s important to learn and prepare. But the echo-chamber of startup land is getting nauseating.

Focus on YOU.

Do.

Win.

If you’re counting on everything staying the same,...

Wed, 23 May 2012 07:46:03 -0400

If you’re counting on everything staying the same, you’re not gonna have a good time.

Core: slow and solid.

Strategy: small, flexible and fast.

Win.

"Hell, there are no rules here - we’re trying to accomplish something."

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:31:06 -0400

“Hell, there are no rules here - we’re trying to accomplish something.”

- Thomas Edison

Everyone remembers the first one to change the rules.

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:51:54 -0400

Everyone remembers the first one to change the rules.

People who ignore the rules scare the hell out of people that...

Mon, 21 May 2012 09:36:56 -0400

People who ignore the rules scare the hell out of people that follow the rules.

One of your primary jobs as a startup is to scare the hell out of everyone you can; Competitors (that don’t exist), established experts, industry media…sometimes yourself.

Disruption doesn’t come easy, and it doesn’t follow the rules.

Go big.

Win

It’s a terrible job environment for 2012 graduates. Many...

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:01:00 -0400

It’s a terrible job environment for 2012 graduates.

Many of you will decide to pursue a post-graduate degree and stall your entry into a weak job market by 2-3 years. Big mistake. That’s more debt, less experience and a softer core.

Instead, see this for what it is.

An opportunity….

To stand out as the girl that will NOT be stopped.

To learn to sail into a major headwind.

To teach yourself the skills, strategies and mentality that it takes to create value from nothing.

To discover and strengthen the core that will drive every move you make for the rest of your life.

You’re young. Back yourself into a corner. You’ll be shocked at how fierce you can be.

Nobody owes you anything.

Create that which you want. Every day.

Win.

(Thanks to @bankdraft for the idea for this post)

Find the right angle and even the truth can be powerful for...

Thu, 17 May 2012 09:37:08 -0400

Find the right angle and even the truth can be powerful for marketers…

Not every path you take will end up being productive. That...

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:37:55 -0400

Not every path you take will end up being productive.

That doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.

Enjoy the walk.

Win.

If you’re going to do it, you might as well go big. The...

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:27:00 -0400

If you’re going to do it, you might as well go big.

The most likely scenario for startups is failure. But failing big is better than failing small. There is evidence all around us.

The most likely scenario for you is to win. Winning big is definitely better than winning small, and it’s actually not that much different.

Some can make a cogent argument that failing big is better than winning small.

I’ve had a couple of small/medium wins (yes I understand there is a lot of relativity in those statements). Looking back, I can see how they could have gone big. In fact, I could see it at the time…but for various reasons I wasn’t ready….bird in the hand, you know?

But now I’ve associated myself with some companies that are going big.

The difference?

We found levers that worked and pushed them until WE were comfortable (personally).

They find the levers that work and just KEEP PUSHING harder and harder as long as they keep working for the business.

It’s really that simple.

Now I’m ready. So are you.

Go big.

Win.

Anyone reading this can create a product that adds value to...

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:15:00 -0400

Anyone reading this can create a product that adds value to millions of lives within the next decade.

But you have to focus. Reduce the distractions that you consume, or they will consume you. I know it’s hard…they’re everywhere, and they’re pleasurable. That’s a tough combo.

But you can do it.

Focus on one thing as intently as you can: Creating value for your client.

Win

There’s something very compelling about people who...

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:54:00 -0400

There’s something very compelling about people who obviously do not need your approval, money or help. You want to help them, invest in them.

No one wants to back someone that NEEDS them. It’s like dating a stalker. Not gonna happen.

Fake it til you make it has its applications, but eventually you gotta earn your style. Be badass.

Another post on style from the least-stylish dude on the world wide webs (other than certain corners of SF and Manhattan)….

The trend of everyone dressing like a bum is getting old. We get...

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:39:00 -0400

The trend of everyone dressing like a bum is getting old.

We get it, you’re a hacker. You’ll code for beer. Once upon a time, that was novel. But that time has passed.

Don’t get me wrong…there’s value in non-conformity. But now, dressing like a dirty bum is conformity.

Be comfy while you work….no one cares. But when you represent your business at a public function, maybe consider presenting yourself like you give a shit.

Born poor in a bad neighborhood. Gang...

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:49:03 -0400

Born poor in a bad neighborhood.

Gang member.

Drugs.

Jail.

________________

Portrait hanging hanging at Guetta Gallery.

What’s your excuse? ”I was too comfortable”?????

Doing can make you better. Practicing can make you...

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:46:25 -0400

Doing can make you better.

Practicing can make you good.

Deliberate practice, applied over time consistently, makes you great.

It’s why “Talent is Overrated” is forever on my books that helped me become better list.

If you want to create a movement, you better be prepared to...

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:03:33 -0400

If you want to create a movement, you better be prepared to break a few rules.

You should also be willing to create a few new ones for yourself.

Your niche is your movement. YOU make the rules.

Win.

If you’ve never watched muddy, drunk college kids walking...

Fri, 04 May 2012 07:47:02 -0400

If you’ve never watched muddy, drunk college kids walking past clean, drunk millionaires….

If you’ve never felt the earth move as the 20 fastest horses in the world run past you…

If you’ve never tasted bourbon + simple syrup + mint…..

If you’ve never experienced an entire city of 1 million go out of its way to make sure you feel Southern hospitality….

If you’ve never yelled encouragement to an animal that appreciates it….

If you’ve never been in a chorus with 164,857 other people….

Like, reblog or comment on this post.

A couple of you are going to the Derby with me next year.

Are you building an app, or are you building a business?

Thu, 03 May 2012 07:46:24 -0400

Are you building an app, or are you building a business?

When you have a core, things get easier. OK, maybe not easier...

Wed, 02 May 2012 06:57:30 -0400

When you have a core, things get easier. OK, maybe not easier to do….having a core and sticking to it is harder than being a Roombapreneur.

But easier to filter. When you know who you are and what you’re doing, you’re going to be FAR less concerned with what other people think, or what you look like while you’re doing it.

Because YOU know where you’re going, and she’ll get on the bike eventually.

Know your core. Lead.

Win

I’ve gotten better at this over the last 6-12 months, but...

Tue, 01 May 2012 07:44:44 -0400

I’ve gotten better at this over the last 6-12 months, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement.

Say yes…… AND be where you are, with who you are with.

The best way to dominate a niche is to invent it. Blue...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:01:30 -0400

The best way to dominate a niche is to invent it.

Blue Ocean.

Win.