Steve, thank you for your Customer Discovery. If not for that, we would still be running around trying to raise money instead of coding and validating with earlyvangelists.
That’s a hard lesson to learn and probably a great phenomenon for researchers to study. Why? Because some would-be entrepreneurs might view lean startup with BMCs, customer discovery, MVP buildout, and other early activities as a means to near-absolute certainty. Those tools probably make anti-uncertainty entrepreneurs feel more confident. Once the beaten path ended they might hesitate to take the next steps. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs with *nerve* see the same information and go all in to lock in that validated customer-product fit. Adopting the mindset of “you’ll soon be dead” might be the secret to awakening that nerve.
I have spent 10 years proving an entirely new tactical cyber security application, IRL, genuine AI modeling and good old scientifically proven methods, I can repeatedly prove an effective accurate MVP.
With an efficacy beyond 98% across all OSI layers, with no additional overhead, no competitor in the market, it is a realtime lightweight Cloud/SaaS solution that is scalable and so efficient it needs 11/1M resourcing overhead.
What don’t I have though is everything you have highlighted. These are characteristics that you don’t just wake up with. I have no business orientated co-founder…and…then when 10 years is discussed I lose that glow in the eyes of VCs - because I am not built for the ‘start-up’ model, I am fearful, I don’t seize opportunities - I share with my peers accomplishments and accolades and I am a perfectionist.
What do I have? A proven and genuine candidate for a unicorn industry and the history of being the creator of three business service lines that are each the most profitable for IBM and Kyndryl across the last 20 years.
To Steve and All - any guidance for the analog and digital Gen X’ers among us who have proven experience to create ‘innovative’ thought but not the needed abilities for a Startup?
Because while I may be fearful every action I take is with courage and conviction to make a positive difference and leave a legacy!
Great post, but left me a bit depressed about Boband his missed opportunity - that seems so obvious to us,but not to him at that time.
Maybe not so unusual that the inventor-type is not the entrepreneur-type...
Bob desperately needed a co-founder... but how was someone with his character going to go out there and find - and then sell to - a good potential co-founder??? Or even identify that that's what was needed???
Couldn't you help him understand the situation and find a co-founder to balance his shortcomings?
A powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn't just about following playbooks - it's about having the nerve to seize real opportunities when they appear. The hardest part is often pulling the trigger when everything lines up.
Steve, thank you for your Customer Discovery. If not for that, we would still be running around trying to raise money instead of coding and validating with earlyvangelists.
That’s a hard lesson to learn and probably a great phenomenon for researchers to study. Why? Because some would-be entrepreneurs might view lean startup with BMCs, customer discovery, MVP buildout, and other early activities as a means to near-absolute certainty. Those tools probably make anti-uncertainty entrepreneurs feel more confident. Once the beaten path ended they might hesitate to take the next steps. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs with *nerve* see the same information and go all in to lock in that validated customer-product fit. Adopting the mindset of “you’ll soon be dead” might be the secret to awakening that nerve.
Thank you, Steve, for sharing your wisdom and inspiration, always!
Both Steves...inspire!
I am crying and sharing ‘Bob’s’ pain.
I have spent 10 years proving an entirely new tactical cyber security application, IRL, genuine AI modeling and good old scientifically proven methods, I can repeatedly prove an effective accurate MVP.
With an efficacy beyond 98% across all OSI layers, with no additional overhead, no competitor in the market, it is a realtime lightweight Cloud/SaaS solution that is scalable and so efficient it needs 11/1M resourcing overhead.
What don’t I have though is everything you have highlighted. These are characteristics that you don’t just wake up with. I have no business orientated co-founder…and…then when 10 years is discussed I lose that glow in the eyes of VCs - because I am not built for the ‘start-up’ model, I am fearful, I don’t seize opportunities - I share with my peers accomplishments and accolades and I am a perfectionist.
What do I have? A proven and genuine candidate for a unicorn industry and the history of being the creator of three business service lines that are each the most profitable for IBM and Kyndryl across the last 20 years.
To Steve and All - any guidance for the analog and digital Gen X’ers among us who have proven experience to create ‘innovative’ thought but not the needed abilities for a Startup?
Because while I may be fearful every action I take is with courage and conviction to make a positive difference and leave a legacy!
Glad we had meet in person, Steve, back in 2013 in SF. I have learned so much from you. Thank you.
Thanks for this insightful post...
Powerful reminder to seize opportunities and act with courage. Inspiring!
Great post, but left me a bit depressed about Boband his missed opportunity - that seems so obvious to us,but not to him at that time.
Maybe not so unusual that the inventor-type is not the entrepreneur-type...
Bob desperately needed a co-founder... but how was someone with his character going to go out there and find - and then sell to - a good potential co-founder??? Or even identify that that's what was needed???
Couldn't you help him understand the situation and find a co-founder to balance his shortcomings?
A powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn't just about following playbooks - it's about having the nerve to seize real opportunities when they appear. The hardest part is often pulling the trigger when everything lines up.