More Than Just Signals
As a startup founder, I’ve often found myself in the hot seat, making big decisions in a short span of time. In the early days, I leaned heavily on signals — the reputation, background, and credentials of potential co-founders, employees, or VCs. It seemed logical; after all, what better way to gauge potential than through prestigious degrees and glowing reputations?
But here’s the kicker: I learned the hard way that signals are just the tip of the iceberg.
It's not just about what's on paper. It's about the person behind those accolades. How do they behave in a crunch situation? What’s their working style? These questions became my compass.
I started digging deeper, sparing no detail. When considering a collaboration, I’d reach out to people they’ve worked with before. Not just for formal references, but for real stories. I wanted to know how they solved problems, how they handled stress, and, most importantly, how they treated people when no one was watching.
This approach of leaving no stone unturned came from a stark realization: A wrong decision could be the death knell for a startup. We’re in a high-stakes game where every choice counts. The balance between quick decisions and thorough due diligence is delicate, but essential. It’s not about slowing down; it’s about being smart and minimizing mistakes.
In the world of startups, it's not just about making decisions; it's about making the right ones. Signals are a good starting point, but they’re not enough. Dive deeper.
