Seen.
Perspective
Most businesses reach a stage at which they get external advice. This week we've seen an example of someone doing that well.
We've also seen examples of this happening less well. Most founders are rightly proud of what they've achieved. It can be easy to be defensive.
But what we saw this week is how approaching the process with low ego leads to better quality advice. The advisor is more likely to share their knowledge and skills, because they do not have to battle to do so. They are more likely to speak truth, because it is heard.
How do you get the most out of your advisors?
Read.
Spring
An article this week reminded us that exponentially growing problems can go away exponentially too.
Covid has been with us for over a year now, but it might be time to remember when it gets better, it will get better quickly.
We may find that we now need to shift gear quickly in the weeks ahead. Founders will lead the way, and will need to bring energy and leadership to help teams spring forward.
Learned.
Rubicon
This week we worked with a business about to grow past £10m in revenue.
Sharing this with others who support growing businesses we noticed many seemed to react with a sharp intake of breath. And a sense that this indicated some specific challenges.
There are a range of myths of this type that percolate from time to time. Whether it's the "first million", "person 13" or "person 200".
In our work we've found the specific myths don't stand up to much scrutiny. But we have found every business hits inflection points on their journey after which things feel completely different.
Where these come from and what they look like rarely follow the myths. But they happen.
What we've seen successful founders do is anticipate them, prepare the ground and then lead through them. They help their team to see the difference as a symbol of their success, rather than being left feeling what they've done so far is no longer good enough.
What's your next Rubicon? Are you ready?
And finally.
When we decided to create #founderhacks we were inspired by some of our favourite writers and podcasters. What they had in common is described by the Latin phrase multum in parvo.
Literally meaning "a lot in a little" you may recognise it as the motto for Pugs. In that sense meaning "a lot of dog in small space."
For #founderhacks, we try to provide a lot of content, in as few words (or minutes) as possible.
So we were particularly pleased with some feedback this week about our podcast:
"Now that I've listened to this episode I have to let you know it's the best so far. You manage to cram some great thoughts into less than 30 minutes."
Thank you @ Mr Jonathan Alexander, and good, because that's exactly what we're trying to do. Played for and got. 🙌
If you haven't tried our podcast, have a go on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify?
Don’t forget to check out the accompanying podcast version of #founderhacks for a tantalising live experience of team atomex!
