Want to build an amazing company? Do things that don't scale. That advice was popularized at Y Combinator, the famed tech startup accelerator that helped launch Airbnb, DoorDash, Dropbox, Reddit, Stripe, and many more household names. But the advice applies equally - and, we would argue, even more important to small businesses.
Why? First, let's talk about what it means. Doing things that don't scale means devoting a time-consuming amount of care to things. "Startups take off because the founders make them take off," writes Paul Graham, one of the founders of Y Combinator. That means recruiting customers yourself, one at a time. Having long, thoughtful conversations with them. Going out of your way to delight them. Providing hands-on, customized services.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Startups - Spring 2024-Ausgabe von Entrepreneur US.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Startups - Spring 2024-Ausgabe von Entrepreneur US.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.
MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT
There's no one way to market a small business. So how do you get the word out? Experts say you must experiment...and really stick with it.
HOW DAVID BEATS OUT GOLIATH
Can mom-and-pop shops truly compete against big-box behemoths and e-commerce giants? Yes, experts say - but they have to think and act truly local.
MAKING PEOPLE COMFORTABLE DOESN'T HAVE TO COST A FORTUNE
Just ask the couple who built a basically unmarked bar that, within three years, has become one of the most beloved mom-and-pop shops in the country.
If at First You Don't Get Clients...
Try, try again? That's the lesson of Facet, an innovative financial planning startup that tried everything to get its first customers.