đ linkedin How to avoid common startup traps and succeed | sitebot posted on the topic | LinkedIn
Founders rarely fail because theyâre lazy. Itâs usually these traps that sneak up on you⌠Failure's tricky to nail down, but it often boils down to subtle, tangled issues. Here's a lens that fits most cases:
đŠ Chasing a Moving Finish Line:
The Illusion: Founders mistake PMF for a permanent achievement ("We've hit 10,000 usersâwe've cracked it!"). The harsh truth? Markets transform constantly, rivals appear overnight, and customer priorities evolve. PMF isn't a milestone you pass onceâit's a dynamic state requiring perpetual reassessment.
đ§ Mind Games Trip You Up: Cognitive Biases and Decision-Making Traps Confirmation Bias & Sunk Cost Fallacy: Founders instinctively highlight metrics that support their thesis while downplaying red flags. When combined with the psychological anchor of past investmentsâ"We've already spent a year building this"âthese mental shortcuts can keep teams chained to sinking ships long after rational analysis would suggest abandoning course.
âł Timing's Secret Curveballs:
Risk: Outside forcesâlike a sudden tax hike killing a gig platformâcan blindside you. It's less about your launch date and more about unseen waves.
đ Spinning Too Many Plates:
Snag: Jumping between ideas (e.g., a travel tool trying bookings, then gear sales) scatters focus. Teams tire out, and cash dries up.
đ¤ Ego Over Evidence:
Block: Founders tie their worth to the venture, resisting change. Think of a craft store owner pushing forward while online sales crater.
đĄď¸ Defenses That Aren't:
Flaw: A slick gimmick (e.g., a flashy chatbot) gets called a "moat," but rivals clone it overnight. True edges, like rare tech, are tougher to build.
The Bottom Line: Spot these traps early, adapt fastâor watch your startup fade.
Which one do you think is the most dangerous? Drop your thoughtsđ
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