DISQUS

Vada · 2 years ago

More kudos for the "three horizons". My days teaching navigation at USAFA provide a similar framework: Destination - Vision Waypoints - Milestones Dead Reckoning / Alter Heading - Objectives DR/AH can be very difficult in the formless void of a startup. But knowing where we're going helps inform the many "alter headings" until we reach the next waypoint. I really like the way Dick Costolo and Fred Wilson sythesize this exploration with business realities: http://www.unionsquareventures.com/2007/11/why_ea...

Alex Iskold · 2 years ago

Nice companion post, Fraser! There is a lot of fresh business perspective here. You are right, you can't build a company based only on tech, it needs to be about business.

Alex Iskold · 2 years ago

Nice companion post, Fraser! There is a lot of fresh business perspective here.

You are right, you can't build a company based only on tech, it needs to be about business.

Jay Hamilton-Roth · 2 years ago

Also - evolution is easier than revolution. Be careful if you're trying to create a new paradigm - it's too expensive to both educate people about a new way AND to tell them about your company.

Jay Hamilton-Roth · 2 years ago

Also - evolution is easier than revolution. Be careful if you're trying to create a new paradigm - it's too expensive to both educate people about a new way AND to tell them about your company.

Patrick Woodward · 2 years ago

I like the three horizon detail. Also, one of the most important things you said is this: "Don’t hold onto a vision for the future that’s not realistic given today’s reality." In thinking about that statement the first thing that comes to mind is this: preparation is key.

Patrick Woodward · 2 years ago

I like the three horizon detail.

Also, one of the most important things you said is this: "Don’t hold onto a vision for the future that’s not realistic given today’s reality."

In thinking about that statement the first thing that comes to mind is this: preparation is key.

Vada · 2 years ago

More kudos for the "three horizons". My days teaching navigation at USAFA provide a similar framework:

Destination - Vision
Waypoints - Milestones
Dead Reckoning / Alter Heading - Objectives

DR/AH can be very difficult in the formless void of a startup. But knowing where we're going helps inform the many "alter headings" until we reach the next waypoint.

I really like the way Dick Costolo and Fred Wilson sythesize this exploration with business realities:
http://www.unionsquareventures.com/2007/11/why_...

Chad Sakonchick · 2 years ago

Great insightful post as usual Fraser. As I talked to you a few weeks ago, I'm about to launch a Facebook app. I agree whole heartedly about keeping your core team small and have been mulling over an idea in my head for a while that you may find interesting. I'm going to experiment with Macrodeck as an "open source business." I'm going to be as transparent as possible on the Macrodeck site about all decisions made, how much money is spent and brought in and what we are spending our time on. I want anyone and everyone to be able to use my successes and failures as a case study as well as contribute if and when they want to. I'll keep you updated as everything progresses...

gl hoffman · 2 years ago

Good Points...Over the years, I have come up with several gotcha's and must-haves, even before programmers ruled the start up world. I like yours, much more concise than mine.