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TLDR FOUNDERS 2024-06-17
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01GENERAL
02HEADLINES & TRENDS
THE AI BILL THAT HAS BIG TECH PANICKED
California's SB 1047, which would require safety testing for AI models costing over $100M to train, has sparked debate. Some claim it will destroy innovation, but others argue it's a necessary step to address potentially catastrophic risks. The bill has become a litmus test for the divided AI research community on whether to take such dangers seriously. Finding the right policy balance is crucial as the stakes are high on both sides.
IS SEAT BASED PRICING DEAD?
The traditional SaaS pricing model may be in jeopardy as AI enables users to do more with fewer seats. Companies like Zendesk are already shifting to consumption-based pricing for AI products. In an AI-first world, the focus might shift from intuitive UIs to efficient data structures that empower AI agents. This could signal a fundamental shift in how pricing models operate moving forward.
HOW LEADERS CAN AVOID THE TRAP OF FALSE URGENCY
False urgency leads to an “always-on” culture and burnout. Effective leadership involves prioritizing impactful work, not urgency, to prevent burnout and promote productivity. Clear communication, empowering teams, addressing root causes of dysfunction, and rewarding genuine progress can transform an anxious work culture into one driven by intentionality and strategic focus–essential for startup success.
03STRATEGIES & TACTICS
HOW TO ACTUALLY BE DATA-DRIVEN
For startup founders aiming to be data-driven, the golden rule is not to focus solely on revenue as your primary KPI. Instead, establish a Weekly Metrics Review meeting to align your team and track essential driver metrics leading to revenue, ensuring everyone moves in the same direction. This process involves identifying key metrics, engaging Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) from across the organization, and maintaining a swift, weekly cadence.
VENTURING INTO ABM: ADVICE FOR EARLY-STAGE GTM TEAMS
ABM is a channel that can create a significant lift in outbound metrics when done right. However, it requires careful planning and a long-term outlook, as it's unlikely to drive short-term revenue growth for startups. The key is to have a clear owner, establish proper measurements, and understand that ABM is a high-touch, personalized approach that works best for high-value accounts with long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders involved in the buying process.
HOW TO GET REPLIES FROM YOUR DREAM CUSTOMERS
Your dream customers are out there - discussing your niche, asking questions you can answer. One way to surface these conversations is by using Twitter's advanced search. Follow the right accounts, engage with their content, and identify those asking questions your solution can empower.
04TOOLS & RESOURCES
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HEY MARVIN
AI UX research assistant for qualitative product data.
REF: AI (VIRTUAL EVENT)
A half-day virtual event hosted by Reforge examining how product and growth are changing with emerging tech.
4 STRATEGIES TO RECLAIM YOUR ATTENTION
There's a cost every time you switch tasks - here's a framework to help reduce that cost.
05MISCELLANEOUS
THE FILTER YOU USE CHANGES HOW YOU SEE THINGS
Our perception is shaped by the filters we apply, often unconsciously. These filters can distort reality and strain relationships. To counter this, we must recognize our biases, put on "glasses" to see other viewpoints, ask for others' perspectives, and consciously change our outlook. Engaging with those we struggle to understand and learning about hidden aspects of the world can widen our aperture. Embracing opportunities to adjust our focus enhances our grasp of the big picture.
PRESENTEEISM: THE HIDDEN PRODUCTIVITY KILLER
Presenteeism, or working long hours while neglecting one's health, can be more damaging than absenteeism. Despite the flexibility that a remote work culture promises, the pressure to be constantly available persists (especially as a founder). It's okay to set clear boundaries, take breaks, prioritize health, and seek support. Remember, presenteeism is not a badge of honor.
WHAT MAGICAL FEEDBACK SOUNDS LIKE
Barack Obama's feedback to his speechwriter, Cody Keenan, to "take a full swing" on a eulogy draft, ignited a second wave of effort, elevating the speech to a defining moment. Such "magical feedback" acknowledges initial attempts while challenging people to push past "good enough" to create truly powerful work. You can catalyze the extra effort that fuels greatness by packaging feedback skillfully. This research reveals exactly how. It includes a simple phrase to help spark this second wind in your team.
06QUICK LINKS
3 STAGES OF BOARD DECK PREPARATION
No, pouring hours into your board deck is never a waste, even if most of it gets cut from the final presentation.
THE NO-BUDGET MARKETING STRATEGY EVERY FOUNDER NEEDS
If you've been participating in "silent founder" behavior, these quick tips might help you start posting.
LAYOFFS IN GAMING
The video games industry set the record for most layoffs so far this year - 10,900 layoffs in the first five months.