Going slow, as a way of getting big fast

Startup founders are usually in a big rush:
– raise money ASAP so we can quit our jobs and focus!
– build the MVP to get critical customer feedback as quickly and simply as possible
– hire NOW through all out war in meetups and recruiters
– and generally just “go big or go home”

The reason for the rush is competition, which is perceived to be imminent — because the idea is so good/valuable and the first mover will win. (Neither is true often.)

Here are some reasons to go slow, however:

1. Hire by serendipity, trial and then ramp up. Let the right fit show up, show it, and then learn on the job at a good pace.

2. You are free to fire when the fit isn’t right.

3. Product ideas take time to form and test through detailed conversation. Those meetings are hard to schedule. Your team may be building the wrong stuff if you field your army all up front.

4. Creative/designy work is slow. Freelancers are flakey. But often good.

5. Inspired amazing ideas are hard to schedule. They just sort of appear.

6. Slow means fewer people, including less you. Maybe you the founder can keep your day job. Risk is going down as time is passing.

7. Slow means lower burn or maybe no burn. Maybe you can finance it yourself or through consulting.

Going slow. Not so bad.