Comment by horticulturist
7 hours ago
This is really well written and clearly from someone who has loved through it. I think just about all of their observations are correct (except for getting a coach - incredibly detrimental in my experience).
7 hours ago
This is really well written and clearly from someone who has loved through it. I think just about all of their observations are correct (except for getting a coach - incredibly detrimental in my experience).
Author here. I'd be curious what went wrong in your case? (Also, happy to soften that advice further if there's strong evidence that people find the advice detrimental).
Not OP, but when I did my startup I also tried coaches, and the first one I talked to was kinda like what gold diggers would be in a relationship context (asking high price, since he knew we raised, and in the demo sessions provided superficial value), then I finally went with one who actually had business experience and uni degree in psychology and provided modest but solid advice for a fair price, that was quite helpful in those difficult times.
So I guess spot and avoid sweet talking charlatans (this applies to all business relationships though).
Yeah.
Also - I use the term "coach" broadly here. Many people react very poorly to the term "therapist", and "coach" is a much broader term encompassing both therapy or just people that have significant experience in a field. Or just an older relative or acquaintance that is willing to provide regular advice/feedback.
There's definitely charlatanism, particularly when people advertise themselves as "business coach" or "startup coach".