How to Get Rockstar Startup Advisors

How to Get Rockstar Startup Advisors

Author: Startups.com January 15, 2024 Duration: 41:07

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss how you can get rockstar advisors for your startup. Discover the common mistakes people make when they are getting people to be their advisors and what are the best strategies for asking them to be your advisor. Don’t miss out and find out if your startup needs an advisor or do you just need an advice?


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What to Listen For

  • 00:00 Intro
  • 01:53 What is NOT an advisor
  • 03:32 Advisors don’t want to spend a lot of time with you
  • 04:59 The common mistakes people do when recruiting advisors
  • 07:06 Don’t sell your soul for a moment in time
  • 08:01 Just be willing to ask
  • 11:41 Other people don’t know your “rockstars”
  • 14:25 Possible reasons why they are advising you
  • 17:46 How to ask someone to be your advisor?
  • 24:51 The limitations to an advisor’s knowledge
  • 29:31 Advisors beyond social validation
  • 32:58 Getting an advisor is a give and get 
  • 39:31 What’s holding you back to ask?

Building a company is far more chaotic and personal than any business school case study lets on. Startup Therapy from Startups.com digs into that reality, moving past polished success stories to focus on the raw, unvarnished journey. Hosts Wil Schroter and Ryan Rutan, who have each navigated these trenches themselves, lead conversations that feel more like essential conversations between founders than a standard interview show. They tackle the specific pressures that come with trying to transform an idea into something meaningful-the financial strain, the team dynamics, the personal sacrifices, and the frequent moments of doubt that rarely make the keynote speech. This podcast operates on a simple premise: the best guidance comes from those who have been there, not from abstract theory. Each episode is a candid session, dissecting the professional hurdles and the intense emotional toll that founders manage daily. You’ll hear direct talk about fundraising fails, partnership conflicts, burnout, and the small victories that keep everything moving forward. It’s a resource for anyone in the thick of building something, offering practical perspectives and a sense of shared experience when the path gets especially tough. The dialogue is straightforward and focused on actionable insight, providing a genuine look at the resilience required to change the world, one startup at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Startup Therapy
Podcast Episodes
Can Founders be Replaced by AI? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
Ryan and Will talk about the growing role of AI in startups. They explore how AI is automating traditional founder tasks like writing, coding, and analyzing data. The conversation delves into the existential threat AI po…
What if we run out of goals? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:59
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will talk about what happens when you hit all your big goals and realize there might not be any more mountains left to climb. They discuss the complex feelings and…
Founders, Reinvention IS your Constant! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:06
Will and Ryan talk about the fascinating and often overlooked journey of reinventing oneself. Will shares his diverse background, from being an ad guy to becoming a multi-time startup founder, and stresses the importance…
Founder Isolation is Getting Worse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
Ryan and Will talk about the growing isolation that founders are feeling despite having more ways to connect. They delve into how the shift to remote work, the impact of social media, and the rise of AI have contributed…
Forging Founder Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:22
Ryan and Will discuss the journey of becoming a confident founder. Celebrating their 300th episode, they reflect on how learning to lead and building confidence starts with curiosity. They emphasize asking questions, eve…
Is College a Waste of Time for Founders? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
In this episode of The Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan and Will discuss the true value of a college education for aspiring entrepreneurs. They explore whether the traditional path through higher education is the best route…
Are We Preventing Our Startup From Evolving? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
The realities of evolving a startup. Ryan and Will discuss how the first idea is rarely the final solution, sharing insights on how to navigate the pivoting process. Using Uber and their own experiences at startups.com a…
Building a Startup That Loves You Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:12
Ryan and Will delve into the complexities of maintaining a healthy relationship with your startup. They discuss their personal experiences and challenges in balancing the demands of a startup with personal well-being. Wi…
When Our Friends Resent Our Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:01
Ryan and Will discuss the surprising reactions founders often face when they achieve success. They explore how unexpected resentment from friends and peers can arise, why it happens, and how to navigate these tricky soci…
When Our Startup Outgrows Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:59
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast,Ryan and Will delve into the emotional journey of startup founders who feel out of place in the very companies they built from scratch. They discuss the guilt and struggle f…