If It Makes Money, It Makes Sense

If It Makes Money, It Makes Sense

Author: Startups.com February 19, 2024 Duration: 38:09

In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the importance of generating revenue and being willing to do whatever it takes to move a startup forward. They discuss why it's crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize generating income and share insights on how to overcome challenges in achieving financial sustainability. 


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What to Listen For

  • 00:00 Intro
  • 00:18 Difference between good and bad revenue
  • 01:34 Unexpected opportunities
  • 05:22 Prioritizing cash flow in the startup journey
  • 08:43 The importance of runway
  • 11:43 Focusing on startup survival 
  • 13:31 Reality of startup timelines
  • 15:00 Why surviving matters more than speed
  • 17:03 Overcoming self-imposed barriers
  • 18:53 The value of paid product discovery
  • 22:00 Learning through services
  • 24:18 Building MVPs that truly deliver value
  • 26:10 How side gigs can propel your startup forward
  • 30:36 Sacrifice and success
  • 35:13 Willingness x Hard Work = Cash

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
Will Investors Bail Me Out? Brutal Truth About Startup Investments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:29
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about sacrifices founders make — accumulating debt and foregone salaries, with the expectation of being reimbursed. They discuss how…
Is the problem the Player or the Coach? Team Building Hacks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter delve into evaluating startup team and management performance. Find out the importance of constant evaluation, highlighting the significan…
Do people really want me to succeed? Founders vs World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:14
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter explore the harsh reality of seeking support as a founder. Surprising, limited number of people who genuinely want to see a founder succee…
You only THINK you work HARD — The Hard Work Illusion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
In this episode of the Startup Therapy podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter talk about the common misconception around 'working hard' within startups. They question the measurement of hard work, arguing that effort…
SMALL is the New Big - Embracing Efficiency in the Age of AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:59
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, hosts Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the evolution of startups from the emphasis on scaling and headcount to prioritizing efficiency and output, largely due to advance…
The Spectrum of Investor Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:24
In this episode of the Startup Therapy Podcast, Ryan Rutan and Wil Schroter discuss the complexities of handling feedback from investors, emphasizing the critical need for founders to properly qualify and assess the advi…
$10K Per Month isn't Just Revenue. It's Life Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:52
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why earning atleast $10,000 per month is one of the most important milestones in your startup career. They stress the need to do whatever it takes to keep your…
Why Do VCs Keep Giving "failed" Founders Money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about why investors choose to invest on “failed” founders. They debunk the myth that failure marks the end of a founder's journey and shows why giving people a secon…
The Hidden Treasure of Failed Startups [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:48
In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan talks about the hidden treasure of failed startups. From redefining valuation to creative acquisition strategies, they share insights on salvaging value from adversity. Tu…