Ryan Monahan

I have experimented with numerous high-tech and low-tech methods for prioritizing tasks. The most effective solution I've found is a customized version of the Eisenhower Matrix, which I maintain in a shared Google Doc. This setup provides instant, real-time access across all my devices. Google also allows me to tag team members within my to-do list. Additionally, I carry a printed version to ensure I have a physical copy on hand, even when I'm not online.

I believe strongly that being prepared is crucial for sharing ideas and ensuring a receptive audience. Many great ideas fail because they aren't clearly explained or aligned with key initiatives. Presenting good ideas at the wrong time can seem unfocused. You should quickly articulate your idea, outline next steps, and provide a timeline. TLDR: Lead the conversation by ensuring your boss knows that the clearly articulated objectives are in focus and that your idea aligns to those I.E. "I know we're focused on trial consumers; I've thought of 3 effective ideas; the 1st has the greatest return potential in as soon as 2 weeks. I've outlined the 4 steps to execute to accomplish this." Then hand over a 1 sheeter in bullet point format.

Startup teams are generally comprised of small -- very passionate -- people who believe more than the product/service but also the mission of the company. When team members disagree, remember that both could be 'correct' as there isn’t just one path to success. Provide a sounding board for each member separately to gather data, then bring everyone together. Focus on the macro goal and start conversations with common ground that aligns with both team members. When creating a plan, ensure everyone understands it's about finding the best solution rather than whose idea was better. TLDR: Be open to changing course with new information over time but using communication to facilitate why things are changing.

Delays are inevitable, especially in critically important projects with tight deadlines. Some attribute this to Murphy's Law, but we understand that the numerous moving parts in large projects often lead to delays. The key to managing these delays is to assess the situation quickly, communicate early, and offer an alternative timeline or solution. As delays can negatively impact other teams, it is crucial to avoid last-minute surprises by addressing potential delays early without belaboring the specifics while instead providing the best next-step remediation solution. TLDR: respect other people's time by pre-calling delays early with alternative solutions.

This is key -- remember that all the futuristic technology, tracking tools, and SaaS products do not substitute the key part of marketing -- solving a real human's problem with a solution that makes their life better, easier, or elevates their status. So no matter the product you're selling find that happy medium between Apple that sells you on how your life will be better (not the tech) and facebook (that will track every movement) that positions their products as 'connecting the world'. TLDR: focus on what the real-life human wants out of your product then reverse engineer the value props of your specific product into the things that are easy to comprehend quickly.

This is key for 2 reasons, the first being that failure is a normal part of work when you’re trying something new or untested. Not initiative will be a home run. The second reason is to identify failure as soon as possible to cut any burn in time or paid media. It’s best to have a plan, setup the campaign for success, and if it’s unsuccessful cut it early, identify why and iterate. What worked last year isn’t going to work next year so get comfortable being uncomfortable by learning to fail fast and move forward.