Paul O'Brien’s Post

George Mack, a popular follow on X for his insight to creative solutions and ideas ( https://lnkd.in/gMx5a-RH ), shared how to increase the surface area of your luck. And #founders, you need both luck and runway 👉 more opportunities to press your luck as your startup tries to change things for the better. Take a look but notice too number 2. It will forever trouble and frustrate me that the one skill in the list taught in schools, an expertise you can engage, is the skill known to matter in success or failure #startups, and yet it remains the thing founders and investors will dismiss. Get good at marketing (and recognize "MOST" people are awful at it). Because it hasn't worked for you or because you are advised against it is more likely because the people involved have no idea what they're doing. Don't dismiss marketing because it isn't doing what you want or what you think -- keep it prioritized and keep seeking the person capable, keeping in mind that it isn't even likely someone who says they are.

The future of media is shaped by several critical considerations, but I had recently, an opportunity to sit with a few notable thought leaders, and I came away from the event thinking about if and how we could steer everyone’s attention to the game changing issues. Especially with the rapid advancements in technology and evolving government policies, here’s what comes to mind: 1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 2. Data Privacy and Regulation 3. The Rise of Decentralized Media Platforms “Our incredible lineup featuring Rebecca Otto, Patrick Moody, Mari Tippmann, Paul O'Brien, and LaTecia Johnson gave us a unique opportunity to explore their rich experiences and creative journeys that led them to where they are today while allowing attendees to get deep personal insights into tomorrow.” - Umar Brimah, Austin Venture Association The future of media is an intricate interplay of artificial intelligence, data privacy regulations, and decentralized platforms, each influencing and amplifying the other. Navigating all of this demands YOU learn, keep up, and speak up, so that society is careful in our approach to leveraging benefits while understanding the inherent risks that we can’t simply regulate away. More in the article enclosed, and a workshop coming up, I'd love your hot take:

Media is the new capital for startups. I took a look at how to turn your startup into a success with powerful storytelling and community building. For example, how Airbnb's Brian Chesky and Joe G. used a quirky story to create a supportive community. Red Bull transformed into a media giant with extreme sports content, and Elon Musk leverages media to build Tesla’s visionary brand. Glossier, Inc. thrives on customer engagement, proving media's power. I've learned in my studies from experts like Simon Sinek, Donald Miller, and Seth Godin 🌔 on crafting compelling pitches and driving organic growth. Let's translate why that's more important to entrepreneurs than capital... All this, part of my homework in advance of a workshop I'm hosting next week. How to leverage media as your startup’s most valuable asset. 🔗 Learn more and register now: https://lnkd.in/gfdFm6Tz #Startups #Media #Storytelling #Community #Entrepreneurship #Workshop

I'm getting burned out repeating myself to startup founders, "you're going to fail because you aren't marketing." "We're not ready to promote what we're doing yet," they reply. "That's not marketing." They ignore me. And 4 months later they're out of business 😐 Venture forth not to succeed but rather to not fail. It's a subtle difference; and when almost every startup fails, you should proceed certain that you will, and focus on doing what it takes to avoid that.