Guy Kawasaki

The Art of the Start

1. IDEA 1

   Start a company to make meaning

   Kawasaki argues that the best reason to start a company is to make meaning, such as improving lives or righting a wrong. Companies started only to make money tend to lose their way when times get hard.

2. IDEA 2

   Write a mantra, not a mission

   Instead of long mission statements, Kawasaki suggests a short mantra of a few words that captures why the company exists. It should be easy to remember and guide everyday decisions.

3. IDEA 3

   Get going before perfect planning

   Kawasaki advises founders to start building and shipping early rather than polishing plans for months. Real products and customer reactions teach far more than documents written in isolation. Momentum matters most at the start.

All 8 ideas from The Art of the Start →