summary ofLost and FounderBook by Rand Fishkin

first KEY POINT

When it comes to business success, the truth is always the best path

It’s easy to assume that if you want to be successful in any line of business, you have to put on a brave face at all times and pretend life is throwing roses your way. How is that possible? Life isn’t like that, either in business or out of it. You want to show your customers that everything is just fine and dandy, and you want your employees to feel like the business is seriously on the up.So, what do you do? You twist the truth just a little, and in some way, you convince yourself along the way. Big mistake. It’s always better to face the truth and tackle it head-on. When the problem hits you in the face, which at some point it probably will, you’ll upset everyone who stood by you because you weren’t transparent with them in the first place.

By being open with your team, customers, investors, and everyone else, you’re keeping them on your side. You’re showing them that they can trust you and that you can handle whatever is thrown at you. It’s hard to do because it’s a risk, but it’s a necessary one. Many times in the past, teams have been pulled together by adversity and come out the other side stronger than before. It’s a lesson to learn.Some of the biggest mistakes that startups, and indeed businesses the world over, have made come down to not being honest. It might be due to good intentions, but that doesn’t save you in the end. Lost and Founder opens the door to basic mistakes such as these, things which you probably wouldn’t even think of yourself.Lost and Founder is your go-to guide on how to avoid the problems that have befallen others. From how to see a challenge as a learning opportunity to marketing your business in the right way, you’ll gain incredibly valuable information to guide your own journey. The following chapters will reveal how you’ll be able to avoid common pitfalls and look forward to success of your own.