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" While there's no substitute for real experience, I believe it helps to hear and share stories of resourcefulness in action - almost like case studies in school. "

Scott Weiss

Believe

School

Experience

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" Be generous with your time and money - it has an amazingly fast payback. Be in the moment with everyone you love - and this frequently means tuning out work completely. And drive slow in parking lots. "

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" Hold at least one all-hands meeting every quarter and, to underscore the startup's team concept, make sure at least one additional executive joins you in leading the meeting. "

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" It's just not possible to be a real partner if you aren't materially participating. I believe even the busiest business owners must drive a carpool, pack a lunch, help with homework, make a breakfast or dinner, and consistently attend school events. "

" I see many founders waste too much time trying to work their networks and/or ultimately settle for mediocre but available candidates. You will definitely have to interview hard for cultural fit, but the best talent isn't cheap. "

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" The thorniest business problems will surface at the board meetings, and the different, sharp opinions help to better explore the poles of the arguments to make better decisions. "

" I wouldn't suggest that being resourceful has anything to do with doing something illegal or unethical, but I've definitely noticed a pattern of being 'creative.' "

" For me, the brightest years at IronPort were without a doubt the darkest years at home. "

Scott Weiss

Home

Darkest

" It's important for a leader to hear about his blind spots on a regular basis so working on them is periodically top of mind. "

" Being on a board is not just about showing up for the meetings. A board member needs to materially contribute to the success of the business. "

" One of the rookie mistakes first-time entrepreneurs often make is to be too guarded about their idea - in fact, many will actually spend their first $25,000 on patent lawyers without ever fully vetting their product. "

" When my co-founder and I first had the idea for IronPort, an email security company, we triangulated a list of the 20 most relevant people in email - former CEOs, open source technologists, investors and thought leaders. "