What Does It REALLY Mean To Do Things That Don't Scale?

Manual Efforts

In the world of startups, executing unscalable strategies can be pivotal for initial growth. Michael Seibel and Dalton Caldwell highlight examples like Reddit and Doordash, where founders engaged in manual efforts to simulate user activity and personally deliver orders, respectively 1. This hands-on approach allowed them to understand their users and refine their offerings. Caldwell notes that the role of a CEO in these early stages is to embrace low-status work, contrary to the typical visionary image 2.

The job of the CEO and the job of the co-founders is to do the shittiest, worst, low-status work you can think of.

--- Dalton Caldwell

Such efforts are crucial for building a strong foundation and gaining valuable insights.

   

Gained Insights

Performing non-scalable tasks offers unique advantages and insights for startup founders. Seibel explains that engaging directly with customers and handling challenges firsthand helps founders learn what others might overlook 3. This approach not only improves product development but also strengthens customer relationships. Caldwell adds that these experiences differentiate successful startups from those that fail, as they require a willingness to embrace difficult tasks 4.

You learn what other people are unwilling to learn. So you build a better product and serve your customers better.

--- Michael Seibel

Ultimately, these efforts can lead to a deeper understanding of the market and a more resilient business.