Founder Numerology
The Off Math of Entrepreneurial Success
Howard Schultz was rejected financing for Starbucks 217 times, and meanwhile I'm rethinking my life decisions because my selfie got only 10 likes.
Here's a quick download of heroic feats from the world's most controversial founders.
The Apple I Sold for $666.66
In the beginning, Jobs and Wozniak built a machine. They priced it at $666.66 because they were weirdos. As founders, let your work reflect who you are without apology.
Musk's Flamethrowers: 20,000 Sold at $500 Each in 4 Days
Before flamethrowers, Musk sold hats. Fifty thousand of them. As founders, it's important to own your distribution. Engage your supporters. They can be the foundation upon which you build.
Instagram Bought for $1 Billion with Only 13 Employees
Thirteen people made something worth a billion dollars. As founders, gather a tight team you trust. Together, you can move mountains.
Branson Crossed the Atlantic in Record Time: 3 Days, 8 Hours, 31 Minutes
Don't be afraid of the storm. Face it head-on, and you might set a record.
Gates Could Give Everyone on Earth $10 and Still Have Over $20 Billion Left
Success allows generosity. As founders, remember that wealth can be a tool for good. Use it wisely.
Buffett Lives in His $31,500 House Purchased in 1958
He knows what matters. Don't let riches pull your roots from the earth.
Airbnb Began with $30,000 Selling Cereal
Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk, and Joe Gebbia sold cereal boxes to keep afloat in the skinny days. Start small. Use what you have. From little things, big things grow.
Jack Ma Faced 30 Job Rejections Before Starting Alibaba
Wear rejection like armor. Each "no" brings you closer to "yes."
Jobs Took a $1 Annual Salary at Apple
Invest in your vision. Let long-term belief outweigh short-term gain.
Larry Ellison of Oracle Owns 98% of Lanai Island, Purchased for $300 Million
Let your success fuel your passions. But remember to respect what you acquire.
Musk Sent His Car into Space, Exceeding Warranty Over 40,000 Times
Sometimes, madness is just genius in disguise.
SpaceX Launched a Wheel of Cheese into Space in 2010
Don't lose the lightness of spirit. Joy can propel you through hard times.
Cuban Holds Patent for Muting TV Commercials
There's value in the unseen.
Branson Attempted to Circle the Globe in a Hot Air Balloon, Traveling 8,200 Miles
He failed but learned. Even in failure, there's much to gain.
Schultz Faced 217 Investor Rejections Before Starbucks
Howard Schultz heard "no" over two hundred times. Yet, he brought us Starbucks. This persistence demonstrates a key entrepreneurial principle.
