EP 21: Why Startups Are Failing Faster Than Ever Before
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In this episode of the ASOM Pod, the hosts — Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO & Co-Founder of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO & Co-Founder of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride) dive into the realities of startup life, tackling the tough (and sometimes hard to swallow) truths about surviving in today’s economic landscape. We reveal why startups seem to be hitting roadblocks more than ever—thanks to issues like over-reliance on agencies, lack of financial savvy, and misaligned marketing tactics. But it’s not all doom and gloom; they share practical advice and actionable tips to help founders stay afloat and focus on what really matters.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why genuine marketing matters more than flashy tactics
- How to boost financial literacy and why it’s essential
- The importance of product-market fit and adaptability
- Why internal strategies often beat outsourcing
- The hard but necessary decisions to ensure profitability
- How founders can stay close to customers for real insights
- A preview on the pros and cons of funding versus bootstrapping
Whether you’re battling budget cuts, rethinking your customer approach, or just in need of some fresh motivation, this conversation will leave you ready to take on the next challenge with confidence!
00:00 Happy Halloween!
01:46 Welcome to the ASOM Pod
02:09 Introduction of Hosts and Their Backgrounds
02:42 Creators Combine Community
03:14 Why Are Startups Dying Quicker Than Ever?
04:46 Challenges in Starting a New Business
11:05 Importance of Product Market Fit
12:01 Starting a New Agency: Lessons Learned
18:09 Current Economics and Their Impact on Startups
26:32 Challenges of Early-Stage Startups
27:29 Why Startups Are Failing Now
28:04 The Missteps of Pandemic-Era Companies
29:13 The Role of Investors and Founders
33:17 Marketing Failures in Modern Startups
43:43 Advice for Struggling Startups
49:37 The Importance of Financial Literacy
52:03 Conclusion and Future Topics