You probably don’t often get accused of not being obsessive enough. You’ve been obsessive enough about your product to build a business around it. But here’s the real question: are you equally obsessive about the business itself—or business in general?
Your vision drove you to create your business. You identified a problem that only your product could solve. You knew it wouldn’t be easy, and that it would take years of hard work before your vision would change the world.
But your product doesn’t exist in isolation. Your product grows within your business. Your business provides the resources it needs to develop. If your business isn’t healthy, your product won’t make it.
You need to be as obsessive about your business as you are about your product.
Become ‘expert enough’ in all core functions
Your passion for your product is unquestionable, but what about the areas outside your comfort zone? Maybe you find finance tedious, think marketing is just fluff, or consider HR a maze of red tape. If so, it’s time to change your mindset.
If you have a growth mindset—as you should, it’s an essential trait of a good founder—then you’ll recognise that you reject these disciplines because they’re outside of your comfort zone.
Run into the fire. You don’t need to get a batchelors degree in any of these core disciplines, but you should at least read the ‘For Dummys’ books. You should ask trusted friends to talk you through the basics. You should search Youtube for “how to prepare a cashflow statement”. Ask ChatGPT some questions to help you learn.
As a starter:
Sales & Marketing
- Learn the basics of digital marketing (SEO, paid search, social media, and email marketing).
- Understand the fundamentals of branding (differentiation, aspiration, and positioning).
- Figure out how to create a sales funnel.
Human Resources (HR)
- Familiarize yourself with employee onboarding requirements (e.g., right-to-work checks).
- Learn the basics of managing performance and navigating terminations.
- Study effective management principles.
Finance
- Understand the difference between a P&L, cash flow statement, and balance sheet.
- Learn the basics of business valuation.
- Get comfortable with terms like accruals, provisions, and CAPEX.
Legal
- Research the regulations that apply to your industry and market.
- If selling internationally, understand compliance requirements for those regions.
Technology
- Explore the most popular programming languages and their use cases.
- Learn basic SQL—it’s easier than you think.
- Identify the right platforms and tools for your business.
Operations
- Study the principles of Lean Six Sigma.
- Know the top health and safety requirements in your operational areas.
Why it matters
You’ll make better hires
Early hires are critical. A poor hire in finance, marketing, or HR can significantly impact your business. Understanding the basics ensures that you can evaluate candidates effectively and hire with confidence.
You’ll be a better manager
Even if you hire experts, you need to know enough to assess their performance. Without a foundation, how will you know if they’re delivering or missing the mark? Understanding the basics lets you ask the right questions and trust your instincts.
You’ll see new opportunities
Learning about business practices from companies like Apple or Amazon can spark ideas. For example:
- Apple’s cash flow management might inspire you to improve your financial planning.
- Understanding how Slack started as a side project could open your mind to pivots or diversification.
You’ll be prepared for exit
At some point, you may want to sell your business. Understanding valuation principles and investor expectations now can save you headaches later. Watch videos like Aswath Damodaran’s series on business valuation to get started.
Embrace the process
Learning doesn’t have to be daunting. Podcasts like Pivot, Founders, or Business Breakdowns can make your commute insightful. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to discuss HR, finance, or marketing. Over time, you’ll start to enjoy connecting the dots between disciplines.
Start today
Invest an hour a week into learning something new about business. Pick up a book, subscribe to a podcast, or watch a tutorial. Your growing expertise will benefit your business—and your product.
Obsess about your business, not just your product. Your product will thank you for it.
Tango Mike 