from Hacker News

Ask HN: Unexpected Lessons from Building a Startup?

by alexliu518 on 7/5/24, 6:39 AM with 2 comments

I'm fascinated by the countless stories and lessons learned by those who've ventured into building their own startups. Whether it's a surprising insight about your market, a technical challenge that led to an innovative solution, or an unexpected twist in your journey, I'd love to hear about it.

What was the most unexpected thing you learned while building your startup? How did it change your approach or perspective?

Share your stories, big or small—sometimes the most unexpected lessons are the ones that stick with us the most!

  • by sujayk_33 on 7/5/24, 6:50 AM

    Hey great question, I don't have my startup but I have worked at one as an intern and it changed my way of thinking.

    Working in small teams and with less formalities can often lead to more productivity. When people work on it as their own products, it gets more interesting.

    People are working hard out there and you'll understand only when you work with them. The people I worked with were from Google and AWS so I had the chance to see how they managed everyone. It went very smoothly and it felt like home.

    I have decided to work on my own thing too now. Let's see how it goes.

  • by com on 7/5/24, 7:24 AM

    My surprises: Generate weekly flash reports because self deception is a force as strong as gravity. Good sales people are game changers, but there are very few about, most seem to string you along and deliver hot air. Marketing is not fonts and colours, it’s a key partner to product (analytics and insights) and sales (B2B means trade events and lining up the right meetings by hook or by crook)