LUIGIDOLLOSA

10754903

EXCITE

1.] Don’t quit.

The one instance that stuck into my mind about the start-up story of Excite is how they bounced back after losing the big bid on the Netscape buttons. Their no-surrender mindset paved the way for them to regain the deal and consequently launched Excite in the Internet market. Very very lucky though, being determined to ‘fix’ the huge screw-up that arose in that big start-up bid made them attract their luck, their fortune. There’s always a way, there is certainly an alternative escape route in each obstacle. Just persevere. In start-ups or in any other businesses, luck won’t come to you, but you must come towards luck for this sort of undertaking is purely a gamble. Like what they did, after the initial bidding, they somehow courted Netscape even though it was really embarrassing and awkward, and it captured ‘chances’; they got the bid.

2.] An opportunity leads to another.

Kraus confesses his ultimate luck towards VC’s that he even describes it as an unrelated chain of events. But that what start-ups are all about. One isn’t sure of what will be going to occur tomorrow, or the next hour, or even the next minute or so; it is just all about rising to the occasion and using to the fullest the chances and opportunities. Guided by the plainest of luck, and their promising idea, their team’s quest began from a book author, then to InfoWorld, then to IDG, then to a couple of VC names, and then a bid. Start-ups must be versatile and open to all doors that open, because everything’s uncertain. Capitalize on every opportunity cause it may possibly lead to another one.

3.] Others don’t hold your views always.

Just like as Kraus mentioned in his analogy of the sausage factory, you might think you’re that big, but not everyone might see it in a similar way. In start-ups, you have the prime challenge of persuading people to share your personal viewpoints on your service. It is not that unproblematic, in fact, it is a roller coaster ride, a start-up is full of highs and lows. Never assume to be perfectly executing, don’t be lax since anything can ensue. Don’t be full of yourself; constantly check performance from an objective standpoint.