Wil Schroter

About

Wil Schroter is the Founder + CEO @ Startups.com, a startup platform that includes Bizplan, Clarity, Fundable, Launchrock, and Zirtual. He started his first company at age 19 which grew to over $700 million in billings within 5 years (despite his involvement). After that he launched 8 more companies, the last 3 venture backed, to refine his learning of what not to do. He's a seasoned expert at starting companies and a total amateur at everything else.

Articles

We Need a Culture of Accountability

The two main components of accountability are ownership and consequences — having these things can make a huge difference in a company’s overall success. And a Founder should be able to know how to instill accountability in their employees.

Am I a Good Manager?

What does it take to become a good manager? The truth is, one becomes a good manager when they can push the entire team to transform themselves and become exponentially better at what they do.

Letting People Go: Ego and Safety

We’ve been talking about it and now it’s happening. People are losing their jobs fast and they are left with little to no option in these trying times. As Founders, what can we do to help?

Sacrificing Our Health for Our Startup is Not OK

When we push ourselves to the limit in the name of our startup, we not only hurt our own well-being, but we hurt the well-being of our company, too. It's time we change that.

What if Our Startup Anxiety Never Quits?

"My never-ending anxiety is awesome!" said no Founder, ever. We feel on edge most of the time from this sense of urgency to get one thing done right after another. But here's a secret: it can benefit our mental health if we just let things take their course.

This Is Fun and All, but When Do I Get Rich?

In the Startups community, many Founders expect immediate returns and instant success. The truth is, outside of the community, it takes several years (decades even!) to reach significant growth in returns.

We're All Afraid of Paper Demons

When you focus your attention on something that has not happened yet it will create anxiety that will hinder everything. Stop worrying about the things that didn’t happen and start planning based on what’s happening now.

What a Market Downturn Means for Startups

Let's talk about putting a freeze on your resources when returns take a downturn. You can definitely weather the storm when you understand where to find the opportunities unwanted downturn provides.

What if I Fired Everyone and Started Over?

As your business grows, everything changes. All things evolve, and skills must upgrade. This includes everyone in the entire organization.

This Could be Our Last Shot

In our early years, when we fail to succeed in growing our Startup, it’s okay. We can always start again. When we’re already in our mid-40s and 50s (or older), screwing up comes at a high price, and a restart may no longer be possible.

Will Investors Let Me Take Money Off The Table?

What is the likelihood of Founders taking money off the table? In reality, the possibility is close to zero for most Founders.

Being Leveraged Means Having Zero Choices

Early on, Founders tend to believe that choosing an investor is an option. It's possible, but unless we're in the top 5 percent of those that have been on this route more than once, we don't get the luxury of choice here.

I Failed. What Will People Think of Me?

We always worry about what other people might think of us when we fail. But the truth is, no one will remember. So, dust it off and start creating a new narrative!

Don't be Afraid to Take Big Swings

Successful Startups did not succeed because they fear failure. Success comes when the Founder keeps taking swings and managing failure as they come because they’re focused on getting a hit!

When Founders No Longer Have Any Upside

Having new investors is good. Stacking up more funds to expand the company is good. Although, it can turn dreadful real quick when as a Founder you are left with no more room to grow.

The Lies Founders Tell About Retirement

What is the real definition of retirement for Founders? Whatever it may be, what matters the most is we get to do what we love doing but this time with less stress, less pressure, and time isn’t measured.

The Problem with "Local Advice"

It’s natural for anyone to seek advice from people who we think know more than we do but it doesn’t necessarily mean that what they know is beneficial for Founders.

Why do I Feel Like Time is Running Out?

Getting things done right away is good. But, when all of your efforts are countering your real goals and are only causing you anxiety and stress, maybe you should reconsider which priorities are urgent and which ones are pretending to be.

The Value of Many Tiny Financial Wins

The mentality of all your daily sacrifices, struggles, and losses eventually leading to getting rich is wishful thinking (sometimes). Why not work on achieving small but steady financial wins, instead of staying broke for years in the hopes of getting rich all at once?

We All Fake it ‘Til We Make it

You can’t fake real success. But, in the early stages of your Startup, you can run it in a way wherein your mindset is bent on believing you can make it until you’re finally there.

Founder Consequences

As a Founder, every single word, phrase, and statement you utter has consequences. When you speak, make sure you’re ready for the pros and cons, and eventually, how it will affect your Startup.

My Unhealthy Relationship With Work

Nope, this isn’t about love. This is about developing unhealthy relationships with family, friends, and anyone within your social circle because your toxic work life is making everything else toxic.

The Goal is NOT to be a Startup

Sure, Startups get more opportunities to grow and funding offers to expand. But you can’t stay in this phase forever.

When Competition Doesn't Matter | Startups.com

How many times has your competition kept you up at night? A new feature here, seed funding there – but how much of a threat are they, really?

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