Early-stage decks often show more advisors than customers. Most aren’t real advisors—just friendly names. Founders confuse mentors, advisors, coaches, and consultants. I used to as well. The lines blur, but they matter.

An advisor gives structured help on a clear topic. They guide you toward an outcome.

A mentor shares wisdom. They’ve walked your path.

A coach works on you, not your startup.

A consultant delivers work for pay.

Each role has value, but confusion kills progress. Mentors guide; advisors own results; coaches grow people; consultants ship deliverables.

Before every meeting, send one page: your goal, metrics, and deadline. Afterward, summarize actions and update later.

The best mentors make you think, not agree. The best advisors make you act, not talk.

Don’t collect titles. Build clarity.

That’s how real guidance compounds. Read more

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WHY YOUR TAM IS WRONG? Most founders make the same mistake: they open their pitch with a multi-trillion-dollar “global market” number. Investors don’t buy it. They skip the slide and do their own math. If you want to win, you need a real, bottom-up market size built on customers, usage, and pricing. DOWNLOAD GUIDE

Inside the VC Mind: Lessons... Oct 21 · Brainwaves 52:33   ​

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