Immediate Action Shows Potential

A framework for understanding how early belief and validation from successful people can shape an entrepreneur's trajectory, particularly through demonstrating a "bias for action."

Core Concept of Believers vs Advisors

• Early-stage entrepreneurs need believers more than advisors
• Believers see potential before evidence exists
• They treat you like a "blue chip stock" when you're still a "penny stock"
• The belief matters more than the actual advice or money given

Key Elements of Bias for Action

• Immediate implementation of feedback

  • Taking advice and acting on it within days
  • Closing the loop by reporting back on actions taken
  • Showing results and next steps

• Characteristics that impress mentors

  • Genuine desire for answers
  • Taking good advice seriously
  • Acting "violently" on feedback
  • Following through and reporting back

Impact of Early Believers

• Creates self-fulfilling prophecy

  • Plants seeds of confidence
  • Gives entrepreneurs something to live up to
  • Provides fuel for continued motivation

• Forms of validation

  • Public endorsements
  • Being listed on investor portfolios
  • Getting mentioned in blog posts
  • Personal encouragement from successful people

Real Examples Mentioned

• Scott Belsky (Adobe CPO)

  • Used concept of being a "steward"
  • Gave early validation through investment
  • Changed recipient's self-image

• Tim Ferriss

  • Showed interest in recipient's work
  • Validated business model through attention
  • Created confidence through association

• The power of labels

  • Being labeled as having "highest bias for action"
  • Labels become self-fulfilling prophecies
  • Creates identity to live up to