World Tours, Sock Wars, & Slow-and-steady growth
We've been thinking a lot about the idea of growth for the sake of growth.
If you only looked at the media representation of starting a business (Silicon Valley, Shark Tank and the like), it might feel like “real” entrepreneurship means raising millions of dollars from a venture capital firm, not sleeping for a few years, and then achieving a 100x exit (or crashing and burning).
In what should come as no surprise, we have a very different take.
We think that the hyper-competitive, hyper-masculine, grow-at-all-costs mentality that’s so pervasive in our culture is - how should we put this - bullshit. Not only is this type of growth not possible for most types of businesses, it can actually be really harmful to workers and communities.
What healthy growth looks like for your business might be at odds with what you see in the news or on one of those “30 Under 30” lists. And it's ok - hell, preferable - to grow your business in a way that feeds your soul and makes you good money, but is never featured in a “startups to watch” article.
Here are just a few of the reasons we’re all about slow, steady, and sustainable growth:
✅ We're not dying to sell our companies for a multimillion dollar payout because we actually really love the work we do.
✅ We’re not interested in making our costs as low as possible if it negatively impacts the people who work for and with us.
✅ We absolutely believe that steady business growth and a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle can co-exist.
This isn't to say that the slow and steady approach doesn't have its own challenges. Join us on July 9th for our monthly Weak Ties/Strong Bonds dinner, where you'll get a chance to connect with other entrepreneurs who have big goals, but are looking to achieve them in a measured, sustainable way. Get your ticket here.
🪢 Laura + Lauren
Things We Loved This Week
Laura’s Things
🍎 This NYC-themed Spotify playlist. Dare you to try and find another playlist that combines Nas, Frank Sinatra, and LCD Soundsystem cohesively.
🧦 This deep dive on the generational sock war.
👩🏻 This tweet that I’ve never related to more.
🐀 This hot take on rat faces and dad bods.
Lauren’s Things
🇺🇲 This episode of Last Week Tonight, which should be required viewing for everyone this election season.
🎩 The best take on Taylor letting Travis on stage in London.
🌎 All of the world tours that have now been ruined
👔 Is the Man in Finance song so strong that it literally revived flash mobs?
