Finding a Path to Pathfinders

Steve LudwigHiring ChallengesLeave a Comment

finding a path through the woods

Existing companies and B2B tech startups have a similar problem.  How to know that the person you are tapping to expand the business, lead a team into a new market, and otherwise help blaze new trails has the right set of deep skills to be successful? A recent survey by a trade group for universities in the United States shows … Read More

Lessons from Self-Managed Teams

Steve LudwigHiring ChallengesLeave a Comment

a pile of books with an apple and the letters A, B and C indicating the seat of learning

If one thing the COVID pandemic taught the knowledge worker, they didn’t need to be in their office to do their job—no matter what their bosses said. Some employers and employees are now engaged in a battle to see who will win the power struggle to determine if, when, and how often people will have to gather in person. Can … Read More

Dating, Sales, and Startups

Steve LudwigHiring ChallengesLeave a Comment

two people gazing into each other's eyes

Dating sucks. Okay, let’s refine that one. Dating sucks, except for the genetic freaks that would qualify to be on Love Island. They are not bereft of choice. Still, even for them, the odds may be good, but the goods may be odd.  For B2B tech startups or any business looking into new markets, the behavior of potential clients is … Read More

That’s Sun Strategy

Steve LudwigLife StuffLeave a Comment

The Terracotta Army in China

A 2,000-year-old book continues to have a major influence on today’s business thinking.  No, it’s not the bible.  It’s “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. It’s about war, thus the title. But its principles have made it go to reading for business professionals for more than 50 years.  For B2B tech startups, it’s helpful to know some of Sun … Read More

God Made a Mistake?

Steve LudwigPathfinder SalesLeave a Comment

a person with an indication of their soul above them

“I wish my neuroses were more productive.”  That’s a joke I share with my friends.  To be honest, It isn’t always a joke.  I listen to podcasts, read the Harvard Business Review, and see the latest books about how to improve productivity, create new habits, and do the things that will really make me a better human being—or at least … Read More

2023: Which Way Will the Winds Blow?

Steve LudwigValue Creation JourneyLeave a Comment

A girl drawing the number 2023 in the sand

Business leaders are wondering what 2023 will bring. The war in Ukraine, the lingering effects of the global pandemic, layoffs at major tech companies, inflation, rising interest rates, artificial intelligence, the collapse of cryptocurrency, the worry around a recession, and a host of other issues can impact your startup.  Enough to give an ulcer to the tech founder with even … Read More

Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss?

Steve LudwigLife StuffLeave a Comment

wooden tiles spelling out "in lifting others, we rise".

Most people are not prepared to be the boss of an organization. It’s not a character flaw; rather, as much as we talk about leadership in business circles, you can’t know what it’s like to be in charge until you are. It’s a big responsibility that people’s mortgages, their kids’ college educations, and vacations to Disneyland have a lot to … Read More

Your Gut is Not Always Good at Hiring

Steve LudwigHiring ChallengesLeave a Comment

image of a sign-post with multiple directions

As a B2B tech startup, you have likely already experienced the challenges of building and scaling your business. From developing a product that meets the needs of your target market to securing funding and building a strong team, the journey of a startup is often fraught with obstacles. One of the most significant challenges that many startups face is hiring … Read More