SaaStr 757: 10 Cheat Codes I Learned While Scaling to $400M with Yext and Roam Founder Howard Lerman
Dive into a unique and tactical journey with Howard Lerman, Founder at Roam, sharing unconventional yet effective strategies drawn from personal experiences and notable figures like John Lennon. Learn the importance of mastering storytelling, the art of live demos, the controversial take on one-on-one meetings, and the benefits of Sunday night executive meetings. Discover how leveraging your cap table for strategic advisors can accelerate your business and understand the significance of maintaining product market fit. Embrace the philosophy of doing things your way and making your company an extension of your vision. This episode is packed with practical advice for startup founders looking to navigate the complexities of building and scaling their companies.
Howard's 10 cheat codes:
- Memorize Your Lines: Master storytelling by memorizing your company's story.
- The Live Demo: Take the risk with live demos.
- 1:1 Meetings Are Terrible: Avoid scheduled one-on-one meetings.
- Sunday Night Meetings: Start your week with Sunday night exec meetings.
- Advisor-Led Growth: Use stock options to bring on influential advisors.
- 5-Minute Meetings: Hold short, effective meetings.
- Meet with Customers: Meeting customers lifts spirits.
- Board Chair: Have a powerful chairperson.
- Do Not Delegate: Retain control over critical functions like product-market fit.
- Have Fun: Make your company your creative canvas.