Entrepreneurship often rewards small, bold moves more than perfect plans. Curious how buying muffins or selling novelty cereal helped build major companies? This piece explores practical, risk-smart choices from Jesse Itzler, Sara Blakely and Airbnb that might nudge your next leap.
From muffins to private jets: Jesse Itzler’s unconventional pitch
Jesse Itzler is famous for his smart, unconventional business tactics. He believes in making bold moves instead of waiting for perfect timing. One great example involves getting a meeting with a tough-to-reach investor. Instead of sending emails, Itzler bought a dozen fresh muffins. He then personally delivered them to the investor’s office.
This simple, unexpected act got him noticed. It showed his dedication and willingness to go the extra mile. It wasn’t just about the muffins; it was about standing out. This direct approach helped him get his foot in the door.
Pitching on a Private Jet
Itzler’s creativity didn’t stop there. He once learned that a potential investor was taking a private jet. Instead of waiting for a formal meeting, Itzler found a way to get on that very same flight. He used the travel time to pitch his company directly to the investor.
Imagine the surprise and impact of that pitch! This bold move turned a simple flight into a unique business opportunity. Itzler’s story shows that sometimes, the most effective strategies are the ones that break the mold. It’s about being memorable and creating your own chances.
Scrappy marketing wins: how Sara Blakely moved Spanx into the spotlight
Sara Blakely started Spanx with a simple idea and very little money. She wanted to create comfortable shapewear that women actually loved. Without a big marketing budget, Sara had to get creative. She used what we call “scrappy” marketing to make her brand famous.
Instead of hiring a big team, Sara did much of the work herself. She would go into department stores and show off her product. She even called buyers directly, sometimes pretending to be her own assistant. This hands-on approach helped her get Spanx on store shelves.
Oprah’s Endorsement: A Game Changer
A huge moment for Spanx came when Oprah Winfrey discovered the product. Oprah loved how Spanx made her feel and featured it on her popular show. This endorsement was incredibly powerful. It instantly put Spanx in front of millions of potential customers.
Sara also made sure her packaging stood out. She used bright red to catch people’s eyes on crowded shelves. These smart, low-cost moves helped Spanx become a billion-dollar company. It shows that being clever and persistent can be more important than having a huge budget.
Creative fundraising and growth: Airbnb’s cereal stunt and investor pitch
Airbnb, now a giant in travel, faced tough times early on. The founders needed money to keep their company alive. They were running out of cash and couldn’t get investors interested. So, they came up with a truly unique idea to raise funds.
During the 2008 U.S. presidential election, they created special cereal boxes. These weren’t just any cereals; they were called “Obama O’s” and “Cap’n McCain’s.” They designed the boxes themselves and sold them for $40 each. This was a clever way to get attention and make some quick money.
Selling Cereal to Fund a Startup
This “cereal stunt” wasn’t just about selling breakfast. It showed investors that the Airbnb team was creative and resourceful. They weren’t afraid to try something completely different to solve a problem. This kind of thinking is key for startups.
When they pitched to investors, they didn’t just talk about their website. They brought the cereal boxes. This helped them stand out. It proved they could think outside the box, literally. This bold move helped them secure the funding they needed to grow into the global company we know today.
Takeaways for founders: small risks, consistency, and a bias toward action
Founders often think they need to make huge, risky moves to succeed. But the truth is, small, smart risks can lead to big wins. Think about Jesse Itzler and his muffins. That was a small, personal risk that opened a big door. It wasn’t about a perfect plan, but about taking a chance.
The Power of Consistency
Being consistent is super important. Sara Blakely didn’t just get lucky with Spanx. She kept pushing, visiting stores, and making calls. Her steady effort, even with little money, built a huge brand. It shows that sticking with it, day after day, really pays off.
Just Do It: A Bias Toward Action
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Airbnb’s founders needed cash, so they sold cereal. It was a weird idea, but they acted on it. This “bias toward action” means you try things, learn from them, and keep moving forward. It’s better to start and adjust than to wait and do nothing.
So, for any founder, remember these lessons. Take those small, bold steps. Stay consistent in your efforts. And always have a bias toward action. These simple ideas can help you build something amazing.
Fonte: Fortune.com
