Avoid These Common Founder Mistakes

Hey founders,

Every entrepreneur makes mistakes. The best ones catch them early and fix them fast.

Today, we’re breaking down three common mistakes that can stall growth, burn cash, and make business harder than it needs to be.

Let’s get into it.

Mistake #1: Overbuilding Instead of Selling

A lot of founders think the biggest risk is launching too soon. 

In reality, spending months perfecting a product is a far bigger risk.

The belief is: “If we build something amazing, people will come.”

But what actually happens is the product launches, but nobody shows up.

Why? Because people don’t buy great products—they buy solutions to their problems.

So before writing a single line of code or placing that first bulk inventory order, get proof.

• Talk to customers. 

• Sell first, build second. 

• Focus on distribution. 

The best founders start with the customers, not the product.

Mistake #2: Avoiding Sales 

A founder who won’t sell is a founder who won’t grow.

Too many entrepreneurs avoid sales because they don’t like it, would prefer someone else to do it, or they don’t want to feel pushy. 

They rely on social media, SEO, or word-of-mouth instead—hoping that customers will just find them.

That’s a nice thought. But… it’s not realistic.

Sales is a skill, not a personality trait. And in the early days, founders need to sell. ALL THE TIME.

You should be doing 25 outreaches a day, personalized, and following up multiple times.

And whatever you do- DON’T PITCH SLAP.

Build human connections in the DMs, comment on their posts, follow up with thoughts via email. This is the way. 

Mistake #3: Taking On Co-Founders/Partners Too Soon

Would it be a good idea to let someone you just met watch your kids and have access to your bank account? 

Umm… probably not.

Yet too many founders jump into co-founder relationships without really knowing the person they’re tying their business to.

The wrong co-founder can sink a business faster than running solo.

Try the following instead:

• Test the partnership first. Work together on a project before committing.

• Use vesting agreements. Equity should be earned over time, preventing disaster if someone leaves.

• Consider hiring instead. Try fractional executives, part-time specialists, or advisors before giving up equity.

A co-founder should be an amplifier, not a liability. Choose wisely.

Adjust Early, Or Pay the Price

These aren’t just “rookie” mistakes. They’re traps that even seasoned founders fall into when things get chaotic.

The key is to recognize them, fix them, and move forward.

So ask yourself:

• Am I doing sales and outreach each week that’s moving the needle?

• Am I focusing on distribution as much as I focus on my product?

• Am I ready to bring on a partner? 

Let’s have a great weekend!

—The TRIBE Team