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Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, has some straightforward yet powerful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: you don't have to be the best, but you have to be dangerous. Let's explore what he means by that and how this mindset can help you turn your ideas into reality.
Photo: Cody Pickens
Just Enough to Be Dangerous
Systrom believes you don't need to master every skill to succeed. Instead, you need to learn just enough to be dangerous—to build an idea, develop a concept, and show it to the world. This means having the ability to create something that sparks interest and gets people talking.
The Power of the Initial Idea
Your initial idea doesn't have to be perfect. It just needs to be compelling enough to attract attention. Systrom's experience with Instagram proves this point. He and his co-founder, Mike Krieger, started with a simple photo-sharing app that quickly evolved into the social media giant we know today. The key was getting that first version out there, even if it wasn't flawless.
Attracting the Right People
Once you have a concept that captures people's imagination, you’ll attract others who are passionate about it. These people will often have skills that surpass your own in various areas. For Systrom, it was about finding those 170 talented employees who could take his idea and make it even better.
Building a Team
Systrom emphasizes the importance of building a team that believes in your idea. When you show people what you’ve created, and it resonates with them, they’ll want to join you and contribute their expertise. This collective effort can transform a good idea into an extraordinary one.
Embrace Collaboration
The success of Instagram wasn't just about Systrom's initial vision. It was about the collaborative effort of a team that believed in the idea and worked together to enhance it. By embracing the skills and creativity of others, you can take your concept to new heights.
Key Takeaways
Be Dangerous: Learn just enough to build and share your idea.
Attract Talent: Create something compelling that draws talented people to you.
Collaborate: Work with others to improve and refine your idea.
Keep Evolving: Be open to feedback and allow your concept to grow with the help of your team.
Conclusion
Kevin Systrom's approach shows that you don't need to be the best at everything to succeed. By being just dangerous enough to get your idea off the ground and attracting a talented team, you can create something truly remarkable. So, embrace your creativity, share your ideas, and let others help you make them even better. This mindset not only leads to innovative products but also fosters a collaborative and dynamic work environment where great things can happen.
Listen to Kevin Systrom:
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