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Starting a company is no small feat, and according to Sam Altman, one crucial element for success is having someone who can be the company's chief evangelist. This person is the heart and soul of the startup, responsible for recruiting, selling the product, talking to the press, raising money, and spreading infectious enthusiasm about the company's mission.
Photo: Getty Images/Jack Guez
The Role of an Evangelist Founder
An evangelist founder is someone who can passionately and convincingly promote the company’s vision and products to the world. This person wears many hats and has a unique set of skills that are essential for the startup's success.
Recruiting Talent: Building a great team is one of the most critical tasks for any startup. An evangelist founder attracts top talent by sharing a compelling vision and making people excited about the company’s potential. Their passion and enthusiasm are contagious, making others want to join the journey.
Selling the Product: The evangelist founder is often the best salesperson in the company. They know the product inside and out and can communicate its value effectively to customers. Their genuine belief in the product makes their sales pitch authentic and convincing.
Talking to the Press: Getting media attention is crucial for a startup's visibility. The evangelist founder can engage with the press, tell the company’s story, and generate buzz. They can craft narratives that resonate with the audience and attract positive coverage.
Raising Money: Fundraising is a significant challenge for any startup. The evangelist founder’s enthusiasm and confidence in the company’s future can persuade investors to believe in the vision and provide the necessary funding. They can articulate a compelling case for why the company will succeed and why it’s worth investing in.
Infecting the World with Enthusiasm: Perhaps the most important trait of an evangelist founder is their ability to make others feel excited about what the company is doing. This enthusiasm can permeate through all interactions, whether it's with employees, customers, investors, or the press. It’s this infectious passion that can propel a startup from obscurity to success.
What Makes a Great Evangelist Founder?
Being an evangelist founder requires a combination of charisma, communication skills, and unwavering belief in the company's mission. Here are some key traits:
Passion: A deep, genuine passion for the company’s mission and products.
Charisma: The ability to inspire and persuade others.
Communication Skills: Being an excellent communicator who can tell the company’s story effectively.
Confidence: Belief in the company’s vision and the confidence to face challenges head-on.
Persistence: The determination to keep pushing forward, even when faced with setbacks.
Real-World Examples
Steve Jobs (Apple): Known for his charismatic presentations and unwavering belief in Apple's products, Jobs was the quintessential evangelist founder. His ability to communicate the value of Apple's innovations was a key factor in the company's success.
Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX): Musk’s relentless enthusiasm and bold vision have attracted top talent, media attention, and substantial investment to his ventures. His ability to sell the future has been crucial in achieving groundbreaking successes.
Sara Blakely (Spanx): Blakely’s passion for her product and her ability to tell her story played a significant role in Spanx’s rise. Her enthusiasm and persistence turned her startup into a billion-dollar company.
Conclusion
Sam Altman’s insights highlight the importance of having an evangelist founder in a startup. This person is not just a leader but also the primary advocate for the company’s mission. Their enthusiasm and ability to inspire others are essential for building a team, attracting customers, gaining media attention, and securing investment. If you’re starting a company, consider who can be your chief evangelist – the person who will passionately and convincingly share your vision with the world.
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