Today's Entrepreneur: David Cristello

Rewarding: Always learning, constantly growing, being challenged daily and being forced to think how to solve a problem or issue with few resources, limited knowledge, and extreme uncertainty. So the rewarding part is the "feeling of being fully alive".

Frustrating: Sometimes "being fully alive" is exhausting, and your answers or solutions do not solve a problem (at least in the short term). Also not knowing how current decisions will impact the long term success of the company (early hires, product decisions, advisor network, etc). But overall running a startup is 90% rewarding, 10% frustrating. If you stay stuck in the 10%, it will overtake your vantage point, and destroy your ability to make the right move and get back into the "rewarding part". This isn't a pity party, we don't stay stuck in 10% of frustration. "If you fall down, at least land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up"

1. Wait to get customers (paying customers) until you start coding 
The #1 a business need is a customer, so why not talk (and eventually sell) to them as soon as possible.

1. Success is determine by the quality of the questions you ask to your customers, your team, your advisors, and your peer group. 
2. Persistence and Grit are two underrated (but highly useful) qualities for a founder 
3. You have to been rooted in the pain & problem you're solving, or why you started the company in the first place. If you can find a single person (other than yourself) for which your product can help, it will help you navigate the internal battle and have "staying power" .

Founder, Jetpack Workflow (www.jetpackworkflow.com).

Previously was an independent technical marketing consultant and co-founder of Pittsburgh Startup Weekend. 

I have a background in (lean,cost effective, measurable, value driven) Marketing, specifically for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. I helped create and maintain marketing campaigns, structure sales and marketing funnels, as well as strategy and system implementation.

“With the help of David's social marketing efforts, we were able to pinpoint hard to reach key players in our industry and develop strategies to connect with them. Through his unique approach, we were able to exponentially grow our sales success, from closing one deal every quarter we are now closing two deals every month. “ Razi Imam, Founder, CEO of 113 Industries.

“David worked closely with me to design and implement a marketing program that allowed Armstrong Search Associates to triple its number of clients, despite the fact that our industry was in a down turn” Tom Schmaus, VP of Armstrong Search Associates

"When we implemented David's suggestions on our website, we immediately saw an increase in lead generation. Most importantly, David taught us fundamental marketing skills that will continue to help us far into the future. " Dr. Tom Galluzzo, Co-Founder, OpenJAUS 


Jetpack Workflow is competing in the Splash LA competition. The top eight of the competition will compete live on stage at Splash LA on Oct. 15 at Loews Santa Monica Hotel. Register here.