Ariel and Jenna discuss the core lessons Ariel learned creating and leading Parachute during the company’s first year.
Learning Points
- How exceptional quality and an authentic story distinguish your company as a brand rather than a product
- Parachute’s internal efforts promoting the brand without a marketing budget during year one
- The team’s work fulfilling our desire to discover new brands and the importance of your first customers being capable and eager to tell your story
- Ariel’s first nine months heading customer service and why she approached every interaction like a focus group; One-on-one’s with customers are startups unique opportunity to beat the competition
- When Ariel knew it was time to make her first hire and tips on how to navigate working with your new team member
- The importance of giving your team the ability to unveil new ways of thinking; “Trust them and allow the to be their very best.”
- The right way to emotionally detach from your product and Ariel’s personal experiences relinquishing the pursuit of perfection; It’s not scalable.
- The A-ha moment that changed Ariel’s pitching style; “This is not the time to be shy. This is your moment to let it all out and show people how dedicated you are.”