Current in Entrepreneurship Blog

Forget fancy degrees and million-dollar investments. Scott Cohen, the co-founder of Byte, just spilled the tea on how his company rocketed to a billion bucks in three short years. Buckle up, aspiring entrepreneurs, because this is pure gold.

Embrace the Hustle

Being a startup founder isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Cohen says get ready to get uncomfortable. It's part of the ride. But hey, that discomfort can push you to new heights. Byte, for example, had zero venture capital funding, so messing up wasn't an option. Once you learn to thrive on the hustle, everything else seems a breeze (well, almost!).

Data Don't Lie

At Byte, data is king (or queen, depending on your vibe). They track everything – from marketing channels to how happy their customers are. This data helps them figure out where to double down and where to cut their losses. Basically, it's their secret weapon for making smart choices that keep the money flowing.

Grit is Your Superpower

Building a business is tough. There will be bumps in the road, that's a given. But Cohen says the key is having the grit to bounce back stronger. Byte is his third rodeo, and each time he's learned from his mistakes and built something even better. So don't be afraid to fail – just learn from it and pick yourself back up.

Surround Yourself with Awesome

Cohen doesn't believe in know-it-alls. He surrounds himself with people who are smarter than him in their fields. That's how you get things done and make a real impact. Trust and teamwork are key. Imagine your dream team – that's the kind of crew you want by your side.

The Power of Two

Speaking of teams, Cohen and his co-founder Blake Johnson are a match made in startup heaven. Their different skillsets (tech and marketing for Cohen, finance for Johnson) and long-time friendship allowed them to totally trust each other and focus on what they do best. It's a beautiful thing.

Trust Your Gut (But Listen to the Data Too)

Data is awesome, but sometimes you gotta go with your gut. Especially when things get tricky. Cohen says to listen to your intuition, that inner voice honed by experience. It can be your secret weapon for making tough calls. But don't ignore the data completely – find the balance, and you'll be golden.

Believe in Yourself

This one's a biggie. You gotta believe in yourself and your vision, no matter what. Cohen's been through a global pandemic and all sorts of craziness, but his belief in Byte never wavered. That's what it takes to win.

Happy Customers = Happy Business

Make your customers feel like rockstars, and they'll shout your praises from the rooftops. That's the Byte way. They put a ton of effort into making their customers happy, because happy customers become brand advocates. Basically, they do the marketing for you (score!).

Do Good, Feel Good

Being a successful entrepreneur isn't just about the money (although that's pretty sweet too). Cohen believes in using your business to make a positive impact. Byte offers affordable oral care, and that's helped a ton of people. Finding a purpose beyond profit is what keeps Cohen motivated and keeps him coming up with new ideas to change the world.

The Journey Never Ends

Cohen isn't slowing down anytime soon. He's already got his sights set on a new venture – a wellness platform called Alter. With his experience and passion for making a difference, he's sure to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. So, get ready to see even more unicorn stories in the future!