I guess we would define these companies differently right?
They're definitely classified as small businesses but they're on a different track. That being said I think both "tracks" could learn from each other despite having different problems. They can even share goals.
You might not need customers initially if you raise 200 Million for your AI startup, but eventually you will, unless you maintain escape velocity or sell. I think it's more likely that chasing word-of-mouth marketing is an excellent goal for all companies and thinking you're above that will increase your risk.
startups by definition aren't really small businesses. they might not have a lot of employees, but they don't stay that way. a small business is successful and sustainable at that size and is structured to be so. a startup either becomes a large business or ceases to exist entirely.
I think they would agree with you and were mostly drawing attention to this distinction, be it cheekily.
You're definitely right about the difference and thank you for mentioning it.
I do think that the point of the article can still be applied to both types of business. The point I take from the article is more about not missing out on your identity or thinking your britches are too big, which could be applied to startups as well.
They're definitely classified as small businesses but they're on a different track. That being said I think both "tracks" could learn from each other despite having different problems. They can even share goals.
You might not need customers initially if you raise 200 Million for your AI startup, but eventually you will, unless you maintain escape velocity or sell. I think it's more likely that chasing word-of-mouth marketing is an excellent goal for all companies and thinking you're above that will increase your risk.