A startup, David Heinemeier Hansson argues, will never have the resources to outspend a Google or a Microsoft in promoting itself. Instead, his own company 37signals tries to out-teach. “We’re trying to build an audience; we’re not just trying to have customers.” Through blogs, lectures, seminars and other teachable moments, he explains that 37signals has created a following of the company that may not use the product today. But at some point, these people will either buy our product or recommend it to someone who will. In the end, all sustainable businesses are built by word of mouth.
Related

Toni Townes-Whitley,
Microsoft
The Ethics of Innovation [Entire Talk]
Tech innovators must index on larger social issues like fairness, accessibility and the effect on jobs to stay relevant.
Video
59 minutes
Toni Townes-Whitley,
Microsoft
The Ethics of Innovation [Entire Talk]
Tech innovators must index on larger social issues like fairness, accessibility and the effect on jobs to stay relevant.

David Eagleman,
Stanford School of Medicine
A Brainy Approach to Innovation [Entire Talk]
Renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman shares his passion for translating the complexities of cognition into mind-blowing inventions and educational material for the masses. The public-television host, bestselling author and Stanford adjunct professor speaks with Tina Seelig of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program about his decision to leave the lab and dedicate his life to bringing scientific discoveries into the world.
Video
58 minutes
David Eagleman,
Stanford School of Medicine
A Brainy Approach to Innovation [Entire Talk]
Renowned neuroscientist David Eagleman shares his passion for translating the complexities of cognition into mind-blowing inventions and educational material for the masses. The public-television host, bestselling author and Stanford adjunct professor speaks with Tina Seelig of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program about his decision to leave the lab and dedicate his life to bringing scientific discoveries into the world.

Carlos Watson,
Ozy Media
Taking a Lead From Tech [Entire Talk]
Carlos Watson, co-founder and CEO of Ozy Media, describes how its forward-focused digital news magazine, Ozy, looks more toward innovators in business sectors outside traditional media. The Emmy-winning journalist shares the unlikely origins of his entrepreneurial drive, and explains how his wide-ranging career has been fueled by family, curiosity and the thrill of starting fresh.
Video
57 minutes
Carlos Watson,
Ozy Media
Taking a Lead From Tech [Entire Talk]
Carlos Watson, co-founder and CEO of Ozy Media, describes how its forward-focused digital news magazine, Ozy, looks more toward innovators in business sectors outside traditional media. The Emmy-winning journalist shares the unlikely origins of his entrepreneurial drive, and explains how his wide-ranging career has been fueled by family, curiosity and the thrill of starting fresh.