The startup CEO's primary responsibility is keeping the company going, whether that means funding, sales, or product development. The problem is the current nee

The startup CEO's primary responsibility is keeping the company going, whether that means funding, sales, or product development. The problem is the current need can alter at a moment's notice. There is a reason Bill Campbell (CEO of Intuit) said your first hire should be product management. I've written about that here: http://softwaremaven.innerbrane.com/2009/10/hire-product-management-first.html http://softwaremaven.innerbrane.com/2009/10/hire-product-man... The article's general thought is right: early product management (we generally refer to it as customer development here) is critical. It is just too important to leave in her hands for long!