4 ms·
First rule of con artists, poker players and startup founders: if you can't tell who the sucker is, it's you. Doesn't matter what they promise you, it's all smo
by FearNotDaniel 4y ago
First rule of con artists, poker players and startup founders: if you can't tell who the sucker is, it's you. Doesn't matter what they promise you, it's all smoke and mirrors and they can take it away or make it worthless any time they like. Negotiate the best salary you can, and don't give up a single cent of that monthly money in the bank against some empty promise of future riches. You already suspect they're lying to you, don't lose any sleep over it, just ask yourself if the monthly salary is worth the work you do and if not, go somewhere else.
- jacquesm 4y agoThis is practical, but ultimately not the best advice, the OP already has a lot of time and potentially money sunk into this endeavor and should at least ascertain their position before making rash moves. Your advice works well before engagement.
- tinus_hn 4y agoThis implies that in every deal there is a sucker, which is not true. Many people are employed in a way that is beneficial both to themselves and to their employer.
- kohanz 4y agoI don't really get this rule in the context of a startup. In poker, the point is for there to be a win-lose arrangement where you are the winner. Are you saying that one should only consider joining a startup where they consider the founder(s) to be a "sucker"? I doubt that's a good plan.
- lovelearning 4y agoI interpreted it as a strategy: assume that all founders will act like con artists towards their employees ("all smoke and mirrors", "empty promises"), so make sure from the start that you don't end up a sucker.