Focus Fuel

Focus Fuel

Share this post

Focus Fuel
Focus Fuel
My $25K Spreadsheet Disaster Could Be Your Big Breakthrough
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
⚡ Paid stuff

My $25K Spreadsheet Disaster Could Be Your Big Breakthrough

Escape Analysis Paralysis and Gain Momentum

Dave Meier's avatar
Dave Meier
Aug 11, 2024
∙ Paid
1

Share this post

Focus Fuel
Focus Fuel
My $25K Spreadsheet Disaster Could Be Your Big Breakthrough
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

16 years ago, I stood at a crossroads. 

I wanted to start my own business. But there was a problem. I had zero sales experience. 

A business without sales is just an expensive hobby.

So, I made a plan. Get a sales job, learn the ropes, and then go out alone. Simple, right?

I found an advertising company who sold digital advertising. The role was to cold call prospects, set meetings and sell advertising space.

During the interview, my soon-to-be boss asked a question:

"Why aren't you starting your own business?"

I laid my cards on the table: "I don't have any sales experience. I'll give you everything for 12 months. But then I'll be gone to build my dream."

To my surprise, he hired me on the spot. Turns out, this guy was a legend. He saw my entrepreneurial spirit as an asset, not a liability.

The $25,000 Mistake

Armed with excitement and a fresh pair of shoes, I was ready to start selling. 

But instead of picking up the phone, I picked up...

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Focus Fuel to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Dave Meier
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More