Start-Ups Should Be Patient for Growth, Impatient for Profits - HBR's The Daily Idea

June 27, 2013 Every start-up has two choices: pursue profit (the most sensible, long-term option) or focus on growth (the get-big-fast option). The second option, of course, is the most enticing. Tumblr, YouTube, Groupon, the list goes on — these companies scaled insanely fast. But those examples aren't the rule; they're the exception. And if start-ups choose the get-big-fast path, there's a good chance they're going to crash and burn. So the best option is to heed the wise advice of Clay Christensen: "Be patient for growth, and impatient for profits." SOURCE: The Get-Big-Quick Fallacy by Scott Anthony