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What’s been your most unexpectedly useful skill as a founder?
r/Entrepreneur
7/10/2025
Content Summary
Founders discuss unexpectedly valuable skills in entrepreneurship. Key skills include: philosophy for critical thinking, business language proficiency (Japanese), emergency triage mindset, ADHD management, improvisation/theater skills, concise writing, reliability, and stoicism. Notable insights include leveraging neurodiversity as a strength, the importance of clear communication, and structured routines for productivity. Several users highlighted how niche skills (like pitch deck creation) evolved into core business services.
Opinion Analysis
Mainstream opinions emphasize soft skills over technical abilities:
- Writing/communication skills widely recognized as critical for business growth
- Neurodiversity (particularly ADHD) seen as both challenge and advantage when managed properly
- Reliability and professionalism (e.g. punctuality) considered foundational for client trust
Controversial aspects:
- Heavy reliance on Adderall for ADHD management sparks debate about medication dependency
- Some users question if theater skills/improvisation could compromise authenticity in business
Divergent perspectives:
- Debate between structured routines vs embracing chaos for productivity
- Split between viewing philosophy as practical tool vs theoretical indulgence
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| None mentioned | - | - | - |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Difficulty prioritizing tasks when everything feels urgent
- Struggling with focus and productivity (especially with ADHD)
- Challenges in clear communication and conveying value
- Managing client expectations and handling crises
Problems to Solve:
- Making effective decisions under pressure
- Maintaining consistent business operations (e.g. showing up reliably)
- Creating persuasive content (emails, pitches, landing pages)
- Building client trust through professionalism
Potential Solutions:
- Implementing triage/emergency response thinking for prioritization
- Using medication (Adderall) and structure for ADHD management
- Developing writing/copywriting skills for clear communication
- Leveraging improvisation and theater skills for client interactions
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Developing strong writing/copywriting for marketing materials
- Building public speaking/storytelling skills for fundraising and hiring
- Implementing structured routines for productivity
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Creating concise, action-oriented communication (emails, landing pages)
- Leveraging enthusiasm and passion in client interactions
- Using improvisation skills to build client comfort and trust
Monetization & Product:
- Specialized investor approaches (e.g. ADHD-focused investors)
- Turning core skills into services (e.g. pitch deck creation)
User Engagement:
- Community building through shared experiences (ADHD entrepreneurs)
- Leveraging Reddit discussions for knowledge sharing
- Developing client relationships through reliability and professionalism