Start up culture and not working with assholes

Watch Me Think ends its 5th full year of trading on June 30th, 2016.

6 years ago, Vince, Ste and I were discussing the initial idea, over a few pints in a pub in Richmond.

It made me smile today, when I read some of the original notes we made at the time (Screenshot above).

We listed things we felt we would have to be able to say about our company, if we built it, that would justify us all quitting our “proper” jobs to have a crack at this new venture.

The last 5 years have been an incredible ride.

We have built a business in 3 continents and provide our services to 21 of the top 25 Global FMCG companies. Our solutions can be carried out in 42 Countries and we’ve won a few awards for innovation in our field.

That all sounds very grown up, but we are by no means the finished article and will always be work in progress.

That said, for anyone thinking of starting a new venture, I would highly recommend creating a similar list before you start.

Based on our experience, defining what you would like to be able to say about the company you plan to launch and keeping that central as you evolve, not only increases your chances of success, it ensures you remain proud of what you do build.

John Hoctor

CEO, Watch me Think