We've all seen those charts showing "hockey-stick growth." They are the envy of entrepreneurs who haven't found it, and among the most important moments in a company's history for those who have. Hockey-stick growth tells a story: A company was slowly finding its way, and then-rocket ship. The rest is history.
But hockey-stick growth didn't just happen. Something triggered it. There was an inflection point. What was it?
I was a founder and longtime product lead at Airbnb, and now I write a newsletter about product growth that's the No. 1 business newsletter on Substack. (Find it at lennysnewsletter.com.) And I wanted to answer this question: What precedes an inflection in growth? To find out, I spent weeks researching inflection points and chatting with leaders at two dozen of today's most successful companies-including founders and early employees at Figma, DoorDash, Tinder, YouTube, Snap, Airbnb, and others.
FROM THAT, I CAME TO THREE CONCLUSIONS:
1/ The majority of growth inflections sprang from a specific product improvement.
2/ Many of the most durable inflections came from the company doubling down on their primary growth engine (like SEO or virality).
3/A surprising number of growth inflections came from an unexpected external event, without the product changing at all.
This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May - June 2023 edition of Entrepreneur US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How to Succeed With Gen Z Workers
People often say that younger employees are different. But are they? We asked six business leaders what they've learned, and how their teams thrive.
There's No Perfect Answer
I worked the same job for 19 years. I hated it, but it paid the bills. Then, in 2017, I entertained an exciting but terrifying question: Could I be an entrepreneur? I wasn't sure, so I needed something that felt like a guarantee. I searched for signs that would feel like a big, clear \"yes!\" Instead, what I found was a tarot card deck.
10 HOTTEST TRENDS for 2025
Want to buy a brand that buzzes? Here's what to know.
BUILD YOUR MONEY MACHINE
A franchise isn't just a franchise. It should be a Money Machine, creating profit even while you're out of the office. Here's how.
The Top Franchises for Veterans
Are you a military vet looking to become a franchisee, or just want to support a brand that supports the troops? Check out these 150 brands.
20 LEADERS WHO ARE DEFINING ENTREPRENEURSHIP TODAY
In a year of disruption, we wanted to know: Whose work will define the years to come? We reviewed hundreds of names and picked 20 leaders across a range of industries and sizes. Meet them on the following pages, and see what it takes to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
How to Become a Main Street Millionaire
It started when I bought one little laundromat. Now I have a whole portfolio of small local businesses that bring in tens of millions in revenue a year. Here's why following my playbook could be your ticket to financial freedom-and saving America's local small businesses.
Want to Better Serve Your Clients? Become Them.
As a designer for brands, starting my own product company gave me a dose of humilityand it changed the way I relate to clients.
I've Been a Publicist for 17 Years.Don't Hire Me.
Entrepreneurs often think they need PR. Most don't. Here's why you're probably better off not hiring someone like me.
The CEO's Advice to the MVP
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor knows the formula for a successful launch. NBA champ Jaylen Brown recently launched a shoe and athleisure brand. They have a lot to teach each other.
