What is traction anyway?

Snow has already fallen in the high country of Colorado, so it's time to start thinking about traction on the snow-covered roads.

From Sept. 1 through May 31, all commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 between the Dotsero exit (mile point (MP) 133) and the Morrison exit (MP 259) must carry sufficient chains to be in compliance with the Colorado chain law

Startup gurus, founders, and investors have different views about traction that is seen through their particular lens looking at a company's stage of development.

STARTUP TRACTION

For early-stage companies, traction is the extent to which a product, idea, etc., gains popularity or acceptance, i.e. evidence that there is product market fit. But how stakeholders measure it varies depending on the eyes of the beholder. Is traction the number of eyeballs in front of the screen? The number of likes, the numbers and types of customers or is it your monthly or annual recurrent revenue and growth rate period to period?

Most seed stage investors want to see you have traction. Find out what that means.

STUCK SCALEUP TRACTION

The definition of a stuck scaleup, affectionately referred to as "zombies", is one that has demonstrated product market fit, has achieved some level of annual recurrent revenue, typically anywhere from $5-10 million, but their progression and growth has stalled.

There is an every growing scaleup ecosystem, including scaleup experts, platforms, and franchises including EOS and Scalingup and Velocify

Each one has their own buzzwords, business models, processes and costs, but they are all designed to jump start stalled revenue growth if you are a for profit, our accelerating your impact if you are non-profit. The core elements are people, strategy, execution, managing and measuring your data and your numbers on financial statements.

Are you stuck in your career?

GROWNUP TRACTION

There are many examples of privately held or public companies that have substantial revenues, have impressive numbers of customers but have not yet made a dime in profit, but are losing the war for customers or have a falling or stagnant stock price because they have not navigated the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous markets, threats, and opportunities.

They simply have not figured out how to go from the now to the next to the new.

What is your AI strategy and how will you find the people and resources to execute it?

Should you buy snow tires or all-season tires? Snow vs All-Season Tires specifically designed with wider gaps and deep ridges, are optimal for driving in such conditions and have approval from the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association. Conversely, all-season tires are more about versatility, designed to handle multiple driving conditions but lack specialization. This makes them a functional but not perfect choice for any one specific condition. All-weather tires outperform all-season tires in snowy environments, while winter tires excel in extreme winter conditions, albeit with faster wear on warm, dry pavement. When it comes to trucks or SUVs, all-terrain tires are more efficient, providing traction both on and off-road, in mud and snow. However, the best tire choice ultimately depends on factors such as your vehicle type, location, driving habits, and the severity of conditions you face.

The decision will determine whether you plow ahead or will need to call for a tow.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs on Substack.

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