What To Do Next -- Start-Up CEOs Lonely Dilemma

One of the problems of being a seed stage start-up CEO is that no one is really telling you what to next. Generally boards of seed stage companies are either non-existent or pretty passive. Often there are "active" angel investors, and/or microfunds involved, but they usually have so many investments that they are more reactive than proactive.

The problem I am highlighting is felt the most by CEOs who are not coding -- which unfortunately is my reality (although just signed up for Ruby on Rails course). I know enough about coding to be dangerous but not enough to really help...when coding at least after there is agreed spec goals are defined.

Of course can spend time in promotion, marketing, thought leadership, long term planning, budgeting, admin, HR, corporate finance, team empowering, and more -- no lack of things to do. And each of those things could easily fill 20 hours a day and more. Of course some are incredible on managing their time, on their own, and can set for themselves goals, task lists, in other words managing themselves. I am pretty good at all of that -- and often excel at it. But all of those skills and tools don't ameliorate the fact there is only one person "telling" you what to do next -- you.

The position is essentially a lonely one -- there is no one really setting an agenda, reviewing achievements. You can seek out praise and feedback, but it doesn't naturally come to you.

In the past I have written about the seed-stage start-up CEO as a benevolent dictator, which inherently is not a warm and fuzzy role -- to get warm and fuzzy you need your team to reflect it back to you.

In a distributed work force the problem is more acute -- often you are really alone (physically). Sure can engage on ______ (name your favorite social networking platform) but that still has not replaced the water-cooler effect.

And yes there are endless team collaboration tools (some better than others, see Zula) but they are only as good as the use you make of them. And again, event the best is still a tool for bridging the gaps -- but gaps remain.

Is there a way to be less lonely? Sure, but takes pushing yourself. Engage your investors more, make them feel like you really are listening to them -- so while not a formal board the communication is two way. Create forums for shareholders to connect on a regular basis. Take on a mentor. Schedule regular mentorship time (no matter how experienced we all could use help from someone not ourselves).

There is no magic formula -- the position is inherently lonely. So don't let yourself slip into endless FB/Twitter sessions -- you have work to do! You are supposed to lead! (talking to myself as well of course).