How to Stay Positive

The Startup Help Desk

In this episode we talk about staying positive. Things constantly go wrong at every startup company. How do you stay positive in the face of bad news? How do you keep your team motivated? We are here to help! In this episode we answer questions including:

• What if your big product launch flops?
• What do you do if your competitor announces big news?
• How can you keep your team focused on the big picture?

All of these questions were submitted by listeners just like you. You can submit questions for us to answer on our website TheStartupHelpdesk.com or on X/Twitter @thestartuphd - we'd love to hear from you!
Your hosts:

• Sean Byrnes: General Partner, Near Horizon www.nearhorizon.vc
• Ash Rust: Managing Partner, Sterling Road www.sterlingroad.com
• Nic Meliones: CEO, Navi www.heynavi.com

Reminder: this is not legal advice or investment advice.

Q1: What if your big product launch flops?

Product launches rarely meet sky-high expectations: normalize the disappointment. Then, reframe the launch as a learning milestone. Even if metrics fell short, you’ve gained valuable data on what resonates (or doesn’t) with customers. Highlight those learnings to your team.

Adopt an “Always Be Launching” mindset. Shift from high-stakes drops to ongoing micro-launches that build momentum. Celebrate the team’s efforts: recognize execution, creativity, and resilience.

Finally, share a clear next step to drive focus and restore confidence. Forward motion beats stagnation when morale dips.

Q2: What do you do if your competitor announces big news?

Your team may feel shaken, but this is your cue to lead with clarity—not comparison. Fundraising is not a win; strategy is.

Remind your team: we’re playing our game. If the strategy is working, there is no need to chase others. Be transparent about your game plan. Explain how you’re building durable advantages, like customer love, product strength, or operational excellence.

Reaffirm your long-term edge. If you’re not raising now, frame that as a strength. Perhaps your growth and margins mean you don’t need to. Teams rally behind leaders who bring context, calm, and conviction.

Q3: How can you keep your team focused on the big picture?

Start with transparency. Let your team know what happened, why it matters, and also how it fits into the bigger picture.

Then reframe: one customer is not your whole trajectory. Point to forward-looking metrics like pipeline growth, retention, and new demand.

Most importantly: market to your team. Use repetition to reinforce your mission and momentum. When the team believes in the future, they stay focused despite setbacks.