10X CEO Curve

Mark Helow 10XCEO.com

Number of CEO’s

Source: Correlation Ventures 21k funding rounds, 2004 to 2013

Top 4% = 10X return

Return on investment

Number of CEO’s

Source: Correlation Ventures 21k funding rounds, 2004 to 2013

The next 6% = 5X to 10X return

Return on investment

Number of CEO’s

Source: Correlation Ventures 21k funding rounds, 2004 to 2013

The next 25% = 1X to 5X return

Return on investment

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This is your curve. CEO skill is the primary determining factor for your company’s place on the curve. Any CEO skill rating rating below the top 10% (for venture backed companies) is not really good enough. Most business challenges for the bottom 90% are really CEO skill challenges. This reality can either be frightening or empowering, depending on your perspective.

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CEO effectiveness is largely predicted by six individual skills: three personal skills and three business skills. The difference in these observed CEO skills is gigantic. Like an athlete, these skills can be observed, quantified, practiced and usually elevated. What to do about it…is to study and train your skill like you are an elite athlete.

Skill #1 – Extreme Time Focus The ability to select and focus only on the most vital priorities (3 or less) that unlock the enterprise’s primary constraint and make your future job easier. Skill #2 – Accelerated Learning Ability The motivation, skill, and practice to learn at an accelerated rate.

Skill #3 – Motivation and Skill Match The desire and ability to master the skills required at each business growth stage.

Business stage I — Prototype

Objective 1. Validated product/market fit

CEO role

Fatal flaws

One-man band (or small team), 1. Customer need isn’t there with helpers 2. Solution doesn’t work

Sales: