You’ve probably heard the term “judo strategy” (a very popular meme from the dot com era), but you may not have thought about what it really means.  I learned, from of all places, an interview that Joe Rogan gave to astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

In the interview, the former Fear Factor host talks about the importance of technique in jiu-jitsu.  Mastery of technique allows you to overcome inferiority of strength.

I think this is an important point.  Here in Silicon Valley, we often talk about the importance of speed and being nimble, but all the speed in the world doesn’t help without the proper technique.

It’s far too easy for young entrepreneurs to get caught up in talk of disruptive technologies without appreciating the importance of good technique on the business side.

I find it funny that hackers who instinctively know the value of using the right development frameworks, and are obssessed with the latest libraries and patterns, don’t seem to realize that the same applies to sales, marketing, and strategy.

Ironically enough, technical founders do seem to appreciate the value of technique when it comes to fundraising–too bad fundraising, while important, is necessary but insufficient for success.

As an entrepreneur, you don’t have the advantage of strength.  You have to develop superiority of technique, on the business side as well as the technical side.