Things I've learned running two startups in the past 12 months

1. If you have an idea that costs time or money, don't do it yet. Think simpler. There is always a simpler solution.
2. Stealth mode is bullshit. Socialize your ideas.
3. Smaller teams move faster.
4. Don't build yet- there is always a way to succeed without an expensive technical build. 
5. The best people cost money. Not always the most money- but never the least.
6. A business is made or sunk by a few key employees. No matter the job- you'll be relying on 20% of your people for 80% of your output. 
7. Take every meeting. The biggest customers for each startup have both come from odd meetings I had little desire to attend.
8. You never know who you'll run into at a cocktail party. And at worst, there are usually cheese platters.
9. Act, don't talk about acting. You'll learn more- and accomplish more- from 5 minutes in the field than 5 hours at the chalk board.
10. The most difficult thing is managing vision with action. One is nothing without the other, but vision relies more on action. So feel comfortable mending vision to action, but keep action directed towards vision.
11. Not everyone's a customer. Not everyone is as excited as you are. Some people suck. Go prove 'em wrong.