Inc.

It’s a pet project. But you have to know when to kill it

NO ONE LAUNCHES AN INITIATIVE assuming it’s going to fail. “We start with truly high hopes for any project,” says Meir Statman, a professor of finance at Santa Clara University and author of Finance for Normal People. “But then things happen.” The market shifts, a rival crowds you out, or some minor-seeming tech hurdle reveals its Gordian-knot nature. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to just walk away. “It’s very hard psychologically for people to let go of sunk costs,” Statman says. “As long as a project’s

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Inc.

Inc.3 min read
2 Surviving Sweet but Sudden Success
Founder of Issei Despite debuting her company's all-natural, vegan Mochi Gummies at 170 Whole Foods locations just eight months after starting up, Mika Shino's path to retail success was anything but assured. While Shino, 52, had grown up in Japan ea
Inc.6 min read
Steve Young Shares Lessons From the Private Equity Playbook With a First-Time Founder
Not many entrepreneurs have both professional football and private equity on their résumés. But Steve Young has always been something of an overperformer. During his 15-year career in the NFL, the Hall of Fame quarterback earned himself three Super B
Inc.4 min read
The Business of Building a Better Future
Rohit Bhargava | INC.'S NON-OBVIOUS BUSINESS BOOKS The founder of the Non-Obvious Company, Rohit Bhargava is a trend curator and best-selling author of nine books. What vibe do people most want from their place of work? Answer: coffee shop cozy. This

Related Books & Audiobooks