A Wild Idea from a TV Billionaire
In HBO’s Silicon Valley, billionaire Russ Hanneman drops a line that’s both hilarious and unsettling:
“Why would you go after revenue? If you go after revenue, people will ask how much—and it will never be enough. But if you have no revenue, you can say you’re pre-revenue... Companies that lose money are worth the most.”
It’s a parody of startup culture, but it raises a real question: should small businesses—even in San Antonio—think like tech giants chasing growth over profit?
Amazon’s Model Doesn’t Fit Main Street
Amazon famously operated at a loss for years, reinvesting in infrastructure and market share. But your bakery, HVAC company, or boutique agency don’t have that luxury. You need cash flow, not venture capital.
Trying to mimic Silicon Valley’s “grow now, profit later” model can lead to burnout, debt, and failure. Local businesses thrive on relationships, reputations, and repeat customers—not speculative valuations.
Revenue Is Your Lifeline
Unlike tech startups, your business needs revenue to survive. It pays your staff, covers rent, and keeps the lights on. Chasing growth without a clear path to profitability is risky—especially in a city like San Antonio where community trust matters more than hype.
Focus on building a loyal customer base, delivering consistent value, and managing costs. That’s how you grow sustainably.
Don’t Confuse Ambition with Delusion
It’s great to dream big. But don’t let startup culture convince you that losing money is a sign of success. Your business is real, not theoretical. Investors, partners, and customers want to see results—not just potential.
If you’re expanding, do it with a plan. If you’re investing, make sure it’s in something that improves your bottom line.
Conclusion: Real Growth Beats Hype
Russ Hanneman’s quote is a joke—but it’s also a warning. Don’t chase the illusion of value. Build something that lasts. Your business doesn’t need to be Amazon. It needs to be trusted, profitable, and resilient. This even applies to IT companies as much as most other enterprises.
This applies whether you live in Silicon Valley, New York—or even San Antonio.
