You try to tackle every possible feature, target every potential customer, and cover every market segment. But what ends up happening is that you spread yourself too thin, diluting your resources and focus. You become a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

You try to tackle every possible feature, target every potential customer, and cover every market segment. But what ends up happening is that you spread yourself too thin, diluting your resources and focus. You become a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

This is where the concept of "craftsmanship" comes into play, as mentioned by Ivan Zhao, the co-founder of Notion. Craftsmanship is about delivering quality with speed, finding that delicate balance between moving quickly and maintaining the highest standards. It's about honing your skills and expertise in a specific area, rather than trying to be a do-it-all company.

In the world of SaaS and software, the Japanese market is the second largest in the world, right after the United States. To build a successful business in this market, you need to have people who understand the culture, network, and ecosystem of the country. It's not enough to simply establish a corporation and call it a day, like in the UK or US. It requires a deep understanding and appreciation for the intricacies of doing business in Japan.

And it's not just about the business side of things. Living in Japan, particularly in a city like Kyoto, has its own profound impact. The attention to detail, the craftsmanship present in every aspect of life, is awe-inspiring. It's a simple and slower-paced lifestyle, where everyone takes the time to live with care and precision. This appreciation for craftsmanship extends beyond physical products and seeps into the world of software and service. It's about providing not just a product, but a holistic experience that encompasses support, sales, and customer success.

Finding the right talent is undoubtedly a difficult challenge, but hiring the right people is often the easiest solution. Notion's company value of "craftsmanship" reflects their commitment to maintaining quality while moving quickly. It's a delicate balance that startups constantly struggle with. They need to recruit individuals who embody this craftsmanship and understand the importance of maintaining high standards. Once you have the right team in place, you can focus on creating tools that empower more people to participate in the creation process.

At Notion, they have a framework for decision-making that revolves around the question of whether a decision is reversible or irreversible. When it comes to quality, one area where it's difficult to reverse decisions is in recruitment. Hiring someone is a long-term commitment, and it's crucial to give it careful consideration.

Another aspect of Notion's approach is their deliberate avoidance of using actual face photos in their branding and hiring pages. By showing other elements instead of faces, they create a sense of distance between the viewer and the product. This allows users to form their own associations and interpretations, fostering a deeper connection and engagement.

But perhaps one of the most important qualities they look for in their hires is the ability to understand that feedback is a gift. Notion has a culture of direct communication, where giving and receiving feedback is encouraged. This openness to feedback enables continuous learning and improvement.

Lastly, being able to make decisions with the mindset of "Is this something that could be featured on the front page of The New York Times?" is a key factor at Notion. This mindset challenges them to strive for excellence and ensures that every decision aligns with their values and vision.

In conclusion, the key takeaways from Ivan Zhao's insights are the importance of focus, craftsmanship, and holistic thinking. Start small, focus on a specific area, and deliver quality with speed. Hire individuals who embody craftsmanship and maintain high standards. Embrace feedback as a gift and make decisions that align with your values and vision. By incorporating these principles into your business, you can create a foundation for long-term success.