Agree completely - startup is about growth - but there is a definite difference between a small technology company and a local barber or restaurant. A local barber or restaurant has a limited customer base. No matter how incredible or world class his haircuts are, nobody will fly from across the country to have their hair cut. A technology/internet startup is different. If the company is small and sticks to very slow but definite growth through a genuinely good product, eventually they can become an enormous corporation even if they weren't planning on it because anybody in the world can give them money for their value.
Intent is important, but the reality is that a slow growing internet company not focused on growth can eventually end up growing at 100% week on week simply because of slow improvement on product that provides value - 'startup by mistake'. A local barber can never have the same effect.
Intent is important, but the reality is that a slow growing internet company not focused on growth can eventually end up growing at 100% week on week simply because of slow improvement on product that provides value - 'startup by mistake'. A local barber can never have the same effect.