How Facebook Connect is Changing the Web

Seth Sternberg, founder and CEO of Meebo, discusses the impact of Facebook Connect on the web and how it's transforming the way businesses interact with users. He believes that while many websites simply use Facebook Connect for login and targeted advertising, Meebo is taking a different approach by actively using it to socially enable websites.

• Meebo aims to allow websites to leverage the social graph information from Facebook Connect in a more meaningful way, going beyond just login and advertising.
• He envisions a future where websites are more social, integrating features that allow users to share content and interact with their social networks directly on the site.

Diversity is Key in Startups

Seth emphasizes the importance of diversity in startup teams, arguing against the tendency for founders to hire people who are similar to themselves. He stresses the importance of building a team with complementary skills and diverse backgrounds to foster innovation and success.

• He suggests that startups should aim for a diverse mix of skills and personalities rather than simply assembling a group of like-minded individuals.
• A diverse team brings different perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, leading to more creative solutions and a stronger overall team.

Sequoia Capital's Value-Add Approach

Seth shares his experience working with Sequoia Capital, a renowned venture capital firm. He highlights their value-add approach, their commitment to data-driven decision-making, and their emphasis on openness and integrity.

• He praises Sequoia's supportive role in Meebo's growth, providing guidance and resources both during periods of success and when adjustments were needed.
• He believes that Sequoia's success stems from their commitment to understanding the complete picture, valuing honesty and transparency from entrepreneurs.

The Power of Social Communication

Seth discusses Meebo's approach to monetizing its web-based instant messaging platform. He explains that unlike traditional IM clients, Meebo's website-based model allows for longer exposure to ads, leading to higher click-through rates.

• Meebo's focus is on integrating social communication into various websites, allowing users to engage with their friends and share experiences while browsing content.
• This approach has proven successful, with Meebo's advertising model achieving high engagement rates and generating significant revenue.

The Meebo Story: From Idea to Growth

Seth outlines the journey of Meebo, from its initial concept to its growth and success. He shares the challenges they faced, the key decisions they made, and the lessons they learned along the way.

• Seth's passion for entrepreneurship led him to pursue multiple business ideas before finding success with Meebo.
• He emphasizes the importance of listening to user feedback, iterating based on insights, and building a team with complementary skills.

Navigating Board Dynamics and Decision-Making

Seth offers valuable advice on managing board dynamics and decision-making processes, particularly in the context of a growing startup. He shares his approach to board meetings, one-on-one interactions with board members, and internal team meetings.

• He advocates for regular one-on-one meetings with board members, creating a space for candid discussions and building strong relationships.
• He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, open dialogue, and a focus on data-driven decision-making within the team.

Culture Fit as a Key Hiring Criterion

Seth stresses the importance of cultural fit when hiring, highlighting that it is equally important to skills and experience. He believes that bringing on someone who is a good cultural match, even if they lack specific skills, can be more beneficial to the team.

• He emphasizes the potential disruption that a skilled but culturally mismatched individual can cause within a team.
• He suggests that training and development can bridge skill gaps, but cultural fit is a crucial foundation for a strong and productive team.

Meebo's Mobile Strategy

Seth discusses Meebo's mobile strategy, acknowledging the increasing importance of mobile devices in internet access and social communication. He emphasizes the role of Meebo's mobile apps in connecting users on the go.

• Meebo's mobile apps are a crucial part of their overall strategy, offering users a convenient and accessible way to engage with their friends and social networks.
• They see mobile as a key distribution channel for the internet and are committed to providing users with a seamless and engaging experience across all devices.