When you start a business, everyone has advice for you. While some of it is helpful, the sheer volume can be a little wearying.

In 2001, Frank Levinson of Finisar Corporation ^[1] delivered this no-nonsense talk in which he offers his top 10 things you must have to start a business. And just like the lecture itself, the overriding theme is to keep things simple.

Sure, it may have dated a tad. (For example, Levinson suggests that a website is an extravagance but encourages watchers to erect a ‘sign’.) However, his comment about organic growth from “customer money” is timeless.