An Owner's Manual:
The guide for building a great company*

Delighted you're reading this letter. I want to explain our core thing and the guiding principles that drive us to be a purpose-driven company.

The core thing:
make things better

It could be to make our operations easier for greater efficiency.

Or provide exceptional value to customers in unexpected ways.

It's a mindset — do the thing in a way that improves the thing you're doing.

Let the best ideas win

Constructive criticism welcomed: We thrive on honest feedback to inch closer to the truth. While our culture of openness boosts the ambitious who are keen on improving, it isn't for the timid.

Distinct ethos: What sets us apart isn't our approach to feedback. But our focus on quality of life and personal growth over mere profits. It's a team-first philosophy. Because a happy team makes happy customers.

This simple magic formula helps us:

  1. Sustain a profitable and meaningful lifestyle
  2. Cultivate a safe and trusting atmosphere
  3. Attract and keep brilliant minds

Principles and values

This list is more than just words. It's a way of life. It's how the little things will make big things happen.

Honesty

Dishonesty leads to unnecessary future planning and past regret.

It's certainly not a pleasant position anyone should find themselves in.

So, it's best to never compromise on honesty.

Own it

Life has its challenges. Sometimes, things fall apart.

C'est la vie.

But playing the blame game isn't going to make it better. It's not helpful in any way. Why hold yourself as a victim of circumstance?

When you take responsibility, you take ownership and are in control. Isn't it better than the blame game?

Opinions held loosely

Our human nature is to disregard information that could cause us cognitive dissonance. We rationalize or refute new facts to avoid upsetting the status quo.

That's resisting growth. No bueno.

None of us fully understand the world we live in, and while we must have a strong belief in our convictions to take bold actions, we must also be willing to adapt and change if we want to grow.

Growth mindset

A growth mindset starts with believing anyone can be good at anything since you develop abilities with effort.

You learn with a childlike curiosity, knowing potential is nurtured, not predetermined.

It's about your effort to get better.

Unlike a fixed mindset where you believe talents are innate gifts.

You either have it.

Or you don't.

Do you see how harmful a fixed mindset is?

(This rationale is formed from Carol Dweck's research and her book Mindset.)

Love what you do

Work is a big part of your life. Enjoying it will lead to great fulfillment.

Because when you love what you do, you'll make meaningful contributions, strive for greatness, and make Mama proud.

Which all ties back to: Make things better.

While we share a common love for our work here at inLink, the harmony between work and the life outside defines our culture.

Do your best work, collaborate with your team, learn new stuff, play with your kids, cuddle with your dog, and read that book because life is more than our screens.

Thank you

True magic happens when awesome people unite with shared beliefs and values.

Thanks for reading. Kudos for being you.
Benjamin Razi, Founder.

* I was first inspired to write inLink's owner's guide after reading Warren Buffett's "An Owner's Manual," a guide to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Buffett published it in 1996 and updated it in 2017.

You can find it here. It's a good read.