The key advantage a startup has compared to more mature/larger companies is the agility to make changes on the fly to the product/service offerings. Larger companies can listen to users as well, with their dedicated customer service departments/budgets. However the change will not come as quickly or easily for them.

And precisely because a startup is small, with a lack of almost anything else, the competitive advantages granted by innovation becomes critical to its survival. I understand the 20% time thing as the practice of innovation. As mentioned in the full interview article, not every business situation should implement a literal 20% time rule for its employees. Rather, the practice and more importantly the culture of innovation should be encouraged and built up in the company.

Maybe he needs to redefine, exactly what he means by small business.enterprise….I can’t afford 20% time., at this stage in my growth curve.