The objection I keep hearing about startup marketing, and why I still disagree Common pushback: “You cannot start marketing until the go-to-market is nailed.” That mindset keeps early-career professionals waiting instead of building skills that prove them. After 20 years working with startups, I use a simple alternative: treat early marketing as a learning engine. Three practical moves: 1) Run a 2–4 week micro-project tied to one customer hypothesis. 2) Run two low-cost channel tests and capture outcomes. 3) Document a one-page case study that shows insight and decisions. These deliver portfolio-ready work, mentorship opportunities, and clear next steps into product, operations, or startup roles. Send me a message if you want a one-page template or to talk through an idea. Ask me about Radi8 if you want help automating this into ongoing content.