Really dig into projects people have worked on and call references; that is another thing that first time founders like to skip.

Why now, why is this the perfect time for this particular idea, and to start this particular company?

No matter what you choose, build stuff and be around smart people.

The second part of how to hire: try not to.

Aim to be the best in the world at whatever you do professionally. Even if you miss, you'll probably end up in a pretty good place.

Really dig into projects people have worked on and call references; that is another thing that first time founders like to skip.

It takes years and years, usually a decade, to create a great startup.